The Rescript of Philip III Arrhidaios and the Two Tyrannies at Eresos

Abstract

In this article I place the rescript of Philip III Arrhidaios (319/8 BC) in its historical context and offer a new interpretation of its contents. In doing so, I argue three points. First, the rescript's reference to an earlier decision of Alexander the Great elucidates the confusing and frequently debated sequence of tyrannies on Eresos during the years c.337-332 BC. Importantly, it confirms John Bert Lott's argument for two sets of tyrannies at Eresos, not three as has been commonly argued. Second, the rescript elucidates Alexander's actions as hegemon of the League of Corinth in the years 334-332 BC and provides insights into how he balanced, and abused, his roles as League hegemon and Macedonian basileus during the liberation of western Asia Minor. Third, the rescript reveals the continued importance of Alexander the Great and his edicts during the war between his Successors Polyperchon and Kassandros in Greece.