# Amyntas III of Macedon

> king of Macedonia from 393/2 to 370 BC

**Wikidata**: [Q313907](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q313907)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amyntas_III_of_Macedon)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/amyntas-iii-of-macedon

## Summary
Amyntas III of Macedon was a king of Macedonia who reigned from 393/2 BC until his death in 370 BC. As a member of the Argead dynasty, he played a pivotal role in maintaining Macedonian sovereignty during a period of regional instability. His reign laid foundational governance structures that influenced later Macedonian expansion under Philip II and Alexander the Great.

## Biography
- **Born**: 450 BC  
- **Nationality**: Macedonian  
- **Known for**: Ruling Macedonia from 393/2 BC to 370 BC  
- **Employer(s)**: Kingdom of Macedonia  
- **Field(s)**: Politics, royalty  

## Contributions
Amyntas III’s primary contribution was his 23-year reign, during which he stabilized Macedonia amid external pressures from neighboring states. While specific military or legislative achievements are not detailed in surviving records, his ability to maintain power across decades suggests effective governance. His reign is documented through numismatic evidence, including a surviving coin bearing his name (cataloged as "Coin of Amyntas III-161113.jpg").

## FAQs
**Q: When did Amyntas III rule Macedonia?**  
A: He reigned from 393/2 BC until his death in 370 BC, a period of 23 years.  

**Q: What is Amyntas III known for?**  
A: He is recognized as a stabilizing figure in Macedonian history, preserving the kingdom’s independence during a turbulent era.  

**Q: How is Amyntas III documented historically?**  
A: His reign is verified through archaeological artifacts like coins and references in ancient texts, as well as modern academic databases.  

**Q: What was Amyntas III’s birth and death year?**  
A: Born in 450 BC, he died in 370 BC at approximately 80 years old, unusually long-lived for the time.  

## Why They Matter
Amyntas III’s enduring reign provided critical continuity for Macedonia, a region often threatened by neighboring powers like Athens and Thebes. His leadership ensured the kingdom’s survival, creating a platform for future Argead rulers to expand Macedonian influence. Without his stabilizing governance, the later rise of Philip II and Alexander the Great might have lacked a cohesive foundation.

## Notable For
- Reigned Macedonia for 23 years (393/2–370 BC), a notable duration for the era.  
- Documented in over 20 academic databases (e.g., VIAF, GND, DNB), reflecting scholarly recognition.  
- Depicted on a surviving coin ("Coin of Amyntas III-161113.jpg"), a rare physical artifact from his rule.  
- Greek name Αμύντας Γ΄ (Amyntas III) preserved in historical records.  

## Body

### Early Life and Reign
Amyntas III was born in 450 BC, though his birthplace and family lineage beyond the Argead dynasty remain unspecified. He ascended to the throne in 393/2 BC, a period marked by shifting alliances and conflicts in the Balkans. His reign coincided with the waning influence of the Athenian Empire and the rise of Theban power, necessitating careful diplomatic and military maneuvering to protect Macedonian interests.

### Death and Legacy
Amyntas III died in 370 BC, concluding a reign that spanned nearly a quarter-century. His longevity—dying at approximately 80 years old—was exceptional for the ancient world. While his direct legacy lacks the grandeur of later Macedonian kings, his ability to sustain the kingdom through decades of regional turmoil underscored the resilience of Argead rule.

### Documentation and Identifiers
Amyntas III is cataloged in numerous academic and historical databases, reflecting his significance in scholarly research. Key identifiers include:  
- **VIAF**: 304929030  
- **GND**: 1037042379  
- **DNB**: 1234  
- **LCCN**: 2294  
- **SUDOC**: 13103  
- **Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana**: I00736508  
- **Larousse**: amyntas-iii-de-macedoine-19517  
- **Krugosvet**: istoriya/AMINTA.html  
- **RKDartists**: 89999  
- **MGP**: 86161  
- **WorldCat**: pcrtHkdA0bi9Iq  
- **Prosopographie imperii Romani**: 2294  
- **VD17**: 7275  
- **CERL**: 40345  
- **WikiTree**: E39PBJjXg3gqfBqTWqW8jVMdcP  
- **IRIS Bologna**: 302  

These entries highlight his integration into global historical scholarship, despite the scarcity of detailed primary sources.

### Numismatic and Cultural Impact
A bronze coin attributed to Amyntas III, housed in the Wikimedia Commons category "Amyntas III of Macedon," serves as a tangible artifact of his reign. The coin’s design, typical of Macedonian currency, emphasizes the economic and administrative systems he maintained. His Greek name, Αμύντας Γ΄, further connects him to the Hellenistic cultural sphere, underscoring Macedonia’s role as a bridge between Greek and Balkan civilizations.

### Historical Context
Amyntas III’s rule occurred during a critical transition in Greek history, marked by the aftermath of the Peloponnesian War and the rise of Theban hegemony. His navigation of these challenges—avoiding outright subjugation while preserving Macedonian autonomy—demonstrated pragmatic leadership. Though his accomplishments may seem modest compared to his successors, his reign exemplified the foundational governance that allowed Macedonia to later dominate the ancient world.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Amyntas 14 (Pauly-Wissowa)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. Archelaos 9 (Pauly-Wissowa)
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013