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Antigonus the One-Eyed: Greatest of the Successors
The author of Pyrrhus of Epirus “tells the exciting story of one of those competing to succeed Alexander the Great . . . Recommended.” —Firetrench Plutarch described Antigonus the One Eyed (382-301 BC) as “the oldest and greatest of Alexander’s successors.” Antigonus loyally served both Philip II and Alexander the Great as they converted his native Macedonia into an empire stretching from India to Greece. After Alexander’s death, Antigonus, then governor of the obscure province of Phrygia, seemed one of the least likely of his commanders to seize the dead king’s inheritance. Yet within eight years of the king’s passing, through a combination of military skill and political shrewdness, he had conquered the Asian portion of the empire. Antigonus’ success caused those who controlled the European and Egyptian parts of the empire to unite against him. For another fourteen years he would wage war against a coalition of the other Successors, Ptolemy, Lysimachus, Seleucus and Cassander. In 301 he would meet defeat and death in the Battle of Ipsus. The ancient writers saw Antigonus’ life as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hubris and vaulting ambition. Despite his apparent defeat, his descendants would continue to rule as kings and create a dynasty that would rule Macedonia for over a century. Jeff Champion narrates the career of this titanic figure with the focus squarely on the military aspects. “It is far time that we have a biography of one of the greatest men of Hellenistic society . . . His rise from this backwater to almost becoming the king of the entire Macedonian empire is detailed by the author.”—A Wargamers Needful Things.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2014
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134 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 9, 2017
One of my interests for some time has been getting a better idea of just what happened after Alexander the Great's death. Often that time period ends up ignored or summarized until Rome comes on the scene. So a book on one of the primary Successors was of decided interest, and the fact that it was by a person who I'd read prior books by only helped.
Despite the fact that this is technically about one person, it is a work of military history, not biography. While it does give as much of Antigonus' life as is available from the sources, there's no real attempt to draw from the somewhat sparse records any detailed sense of what he was like. The bulk of the book concerns itself with Antigonus' campaigns, which did occupy the bulk of his life. In addition, we get some idea of what the other Successors were doing, including in the period right after Alexander's death, when Antigonus is away from central events, just acting as a governor.
The subtitle 'Greatest of the Successors' doesn't get all that well justified. Certainly, at his high mark, he was by far the most powerful of the Successors, and could draw in a lot of money as tribute/taxes. But it didn't last long. The Battle of Ipsus killed him, and broke the power of his kingdom, leaving his son, Demetrius (who also gets a lot of attention in this book) to carry on. While he survived, it wasn't until his son that a stable kingdom formed, and while it had the prestige of being Macedona itself, that wasn't even part of Antigonus' kingdom. Now this is more a case of great power attracting great enemies, but it still falls short of the lasting impact of Ptolemy or Seleucus.
Still, it's a good book that does a good job of trying to put together the chronology of a confusing time (sometimes called the 'Macedonian Soap Opera'), and comes with decent maps of the action in all the major battles described.
Despite the fact that this is technically about one person, it is a work of military history, not biography. While it does give as much of Antigonus' life as is available from the sources, there's no real attempt to draw from the somewhat sparse records any detailed sense of what he was like. The bulk of the book concerns itself with Antigonus' campaigns, which did occupy the bulk of his life. In addition, we get some idea of what the other Successors were doing, including in the period right after Alexander's death, when Antigonus is away from central events, just acting as a governor.
The subtitle 'Greatest of the Successors' doesn't get all that well justified. Certainly, at his high mark, he was by far the most powerful of the Successors, and could draw in a lot of money as tribute/taxes. But it didn't last long. The Battle of Ipsus killed him, and broke the power of his kingdom, leaving his son, Demetrius (who also gets a lot of attention in this book) to carry on. While he survived, it wasn't until his son that a stable kingdom formed, and while it had the prestige of being Macedona itself, that wasn't even part of Antigonus' kingdom. Now this is more a case of great power attracting great enemies, but it still falls short of the lasting impact of Ptolemy or Seleucus.
Still, it's a good book that does a good job of trying to put together the chronology of a confusing time (sometimes called the 'Macedonian Soap Opera'), and comes with decent maps of the action in all the major battles described.
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November 14, 2020Really good book about a Diadoch who's empire didn't last.
If you are interested in the era, it is definitely a book that should be read. Since the legacy of Antigonus cannot compare to other Successors like Ptolemy and Seleucus it is often forgotten in history books. However, it is a fascinating subject, well worth the read and thought of "what could've been".
If you are interested in the era, it is definitely a book that should be read. Since the legacy of Antigonus cannot compare to other Successors like Ptolemy and Seleucus it is often forgotten in history books. However, it is a fascinating subject, well worth the read and thought of "what could've been".
September 25, 2023
Mostly fine except for the subtitle, which is clearly wrong. Ptolemy was the greatest of the Diadochi.
