323-317 BC Philip III Kingdom Of Macedon AR Drachm RV Zeus NGC XF

CVC & Collectables presents this 323-317 BC Kingdom Of Macedon AR Drachm. NGC-Certified Choice Extra Fine. Philip III Arrhidaeus, also known as Philip Arrhidaeus, was a significant figure in the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedonia, reigning from 323 until his unfortunate demise in 317 BC. Born around 357 BC, he was the son of King Philip II of Macedon and Philinna of Larissa, making him the elder half-brother of the legendary Alexander the Great. Initially named Arrhidaeus, he adopted the regnal name Philip upon assuming the throne.

As Philip III Arrhidaeus matured, it became evident that he faced challenges with mild learning difficulties. Ancient accounts, such as those by Plutarch, suggest that his condition may have been exacerbated by an attempt on his life, allegedly orchestrated by Queen Olympias, wife of Philip II. Olympias purportedly sought to eliminate a potential rival to her son, Alexander, through the use of pharmaka (drugs or spells). However, modern scholars cast doubt on the veracity of this claim.

Despite his challenges, Alexander the Great held affection for Arrhidaeus and ensured his presence on military campaigns, both for his protection and to prevent any attempts to manipulate him as a pawn in potential power struggles for the throne. Following Alexander’s passing in Babylon in 323 BC, the Macedonian army in Asia declared Arrhidaeus as king. However, his reign was largely symbolic, with powerful generals vying for control behind the scenes, leaving Arrhidaeus as a mere figurehead in the political landscape of the time.