Why 'Makedonia'?

**Laevex** · 08-31-2008, 18:18

A straight-forward question:
Why is the faction name for the Antigonid Empire 'Makedonia'.
It seems to me that, seeing as the two other diadochi states are named 'Arche Seleukeia' and 'Ptolemaioi', a territorial-based faction name is incosistent. IMHO as all three were essentially Makedonian states, it is a little unfair to give the Antigonids this title.
I am not criticising th EB team here (the mod is one of the greatest things ever to distract me from the troubles of RL), I just would like to know the reason that this faction isn't named 'Antigonike Basileia' or something similar.

**Reverend Joe** · 08-31-2008, 19:13

I think because the Makedonian kingdom was more contiguous than the other successor states; it was still ruled by the Argeades clan, who were the original rulers of the Makedonian kingdom.

**Hax** · 08-31-2008, 19:44

I think because the Makedonian kingdom was more contiguous than the other successor states; it was still ruled by the Argeades clan, who were the original rulers of the Makedonian kingdom.

Actually, the Argead line died out with Alexandros IV, after he was murdered on orders of Kassandros. The rulers of Makedonia during this time are the heirs of Antigonos Monophtalmos, a Makecedonian commander under Alexandros.

**Strategos Alexandros** · 08-31-2008, 19:59

Who said that he was related to Alexander.

**Hax** · 08-31-2008, 20:13

Argead dynasty was the dynasty of Philippos II, Alexandros III [Megas, the Great as we know], Alexandros IV, etc, etc. Antigonos Monophtalmos was not related to that family, as far as I know.

**Laevex** · 08-31-2008, 20:45

So essentially the Antigonids' only claim to the Makedonian throne was based on power granted by Alexander, along with someopportunistic military action, and not any 'right' to the throne? Exactly the same as the other successors.

**Hax** · 08-31-2008, 20:58

Well, they just said they were related to Alexander, so they would get more support from the people, methinks

**Centurio Nixalsverdrus** · 08-31-2008, 21:22

They also said they were descended from Herakles in persona.

I think Makedonia is named Makedonia, because essentially it's Makedonia. The Arche Seleukeia is a Makedonian empire in Asia. The Ptolemaioi are the rulers of a Makedonian state in Egypt and the Levant. But the Antigonids are the rulers of Makedonia proper, the region itself from were those people all originally hailed. It is quite much the same iirc as the Makedonia of Philippos II.

**The Celt** · 09-01-2008, 15:03

By the same token, Epeiros is technically the Aikidian(sp?) dynasty but is still essentially Epeiros. So it's not like Macedonia is singled out here. Same goes for Bactria. Personally, I prefer using the dynastic names as well but it's not that big a deal. You can always jump into the .txt files and change their name yourself after all.

As for the TQ, I think the EB team chose "Makedonia" so people who aren't well-versed with the history of this period and felt alienated by some of the other factions would have a familiar name to attach to.(I honestly had no clue who the Getai were when I first looked at their preview for example..

)

**O'ETAIPOS** · 09-01-2008, 20:03

There is huge difference between Makedonia and both Ptolemaic and Seleukid empires. In case of the latter the whole kingdom is held together by person of a ruler, and so dynastic name is most important in namig them. Macedonia was coherent state with strong faith in kingship and internal institutions. The people were Macedonians, no matter who was ruler. Besides, name MaKedonia is used by period sources, so there is no logical alternative.

**Centurio Nixalsverdrus** · 09-01-2008, 20:12

If the Makedonians would have united the Alexandrian empire again, and so eliminated the two other big Successors, would that have changed? Or had they kept the name? Or, what would be the name of the empire if it had stayed united after the death of Alexandros?

**Tancredii** · 09-01-2008, 23:17

Ethnicity. I dare say the people would have held on to their ethnicity whatever house ruled them. The 'Arche Seleukeia' and 'Ptolemaioi' had to be more inclusive of subject and partner people and it is probably fair that they happily diverged from the belief that the state was Makedonia.

I suppose you might compare it to colonial America, where you might well acknowledge your ethnicity as being English but not in any way feel King and country was were your allegiance lies (bad analogy but I am pissed) as you and your family have already sold out on the mother country to launch your petty insurgency.............. ahem sorry lost the plot somewhat.

TTFN

**Maion Maroneios** · 09-02-2008, 17:20

Originally Posted by Centurio Nixalsverdrus

If the Makedonians would have united the Alexandrian empire again, and so eliminated the two other big Successors, would that have changed? Or had they kept the name? Or, what would be the name of the empire if it had stayed united after the death of Alexandros?

I supose so, but only for formal reasons. Something like ''Arche Makedonia'' or something would be a good candidate, though even the other Successor Kingdoms made use of the word ''MAKEDONIA'', indicating their heritage.

Maion