# Parmenion

> Ancient Macedonian general

**Wikidata**: [Q296233](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q296233)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parmenion)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/parmenion

## Summary
Parmenion was an ancient Macedonian general and politician who played a pivotal role in the expansion of the Macedonian Empire under Philip II and the early campaigns of Alexander the Great. As one of the most trusted military leaders of his time, he commanded forces in key battles such as the Battle of the Granicus and the Battle of Gaugamela, shaping the course of Hellenistic history.

## Biography
- **Born**: c. 400 BCE, Greece
- **Nationality**: Macedonian
- **Known for**: Leading Macedonian military campaigns during the reigns of Philip II and Alexander the Great
- **Employer(s)**: Macedonian Army
- **Field(s)**: Military leadership, politics
- **Death**: 330 BCE, Ecbatana (executed)

## Contributions
Parmenion was a central figure in the military expansion of Macedonia, serving as a high-ranking general under both Philip II and Alexander the Great. His strategic leadership was instrumental in the **Expansion of Macedonia under Philip II**, securing Macedonian dominance in Greece. During Alexander the Great’s campaigns, he commanded the left wing of the Macedonian army in critical battles, including the **Battle of the Granicus (334 BCE)** and the **Battle of Gaugamela (331 BCE)**, which decisively defeated the Persian Empire. His administrative roles included serving as a **strategos** (general) and later as a **satrap** (governor) in key regions, ensuring Macedonian control over conquered territories.

## FAQs
**Who was Parmenion’s family?**
Parmenion was the son of Philotas and had three known children: Philotas, Nicanor, and Hector. His brothers included Asander and Agathon, and his sons-in-law were Attalus and Coenus, both prominent figures in Macedonian military circles.

**What battles did Parmenion participate in?**
He played a key role in the **Battle of the Granicus (334 BCE)** and the **Battle of Gaugamela (331 BCE)**, both pivotal in Alexander the Great’s conquest of Persia. He also contributed to earlier campaigns under Philip II, expanding Macedonian influence.

**How did Parmenion die?**
Parmenion was executed in **330 BCE** in Ecbatana, reportedly due to suspicions of treason during Alexander the Great’s campaign. His death was part of a broader purge of potential threats to Alexander’s rule.

**What positions did Parmenion hold?**
He served as a **general (strategos)** in the Macedonian army and later as a **satrap**, governing conquered territories. His military and administrative roles were crucial to Macedonian expansion.

## Why They Matter
Parmenion’s leadership was foundational to the success of both Philip II and Alexander the Great, enabling the rapid expansion of the Macedonian Empire. His strategic command in key battles ensured Macedonian victories against superior Persian forces, reshaping the political landscape of the ancient world. Without his military expertise, the conquests of Alexander might have faltered, altering the course of Hellenistic history.

## Notable For
- One of the most trusted generals under Philip II and Alexander the Great.
- Commanded the left wing of the Macedonian army in major battles.
- Served as a **satrap**, governing critical regions for Macedonia.
- Executed in 330 BCE, marking a turning point in Alexander’s campaign.
- Father of Philotas, another prominent Macedonian general.

## Body
### Early Life and Family
Parmenion was born around **400 BCE** in Greece, into a family with deep military ties. His father, **Philotas**, was also a military figure, and Parmenion had two brothers, **Asander** and **Agathon**. His sons—**Philotas, Nicanor, and Hector**—followed in his footsteps, with Philotas becoming a notable cavalry commander under Alexander the Great. Parmenion’s influence extended through marriage alliances, with his daughters marrying **Attalus** and **Coenus**, both high-ranking officers in the Macedonian army.

### Military Career Under Philip II
Parmenion rose to prominence as a general under **Philip II of Macedon**, contributing to the **Expansion of Macedonia** that unified Greece under Macedonian rule. His strategic leadership helped secure Macedonian dominance, laying the groundwork for Alexander the Great’s later conquests.

### Role in Alexander the Great’s Campaigns
When Alexander ascended to the throne, Parmenion remained a key military leader. He commanded the left wing of the Macedonian army in the **Battle of the Granicus (334 BCE)**, a decisive victory against Persian forces in Asia Minor. His leadership was equally critical at the **Battle of Gaugamela (331 BCE)**, where Alexander’s forces crushed the Persian army under Darius III, effectively ending Persian resistance.

### Administrative and Political Roles
Beyond battlefield command, Parmenion served as a **satrap**, governing conquered territories to ensure Macedonian control. His administrative skills were vital in stabilizing newly acquired regions, allowing Alexander to push further into Persia and beyond.

### Downfall and Execution
Despite his loyalty, Parmenion’s career ended tragically. In **330 BCE**, he was executed in **Ecbana** (modern-day Hamadan, Iran) on charges of treason, likely due to Alexander’s growing paranoia about potential rivals. His death was part of a broader purge that included his son Philotas, marking a dark chapter in Alexander’s campaign.

### Legacy
Parmenion’s contributions were instrumental in the rise of the Macedonian Empire. His military strategies and administrative governance ensured the stability and expansion of Macedonian rule, influencing the course of ancient history. Though his life ended in controversy, his role in shaping the Hellenistic world remains undeniable.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Faceted Application of Subject Terminology
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013