The Macedonian Antigonus I (382-301 BC), having served as a general under Alexander the Great, became the most powerful of his immediate successors.

Antigonus was born in Macedon, the son of the minor noble Philip. Nothing is known of his youth; he was 26 years older than Alexander and probably did not associate with him until Alexander became king. In 334 Antigonus campaigned with Alexander in Asia Minor; and after the conquest of its upland regions in the following year, Alexander appointed him satrap of Phrygia for his good service and military ability.

While Alexander marched on through Syria, Egypt, and Persia and into India, Antigonus remained in Asia Minor consolidating his satrapy. Consequently, when Alexander died 10 years later, Antigonus held his territory with greater power and authority than the other "successors," who scrambled for positions elsewhere.

Antigonus governed his kingdom well. In defending Phrygia against Persian partisans, Antigonus suffered...