Philip [Philip II of Macedon, in his early career] was now at leisure to deal with the one remaining pretender [to the Macedonian throne], Argaeus, who in addition to his mercenaries had at Methone no fewer than 3,000 Athenian hoplites, under their own general. Philip promptly pulled his garrison out of Amphipolis, declared it a free city, and made a secret deal with Athens whereby it would be restored to her in exchange for Pydna.
Argaeus, somewhat bewildered, found himself advancing on Aegae, the old capital, with only his mercenaries to back him. Making the best of a bad job, he called on the citizens to ‘welcome him back and become the founders of his kingship’. The citizens politely ignored him; by now they had taken Philip’s measure.
Argaeus had no option but to turn about and trail back to Methone. Philip, who had been watching this little comedy with cynical amusement, intercepted the pretender en route and forced him into ignominious surrender.
Source:
Green, Peter. “Philip of Macedon.” Alexander of Macedon: 356-323 B.C.: A Historical Biography. Univ. of California Press, 2005. 23. Print.
Original Source(s) Listed:
Diod. 16.3.5-6.
Demosth. C. Aristocr. 121.
Further Reading:
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