June 24, 2020
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Antigonus the One-Eyed is a comprehensive scholarly look at one of the generals who succeeded Alexander the Great on his death in 323BCE. Originally published in Great Britain in 2014 this reformat and re-release from Pen & Sword 13th May 2020 it's 256 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. (Earlier editions available in hardcover format).
The author writes accessibly but meticulously, and builds up the necessary background context for the compelling history of the time and manages to humanize the major players despite the intervening millenia. The author uses a chronological chapter format, starting with Macedonia of the period, through the Alexandrian period, Antigonus' rise and solidification of power, then through the successor war and battles which followed Alexander's death.
The book is meticulously annotated throughout. The author has cited period and later scholarly research to support the narrative. There are 5 appendices as well as copious chapter notes, an exhaustive bibliography, maps, photos (of period artifacts) and a cross referenced index.
The author has a casual academic style of writing; accessible and careful, with proper annotation, but not overly convoluted or impenetrably difficult to read. My only quibble with the editing is that no fewer than 7 places in the text, the author uses "infer" when he clearly means "imply". There were a few other similar errors, but nothing truly egregious.
This would be a great selection for fans of military history, as well as a superlative support text for related academic studies on the time period.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Antigonus the One-Eyed is a comprehensive scholarly look at one of the generals who succeeded Alexander the Great on his death in 323BCE. Originally published in Great Britain in 2014 this reformat and re-release from Pen & Sword 13th May 2020 it's 256 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. (Earlier editions available in hardcover format).
The author writes accessibly but meticulously, and builds up the necessary background context for the compelling history of the time and manages to humanize the major players despite the intervening millenia. The author uses a chronological chapter format, starting with Macedonia of the period, through the Alexandrian period, Antigonus' rise and solidification of power, then through the successor war and battles which followed Alexander's death.
The book is meticulously annotated throughout. The author has cited period and later scholarly research to support the narrative. There are 5 appendices as well as copious chapter notes, an exhaustive bibliography, maps, photos (of period artifacts) and a cross referenced index.
The author has a casual academic style of writing; accessible and careful, with proper annotation, but not overly convoluted or impenetrably difficult to read. My only quibble with the editing is that no fewer than 7 places in the text, the author uses "infer" when he clearly means "imply". There were a few other similar errors, but nothing truly egregious.
This would be a great selection for fans of military history, as well as a superlative support text for related academic studies on the time period.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
May 18, 2019
Antigonus the One-Eyed takes an interesting approach to the Wars of the Successors, portraying Antigonus as the central player in the chaos left by Alexander the Great’s death. Antigonus is a fascinating subject for a biography. Legendary in willpower and strength (he once fought a day’s battle with a crossbow bolt embedded in his eyesocket), Antigonus demonstrated superior generalship – not just in battleground strategy but also in resource-building, treachery, and politics. He was ruthless to the core, but possessed of a rugged streak of humanity and honor. His bold actions to seize Alexander’s conquests were pivotal in the early history of Europe and the Middle East.
This biography is thoughtfully assembled, appropriately skeptical of the sources but not so skeptical as to lose the thread of the story, and direct in its telling while digressing enough to place Antigonus’ life in the context of the confusing times in which he lived. It also balances appropriate admiration for Antigonus’ greatness with a realistic look at his flaws, keeping the book far from a hagiography. I particularly appreciated the diagrams of the major battles. Recognizing the limits of the historical record, this military and political history of the founder of the Antigonid dynasty does a great job synthesizing a compelling narrative out of the fragments of antiquity.
I do note that the ebook, particularly the annex section, is peppered with typographical errors; the publisher needs to up its editorial game.
This biography is thoughtfully assembled, appropriately skeptical of the sources but not so skeptical as to lose the thread of the story, and direct in its telling while digressing enough to place Antigonus’ life in the context of the confusing times in which he lived. It also balances appropriate admiration for Antigonus’ greatness with a realistic look at his flaws, keeping the book far from a hagiography. I particularly appreciated the diagrams of the major battles. Recognizing the limits of the historical record, this military and political history of the founder of the Antigonid dynasty does a great job synthesizing a compelling narrative out of the fragments of antiquity.
I do note that the ebook, particularly the annex section, is peppered with typographical errors; the publisher needs to up its editorial game.
May 14, 2020
Antigonus was a character that had more drive than he was given credit for. In his book, Jeff Champion walks us through the life of Antigonus, and the decisions that led to his decisive victories over the Asian holdings after the death of Alexander the Great.
While I was expecting more of a biography, this compilation of information gives a decent look into the life of Antigonus, and the different routes that he took to get to his desired goals. When the death of Alexander changed the course of the known world, many of the generals took what they could, and scattered.
If you enjoy military history, then this is a book that you are going to really enjoy! I did enjoy the read, but there were times where I felt completely bogged down and had to push to continue.
