Atheas

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Atheas , also Ateas , (ATAILΣ, born around 429 BC ) was a Scythian king of the 4th century BC. In Greek sources he is mentioned as Basileus Skython Atheas , in Latin as Rex Scytharum . He died in the early summer of 339 BC. Chr. In a battle against Philip II. Of Macedonia v, who took his daughter Theodore Antikas the woman, but the 336th Was murdered himself.

Atheas' historical position is not yet fully understood. Often he is seen in research as a western partial or minor king, but sometimes also as a central king who managed to unite the entire Scythian empire.

On a few Scythian coins the king is depicted as a typical Scythian horseman with a drawn bow , long hair and beard, while the reverse shows a Macedonian king (probably Alexander). In ancient sources, Atheas is often portrayed as a clichéd Skythe. After a performance by one of the most respected Greek flute players, he is said to have said that he preferred the neighing of his horses to the chirping of the flutes.

Atheas kingdom

For the localization of Atheas kingdom it is handed down from Demosthenes that Philip 339 BC BC undertook a campaign in Thrace and then to Scythia on the Danube, while his fleet blocked the grain deliveries from the Greek colonies on the Black Sea to Athens. On the way back, the Triballians are said to have demanded a share of the booty, which led to the battle that was won by Philip. Philip is said to have been wounded by a triballic spear.

Shortly thereafter, Philipp had a powerful cavalry headed by his son Alexander, with whom he advanced to central Greece and thus rose to become the hegemon of Greece. According to various sources also ministered Bastarni in the army of Philip of Macedonia, which is confirmed by the Gothic history of Jordanes, the Bastarni as Kleingoten called and (Macedonian) victory over the Greeks and Persians certifies them.

It is therefore unclear whether Atheas' kingdom was the kingdom of the Getes , whether he ruled the triballers between Angrus and Brongus or ruled over Scythians in Olbia. There is archaeological evidence of a sea attack on Olbia, which ended with the destruction of Olbia. However, this is linked to the attack of Zopyrion , general and governor of Thrace under Alexander. Alexander suggested in 335 BC Also the Geten and Triballer.

literature

personal data
SURNAME Atheas
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Basileus Scython Atheas, Rex Scytharum
BRIEF DESCRIPTION Scythian king
DATE OF BIRTH around 430 BC Chr.
DATE OF DEATH 339 BC Chr.
Place of death Macedonia