Pixodarus Offers Daughter to Philip Arrhidaeus

Pixodarus, the Persian satrap of Caria, proposed a marriage alliance by offering his eldest daughter to Philip Arrhidaeus, who was the half-brother of Alexander the Great. This proposal was interpreted by Olympias and several of Alexander's associates as an indication that Philip intended to position Arrhidaeus as his successor. The political implications of this offer were significant, as it suggested a potential shift in power dynamics within the Macedonian court. In response to this development, Alexander sent Thessalus, an actor from Corinth, to convey his disapproval to Pixodarus, asserting that the satrap should not consider Arrhidaeus, an illegitimate son, as a suitable match for his daughter. Instead, Alexander insisted that Pixodarus should offer his daughter to him directly, highlighting the tensions between Alexander and his father, Philip II. Upon learning of Alexander's intervention, Philip reacted by halting the marriage negotiations and reprimanding Alexander for his actions. Philip expressed his desire for a more prestigious alliance, indicating that he sought a bride of higher status for Arrhidaeus. This incident escalated tensions further, leading to the exile of four of Alexander's close friends—Harpalus, Nearchus, Ptolemy, and Erigyius. Additionally, Philip ordered the Corinthians to bring Thessalus to him in chains, demonstrating the seriousness of the conflict between father and son. This episode not only illustrates the intricate web of familial and political relationships in the Macedonian court but also foreshadows the ongoing struggles for power and legitimacy that would characterize the era following Alexander's conquests.