Eumenes

Eumenes (yOO'minēz) [key], c.361–316 B.C., secretary to Philip II of Macedon and to Alexander the Great. A Thracian Greek, he was capable, diplomatic, and eloquent and proved himself able as a general as well as a secretary. After Alexander's death he was given control of Cappadocia and Paphlagonia. In the wars of the Diadochi he threw in his lot with Perdiccas and thus was opposed by Antipater, Antigonus I, Ptolemy I, and Craterus. However, the death of Perdiccas (321 B.C.) deprived Eumenes of all dependable support. He was defeated in 316 B.C. by Antigonus, deserted by his troops, and killed.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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