Pausanias the Regent

Pausanias led the Greeks to victory over the Persians and Persian allies led by

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Pausanias offering sacrifice to the Gods before

A starved Pausanias is dragged out of sanctuary

Pausanias, 18th century print

Pausanias of Orestis (Greek: Παυσανίας ὁ Ὀρεστίας) was a member of the Macedonian court of Philip II of Macedon, where he served as one of the king's bodyguards, known as the Somatophylakes. He is most famous for his role in the assassination of Philip II, an act that has made him a notable figure in the history of ancient Macedonia. The motives behind his assassination of Philip II in 336 BC, during the wedding of Philip's daughter Cleopatra of Macedon to Alexander I of Epirus, have been the subject of much historical speculation and analysis.

Background

Pausanias of Orestis should not be confused with Pausanias, the Greek traveler and geographer, or other historical figures with the same name. His origins lay in Orestis, a region in the upper part of the kingdom of Macedonia. Little is known about his early life before becoming a bodyguard to Philip II.

Assassination of Philip II

The assassination of Philip II occurred in 336 BC in the town of Aegae, the ancient capital of Macedonia. As Philip entered the town's theatre for the wedding celebration, Pausanias stabbed him to death. The reasons behind Pausanias' actions are still debated by historians. Some sources suggest personal revenge, as Pausanias was said to have been a victim of a personal dispute with another of Philip's bodyguards, which Philip failed to resolve satisfactorily. Other theories propose political motives, including the possibility that he was acting under the orders of Olympias, Philip's wife, or even Alexander himself, both of whom stood to gain from Philip's death.

Following the assassination, Pausanias attempted to escape but was killed by three of Philip's bodyguards. His death marked a significant turning point in Macedonian and Greek history, paving the way for Alexander the Great's ascension to the throne and the subsequent expansion of the Macedonian Empire.

Aftermath and Legacy

The assassination of Philip II had profound implications for Macedonia and the Greek world. It led directly to the accession of Alexander the Great, who would go on to conquer most of the known world at the time. The motives and consequences of Pausanias' act continue to be a subject of historical inquiry and debate.

Pausanias' legacy is complex; he is remembered both as an assassin and as a figure whose actions had unintended historical significance. The event underscores the intricate and often personal nature of political dynamics in ancient Macedonia.

In Literature and Drama

Pausanias' story has been referenced in various works of literature and drama throughout history, often serving as a cautionary tale about the nature of revenge, power, and the consequences of political assassination.