Leonnatus of Amphipolis (Λεοννάτο της Αμφίπολης)
Name: Leonnatus of Amphipolis
Nicknames: Pogon ('the Bearded') and Philopator ('love for one's father/country')
Age: 31 (born 354 BC)
Marital Status: Married
- Eurydice, daughter of a prominent family of Pella
- Amyntas, daughter of a prominent family of Amphipolis
Issue: 4 children (3 sons and 1 daughter)
- Leodiskos (born of Amyntas), born 334 BC (age 12)
--> Betrothed to the daughter of Admetus II of Epirus, Demetria, born 332 BC (Age 10)
- Philip (born of Eurydice), born 332 (age 10)
- Demetrius (born of Amyntas), born 331 BC (age 9)
- Laodice (born of Amyntas), born 330 (age 8)
Leonnatus was born in a city known Amphipolis which was known in history for its sacking by Xerxes I of Persia and near the site of Alexander I of Macedon defeated the great Persian army commanded by Xerxes I. His father, Agathanor, was a general during the reign of Philip II, who fathered the legendary Alexander III Megas. His father was not around much due to the many wars of Philip II, so Leonnatus was educated by his uncle, Philatos, who was a retired official of the Macedonian government. It was through these various connections that Leonnatus was married to Amyntas in 339 BC and later, when he went to Pella to serve Alexander III, Eurydice in 335 BC. Leonnatus was given his first nickname by his peers, Pogon, which meant 'The Bearded' due to the great facial hair upon his chin. This added to his name, which meant 'dashing like the lion' due the Macedonian's lion-like appearance. A later nickname, Philopator, was added due to the Macedonian's profound and filial admiration for both his uncle and late father.
His military career began shortly after Alexander III was crowned. Leonnatus participated in the early rebellions against the Macedonians when Alexander marched from Amphipolis, his hometown, to defeat several northern revolts, instigated by the Thracians. The young Macedonian remained in Pella during the southern campaigns that made the Greeks bend their knee, but shortly before his Persian campaigns, Leonnatus did participate in the short war that razed Thebes.
By the time Alexander set his sights upon the Persian Empire, under Darius III, Leonnatus was given command over a detachment of the 'Shield-bearers,' the Hypaspistai. His military career during Alexander's eastern conquests mainly were in Asia Minor, Syria and Far East. This was due to an injury he sustained after the Siege of Tyre due to a stray arrow into his army. Once his injury was healed however, Leonnatus commanded troops into the Far East; Persia and India. He mourned the loss of his King, who died in the prime of his life and before he could ever become a father. At the Partition of Babylon, his ambitions secured him a piece of the Macedonian homeland as a military governor after Philip III was crowned as his half-brother's successor. His ambitions seek higher glories however and schemes start drawing into his mind as the lion returns to Macedon, ahead of Philip III's party.
Leonnatus is known for his acceptance towards philosophers, artisans and poets. He is deeply religious, always making sure the right sacrifices are performed daily and especially during celebrations and holidays. His curiosity has brought him close to scientists as well as philosophers who give him guidance beyond what religion can offer. His clear mind and proud figure assure people around him that he is truly a leader of men and a capable commander. The wars, like everyone who served Alexander, have made him powerful, rich, proud and a veteran unlike to none before. Whereas Alexander the Great had become a legend, deep within his mind, Leonnatus knew that his legend was only just beginning.
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Pella, the Heart of Macedonia
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Originally Posted by Oznerol
