Antipaters

Antipaters is a name attributed to several figures from the ancient Mediterranean world, spanning the Macedonian and Judean spheres as well as the Hellenistic literary world. The most prominent individuals are described below.

Antipater of Macedon (c. 397–319 BCE) was a Macedonian general and statesman who became regent of Macedon after the death of Alexander the Great, serving from 323 to 319 BCE. He played a central role in the early partition of Alexander’s empire and established influence through alliances and political maneuvering. He was the father of Cassander, who would later found the Antipatrid dynasty.

Antipater of Sidon (fl. 2nd–1st century BCE) was a Greek poet from Sidon, best known for a work describing the wonders of the world. His description, preserved and cited by later antiquarians, contributed to the enduring fame of the Seven Wonders in classical and medieval literature.

Antipater the Idumaean (d. 43 BCE) was an Edomite-Jewish official who served Hyrcanus II and later aligned Judea with Rome during the late Hasmonean period. He acted as a principal advisor and governor in Idumaea and was the father of Herod the Great.

Antipater of Thessalonica (fl. 1st century BCE) was a Hellenistic poet whose epigrams were later included in the Greek Anthology. Only fragments and brief references survive, but he is recognized as a contributor to the classical epigrammatic tradition.

In addition to these figures, other ancient authors and officials named Antipater are mentioned in scattered sources, reflecting the name’s repeated use in Greek-speaking regions.