Lysimachus

Family: Macedonian · Role: king of Thrace · First appears: Book 1 · Chapter 6

Lysimachus, a Macedonian and king of Thrace, had served as Alexander’s armour-bearer; Alexander once shut him in with a lion, and found him victorious over the beast. In Book 1, Chapter 6, Lysimachus joined Cassander and Seleucus against Antigonus, who lost most of his forces and died after prolonged wars.

During a campaign against the Getae, Lysimachus’s son Agathocles was captured. After suffering defeats, Lysimachus made peace with Dromichetes, surrendering his lands beyond the Ister and giving him a daughter in marriage. With Pyrrhus (son of Æacides)’s help, he retained Thrace and later ruled the Nestians and Macedonians; he then defeated Pyrrhus, secured Macedonia, and sent him back to Epirus.

Lysimachus married Arsinoe, although Agathocles had children by Lysandra, Arsinoe’s sister. When Arsinoe conspired against Agathocles, Lysimachus permitted his execution. Philetærus, who had been entrusted with Lysimachus’s money, then occupied Pergamum and offered his allegiance and money to Seleucus. Lysimachus crossed into Asia Minor to make war on Seleucus, but was defeated and killed.