Zopyrion

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Zopyrion († probably 325 BC ) was a Macedonian general .

Zopyrion was a military governor ( strategos ) of Thrace under the rule of Alexander the Great . Since Alexander was on his famous Asian campaign at that time, Zopyrion was probably entrusted with this office by the regent Antipater .

Zopyrion became known as the leader of a large-scale campaign to subjugate the Greek colony of Olbia on the Black Sea . With 30,000 men he crossed the Danube to march along the coast. The siege of the city failed, however, because of the resistance of its residents, who among other things released their slaves and granted foreigners citizenship so that they could take part in the defense. On the march back, the Macedonian army was wiped out by attacks by the Scythians and Geten , with whom Olbia had allied itself. Zopyrion was killed in the process.

Dating

The exact dating of the Zopyrion campaign turns out to be problematic. According to Justin , in 331 BC he found Instead of the revolting Memnon in the office of strategist of Thrace was named for this year . Curtius, on the other hand, implies the year 325 BC. BC for the campaign, with which Zopyrion would have been the successor in office of Memnon. Curtius made the downfall of the Macedonian army and the death of Zopyrion decisive for the emancipation of several Thracian tribes under Seuthes III. from Macedonian suzerainty.

It was only with the appointment of Lysimachus as governor in 323 BC. A Macedonian regime was installed again in Thrace.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Justin February 12, 16-17 .
  2. ↑ Curtius 10.1.43-45 .
personal data
SURNAME Zopyrion
BRIEF DESCRIPTION Macedonian general, strategist of Thrace
DATE OF BIRTH 4th century BC Chr.
DATE OF DEATH uncertain: 325 BC Chr.