The Perdiccas Years, 323-320 BC

by Tristan Hughes

Overview

“An exceptionally well-written account of the Successor Wars entered around Perdiccas, Ptolomy, and Antipater.” — Historical Miniatures Gaming Society

On 11 June 323 BC in Babylon, Alexander the Great breathed his last. He left one of the largest empires the world had seen, stretching from Greece to the Punjab.

Alexander the Great’s death in Babylon that fateful day in June 323 BC triggered an unprecedented crisis. Within a couple of days, Macedonian blood had stained the walls of the chamber in which he died. Within a couple of weeks, Babylon had witnessed the first siege of the post Alexander age. Within a couple of months, a major revolt had erupted on mainland Greece. Within a couple of years, theaters of conflict had arisen across the length and breadth of what was once Alexander’s empire.

From a Spartan adventurer attempting to forge his own empire in North Africa, to a vast horde of veteran Greek mercenaries heading home from ancient Afghanistan. From a merciless, punitive campaign against some of the most infamous brigands of the time to a warrior princess raising an army and pressing ahead with her own power play during this ancient Game of Thrones. What followed Alexander’s death was an imperial implosion. This book attempts to explain why it happened.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781399020701
Publisher:	Pen and Sword
Publication date:	08/30/2024
Pages:	400
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.20(h) x (d)

About the Author

Tristan Hughes was born in Chichester and studied Ancient History at the University of Edinburgh. Having graduated in summer 2018, he currently works as a producer and presenter at History Hit and is the host of 'The Ancients' history podcast. Away from history his hobbies include Latin dancing, curling and skiing.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements vi

Foreword vii

Introduction ix

Chapter 1 The End of an Era 1

Chapter 2 The Lamian War: Part One 31

Chapter 3 The Thracian Test 67

Chapter 4 The Bactrian Revolt 82

Chapter 5 The Spartan Adventurer 97

Chapter 6 The Lamian War: Part 2 122

Chapter 7 The Rise of Perdiccas 153

Chapter 8 Consolidation 178

Chapter 9 The Macedonian Amazon 185

Chapter 10 Antigonus' Flight 196

Chapter 11 The Aetolian War 200

Chapter 12 The Greatest Heist in History 214

Chapter 13 The Fight for Asia Minor 233

Chapter 14 Polyperchon's Finest Hour 268

Chapter 15 Perdiccas vs Ptolemy: The Invasion of Egypt 283

Chapter 16 The Aftermath 310

Epilogue 319

Who's Who 321

Notes 336

Bibliography 369

Index 375

Editorial Reviews

"A colourful cast of larger-than-life characters and a story very well told and intelligently explained... Overall, a real triumph for the author’s debut! Highly recommended to military historians, Alexander the Great fans and all those who have had their interest piqued by the brief outline given above."

The Historical Novels Review

"I enjoyed the Perdiccas years very much. It cast light on a period of history [I] knew next to nothing about it and held my attention throughout."

Army Rumour Service

"Tristan Hughes' The Perdiccas Years, 323-320 BC (Pen & Sword) is here to help us sort out all the shenanigans of the early Successor era. If you haven't wargamed Ancients, here is a fine place to start with similar but different armies for some big battle gaming. Have at it!"

Wargaming Illustrated

An exceptionally well-written account of the Successor Wars entered around Perdiccas, Ptolomy, and Antipater.

Historical Miniatures Gaming Society

[A] comprehensive and inherently fascinating historical study of Alexander the Great's successors that is an impressive and valued contribution to the growing library of ancient Greek military histories and biographies. Highly recommended for community, college, and university library collections.

Midwest Book Review