Alexander's ascent to the throne

Alexander's ascent to the throne was marked by a series of calculated eliminations of potential threats. He executed his cousin, Amyntas IV, who had a claim to the throne, thereby removing a direct rival. Additionally, he targeted two Macedonian princes from Lyncestis, who were implicated in the assassination of his father, Philip II. This decisive action was part of a broader strategy to consolidate power and eliminate any opposition. However, Alexander chose to spare a third prince from Lyncestis, Alexander Lyncestes, indicating a selective approach to his purges. The political landscape was further complicated by the actions of Olympias, Alexander's mother, who ordered the execution of Cleopatra Eurydice and her daughter, actions that incited Alexander's fury upon learning of them. This familial strife underscored the volatile nature of Macedonian politics during this period. In addition to these actions, Alexander also ordered the execution of Attalus, a high-ranking military commander and uncle to Cleopatra. Attalus had been in communication with Demosthenes, suggesting a potential defection to Athens, which posed a significant threat to Alexander's rule. His previous insults towards Alexander further justified his execution in the young king's eyes. Notably, Alexander chose to spare Arrhidaeus, who was mentally disabled, reflecting a complex moral calculus in his decisions. These actions not only solidified Alexander's control over the Macedonian throne but also set the stage for his future military campaigns, as he sought to eliminate any internal dissent before embarking on his conquests.