Demetrius Poliorcetes
Demetrius Poliorcetes was a prominent Macedonian general and the son of Antigonus I Monophthalmos, emerging as a significant figure in the turbulent era following Alexander the Great's death. He played a key role in military campaigns against major rivals such as Ptolemy Soter and Seleucus I, notably capturing important cities like Athens and Corinth. His military prowess earned him the nickname "Besieger of Cities," especially after a protracted siege of Rhodes, although this campaign proved unsuccessful. Demetrius also sought to restore the Corinthian League, which served as a strategic base for his ambitions. His fortunes fluctuated; after briefly regaining power in Athens and challenging Sparta, he faced a coalition of former allies and rivals that led to his downfall. Ultimately, he lost control of his territories and died in captivity, reflecting the chaotic power struggles characteristic of the Diadochi period. His life and career highlight the complexities of leadership and conflict during a transformative epoch in ancient history.
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Demetrius Poliorcetes
Related civilization: Hellenistic Greece
Major role/position: King
Life
The son of Antigonus I Monophthalmos, Demetrius Poliorcetes (duh-MEE-tree-us pahl-ee-ohr-SEET-eez) served as his general against Ptolemy Soter (312 b.c.e.) and Seleucus I (311 b.c.e.) and later against Cassander (307 b.c.e.) when Demetrius took over several cities, including Athens and Corinth. His victory over the Ptolemaic fleet allowed Antigonus to claim kingship for himself and Demetrius (306 b.c.e.). His year-long unsuccessful siege of Rhodes (305-304 b.c.e.) gave Demetrius his nickname “Besieger of Cities.” He reconstituted the Corinthian League (302 b.c.e.), and the isthmus remained his power base after the collapse of the Antigonid kingdom following the defeat of Antigonus and Demetrius at Ipsus (301 b.c.e.).
After marrying his daughter to Seleucus, Demetrius received Cilicia in return (299-298 b.c.e.). His star rose again when he reestablished control over Athens, defeated Sparta, and occupied the Macedonian throne (294-293 b.c.e.). However, his preparations to recover the Antigonid kingdom caused Seleucus, Ptolemy, Lysimachus, and Pyrrhus to ally against him and attack Macedonia from the east and west (288 b.c.e.). Despoiled of almost everything in Europe in accordance with the treaty of 287 b.c.e., Demetrius tried to contest Anatolia but had to surrender to Seleucus (286 b.c.e.). He died in captivity, indulging in drinking and other vices.
Influence
Demetrius’s life reflects the tumultuous period following the death of Alexander the Great, which consisted of almost incessant wars of the Diadochi before relative stabilization in the late 280’s b.c.e.
Bibliography
Billows, Richard A. Antigonos the One-Eyed and the Creation of the Hellenistic State. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1990.
Duggan, Alfred Leo. Besieger of Cities. New York: Pantheon, 1963.
Wehrli, C. Antigone et Démétrios. Geneva: Droz, 1968.