Diadochi

For other uses, see Diadochus.
The Diadochi fought over and carved up Alexander's empire into several kingdoms after his death, a legacy which reigned on and continued the influence of ancient Greek culture abroad for over 300 more years. This map depicts the kingdoms of the Diadochi c. 301 BC, after the Battle of Ipsus. The five kingdoms of the Diadochi were:
  Kingdom of Ptolemy I Soter
  Kingdom of Cassander
  Kingdom of Lysimachus
  Empire of Seleucus I Nicator
  Epirus
Other
  Carthage
  Roman Republic
  Greek colonies
Bust of Seleucus I Nicator ("Victor"; c. 358 – 281 BC), the last of the original Diadochi.

The Diadochi (/daɪˈædəkaɪ/ dy-AD-ə-ky;[1] singular: Diadochos; from ‹See Tfd›Greek: Διάδοχοι, translit. Diádochoi, lit. "Successors", Koinē Greek pronunciation: [diˈadokʰy]) were the rival generals, families, and friends of Alexander the Great who fought for control over his empire after his death in 323 BC. The Wars of the Diadochi mark the beginning of the Hellenistic period from the Mediterranean Sea to the Indus River Valley.

The most notable Diadochi include Ptolemy, Antigonus, Cassander, and Seleucus as the last remaining at the end of the Wars of the Successors, ruling in Egypt, Asia-Minor, Macedon and Persia respectively, all forging dynasties lasting several centuries.[2]

  1. ^ Wells, John C. (2008). Longman Pronunciation Dictionary (3rd ed.). Longman. ISBN 978-1-4058-8118-0.
  2. ^ Chisholm 1911, p. 600.