Craterus
Who was Craterus?
Macedonian general under Alexander the Great
Biographical data adapted from Wikipedia’s article on Craterus (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Biography
Craterus (c. 370-321 BC) was a notable Macedonian general who was one of Alexander the Great's most trusted commanders. After Alexander's death, he became a key player among the Diadochi, who vied for control of Alexander's empire. He was born to nobility as the son of Alexander from Orestis and came from a military family; his brother, Amphoterus, was an admiral. Craterus stayed loyal to Alexander throughout the conquest campaigns, earning greater responsibilities and trust. During these campaigns, Craterus showed outstanding military leadership. He commanded the phalanx and infantry on the left wing during the crucial Battle of Issus in 333 BC, securing a decisive victory over Persian forces. His first independent command was in Hyrcania, where he successfully led a mission against the Tapurians. In the Battle of the Hydaspes in 326 BC, he commanded the rearguard forces, joining the main battle towards its end to help secure victory. As part of Alexander's plan to integrate with Persian nobility, Craterus married Princess Amastris, niece of Darius III, during the mass weddings at Susa. In 324 BC, Alexander tasked him with leading 11,500 veteran soldiers back to Macedonia with Polyperchon, to replace Antipater as regent. However, due to a lack of transport ships, he was delayed and stayed in Cilicia building a fleet when Alexander unexpectedly died in Babylon in 323 BC. After Alexander's death, Craterus played a key role in the Diadochi power struggles. He crossed into Europe to help Antipater during the Lamian War, commanding naval forces from Cilicia and leading troops at the Battle of Crannon in August 322 BC. When conflicts developed among the successors, he partnered with Antigonus, Antipater, and Ptolemy against Perdiccas and Eumenes. To solidify this alliance, he married Phila, Antipater's daughter, and they had a son named Craterus. In 321 BC, his military career ended abruptly when he was killed in combat in Asia Minor against Eumenes, marking the loss of one of Alexander's most loyal and capable generals.
Before Fame
Craterus was born around 370 BC in Orestis into a noble Macedonian family during a time when Macedonia was becoming a major player in Greek politics under Philip II. His father, Alexander, was a nobleman, and military service ran in the family—his brother Amphoterus became a well-known admiral. During Craterus's upbringing, Macedonia was rapidly changing under Philip II's reforms, which formed a professional army and introduced tactical advancements key to Alexander the Great's future successes. In this atmosphere, Craterus would have received the typical education of Macedonian nobles, learning military skills, horsemanship, and how to navigate court life. By the time Alexander became king in 336 BC, Craterus was ready to be part of the young king's circle and officers, starting his journey to becoming a trusted general in the Macedonian army.
Key Achievements
- Commanded the left wing phalanx and infantry at the decisive Battle of Issus in 333 BC
- Successfully led the first independent command against the Tapurians in Hyrcania
- Commanded rearguard forces at the Battle of the Hydaspes, contributing to Alexander's victory over Porus
- Led 11,500 veteran soldiers in the planned transition of power from Antipater in Macedonia
- Played a crucial role in the Battle of Crannon during the Lamian War in 322 BC
Did You Know?
- 01.He was originally assigned to replace Antipater as regent of Macedonia but never reached his destination due to Alexander's unexpected death
- 02.His marriage to Princess Amastris was part of Alexander's mass wedding ceremony at Susa involving 80 Macedonian officers and Persian noblewomen
- 03.He commanded approximately 10,000 veteran soldiers when Alexander died, making him one of the most powerful military leaders at the time of succession
- 04.His son with Phila was also named Craterus and later became a notable figure in Macedonian politics
- 05.He spent months in Cilicia building a naval fleet that he later used effectively during the Lamian War