Quick Facts
They called him One-Eye. He called himself king. At 80, he still led cavalry charges, dreaming of reuniting Alexander's shattered empire.
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Life Journey
Antigonus was born into a Macedonian noble family during the reign of King Amyntas III, in an era that would see the rise of Macedonian power.
Young Antigonus began his military training in the Macedonian army, learning the tactics that would later make him one of the greatest generals of his age.
Antigonus entered the service of King Philip II of Macedon, beginning his career as a military commander in Philip's expanding army.
Antigonus lost his right eye during a siege, earning him the epithet 'Monophthalmus' (the One-Eyed), which became his distinguishing mark.
When Alexander the Great launched his campaign against Persia, the experienced Antigonus became one of his trusted generals.
Alexander appointed Antigonus as satrap of Greater Phrygia, giving him control over a strategic region of the expanding Macedonian Empire.
The death of Alexander triggered the Wars of the Diadochi, in which Antigonus would emerge as one of the most powerful successor kings.
Antigonus defeated Eumenes of Cardia in battle, expanding his control over the Asian territories and eliminating a major rival.
Antigonus campaigned eastward, subduing the eastern satrapies and establishing control over vast territories from the Mediterranean to Central Asia.
Antigonus faced a coalition of Ptolemy, Seleucus, and other Diadochi, beginning a series of conflicts that would reshape the Hellenistic world.
Antigonus entrusted his son Demetrius Poliorcetes with major military commands, preparing him as successor to his growing empire.
Following Demetrius's naval victory at Salamis, Antigonus assumed the title of king (basileus), marking the formal end of Alexander's unified empire.
Antigonus sent Demetrius to besiege the island of Rhodes, a campaign that earned Demetrius the title 'Poliorcetes' (the Besieger).
Antigonus and Demetrius intervened in Greek affairs, attempting to establish hegemony over the Greek city-states and challenge Cassander's control.
Seleucus, Ptolemy, Cassander, and Lysimachus formed a final coalition against Antigonus, setting the stage for the decisive confrontation.
Antigonus fell in the Battle of Ipsus, fighting against the combined forces of the other Diadochi. His death ended his dream of reuniting Alexander's empire but his dynasty would continue through his descendants.