While I was expecting more of a biography, this compilation of information gives a decent look into the life of Antigonus, and the different routes that he took to get to his desired goals. When the death of Alexander changed the course of the known world, many of the generals took what they could, and scattered.
If you enjoy military history, then this is a book that you are going to really enjoy! I did enjoy the read, but there were times where I felt completely bogged down and had to push to continue.
January 10, 2023
Good overview of the wars after Alexander's death and specifically the Antigonids (Antigonus the One-Eyed and his son Demetrius the Besieger).
As with any ancient history, the paucity and reliability of sources makes complete reconstructions difficult, and the author readily notes that there are periods of time in the sources we have where Antigonus inexplicably falls off the face of the Earth, but it is a compelling military history.
Antigonus came very close to reuniting Alexander's empire, but his enemies feared him enough to band together and finally stop him, though his grandson would eventually take the throne of a much-reduced Kingdom of Macedonia in later years. The Antigonid dynasty would rule Macedonia until destroyed by the Romans in 168 BC.
As with any ancient history, the paucity and reliability of sources makes complete reconstructions difficult, and the author readily notes that there are periods of time in the sources we have where Antigonus inexplicably falls off the face of the Earth, but it is a compelling military history.
Antigonus came very close to reuniting Alexander's empire, but his enemies feared him enough to band together and finally stop him, though his grandson would eventually take the throne of a much-reduced Kingdom of Macedonia in later years. The Antigonid dynasty would rule Macedonia until destroyed by the Romans in 168 BC.
September 10, 2018
Interesting look at an ancient general
This book seemed to me to be a good well researched and well written yet straightforward narrative of one of the successors of Alexander the Great. Also gave some good insight into the mindset of leaders of the ancient world. If you enjoy ancient/classical history you should enjoy this book.
This book seemed to me to be a good well researched and well written yet straightforward narrative of one of the successors of Alexander the Great. Also gave some good insight into the mindset of leaders of the ancient world. If you enjoy ancient/classical history you should enjoy this book.
July 25, 2020
I enjoyed this book but it was less of a biography, more of look at the life and times of Antigonus. This books offers a great overview of the historical situation following the death of Alexander the Great especially in Asia. I would have preferred some more detail and a closers focus but nevertheless this is well written a DJ well researched.
August 7, 2024
I did not know of this person from history so finding out about him was interesting and how he followed Alexander the Great after he died. The author shows his rise to power and then how he succeeds Alexander. This turned out to be a good read for me since I knew nothing about this part of history before.
May 19, 2020
This book filled a spot in my understanding of this period. The lack of original source material restricts the analysis that can be verified, but once that is accepted this book gives a good coverage of the period and in particular Antigonus.
I would recommend this book.
I would recommend this book.
May 11, 2022
Great biography of an interesting senior citizen character who created an empire and dominated for decades after the passing Alexander the Great and the breakup of the empire he created. The author goes into detail who source materials are available and their limitations.
March 12, 2020
You get information about people that were around him and the wars and battles. A nice look at him and Macedonia. Good for those who have an interest in Classic history or battle history.
August 22, 2015
informative book enjoyed reading about antigonus and his sone
April 15, 2017
A very enjoyable read. Jeff Champion has tackled a very tumultuous and confusing period in history in terms of the rise and fall of great figures and kingdoms in quick succession following the death of Alexander the Great. His book gives brilliant insight into the oft forgotten figure of Antigonus, whom he presents as a commander, old in the flesh, but young in will and spirit, and his drive to become master of the Macedonian world in the shadow of Alexander.
Though some knowledge of the period immediately prior would be helpful to any reader, Champion makes sure to include all that is necessary for a reader to fully grasp and understand his argument, giving backgrounds to Macedonian Society, Kingship, Warfare and so on. All of these he uses in his interpretation of the character, motives and grand strategy of Antigonus, a character who, for all his faults, one cannot help but admire for his boundless courage, determination and resilience to the very end.
The book also gives excellent insights into many of the campaigns by the successors kings of that period, as well as giving the reader the importance of this period with regards as to the ideals and values of Hellenistic Kingship.
Overall I would recommend it to anyone interested in the successor period.
Though some knowledge of the period immediately prior would be helpful to any reader, Champion makes sure to include all that is necessary for a reader to fully grasp and understand his argument, giving backgrounds to Macedonian Society, Kingship, Warfare and so on. All of these he uses in his interpretation of the character, motives and grand strategy of Antigonus, a character who, for all his faults, one cannot help but admire for his boundless courage, determination and resilience to the very end.
The book also gives excellent insights into many of the campaigns by the successors kings of that period, as well as giving the reader the importance of this period with regards as to the ideals and values of Hellenistic Kingship.
Overall I would recommend it to anyone interested in the successor period.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews