Parmenion lived from 400 to 330 BC. He was a Macedonian commander, comrade-in-arms of Philip II and his son, Alexander the Great. He probably began his military career at the court of the royal house of the Argeads under the rule of Philips father. During the reign of Philip II from 359 to 336 BC, Parmenion took part in his plans to turn Macedonia into a great Balkan state, stretching from the Ionian Sea to Pontus. After the murder of Philip II, Parmenion returned from the Asia Minor campaign, recognized the power of Alexander and took part in his eastern campaign. The commander’s talent was especially evident in the great battles of Alexander: at the Granik River and at Issa and Gaugamela. Over time, disagreements arose between Parmenion and Alexander over military, political and strategic issues. He was killed by order of Alexander in 330 BC, on suspicion of a conspiracy against his life.
Under Philip II
King Philip II considered Parmenion his most worthy military leader. He so highly appreciated Parmenion that he trusted him with command of the Macedonian troops in his absence. Parmenion participated in the conquest campaigns of Philip II against the neighboring states of the Balkan Peninsula. He participated in military conflicts between the Greek Polis, which later developed into a struggle for the supremacy of Macedonia over Northern and Central Greece. In 338, Parmenion participated in the largest battle of Philip’s life against the combined forces of Greek city-states – the Battle of Chaeronea. In 337, Philip initiated an alliance of Greek city-states, the so-called Corinthian Union, and began training the combined forces of Hellenes and Macedonians to invade Persia. The army of 10,000 soldiers under the command of Parmenion was moved across the Hellespont to capture Ionian cities on the Aegean coast of Asia Minor. This campaign was not completed due to the murder of Philip.
Under Alexander the Great
After the murder of Philip II, Parmenion recognized the power of his son, Alexander. While Alexander the Great vigorously suppressed the resistance of rebels after the death of Philip, Balkan tribes, as well as Greek policies – Athens and Thebes – Parmenion continued military operations against Ionian cities. The enemy of Parmenion in this campaign was the Persian military commander Memnon, a Greek mercenary originally from Rhodes, who successfully defended the frontiers of the Persian state and practically ousted the Macedonians. After the failure in Asia Minor at the end of 335, Parmenion returned to Macedonia and took part in plans for the Asian campaign of Alexander. Two experienced commanders; Philip, Parmenion, and Antipater; advised Alexander to postpone the campaign to allow for better training; but, most importantly, to solve the primary dynastic question, the birth of the heir. But Alexander neglected their advice, leaving Antipater in Macedonia with 12,000 soldiers to guard the rear. He began a campaign in May 334 BC, against Persia. Parmenion stood at the head of the united infantry of the Macedonians, their allies, and mercenaries, as well as the heavy cavalry of the Thessalians. One of his sons commanded heavy cavalry, and the other son an elite infantry corps. Parmenion controlled the most important command posts. The monopoly position of Parmenion in the army was due to him playing a leading role during the time of Philip, organizing and training all types of troops. At this stage, Alexander had to reconcile himself with the fact that Parmenion was more influential with the army he.
Parmenion commanded the left wing of the Macedonians in the Battle of the River Granik. While Alexander with his cavalry distracted the Persians, the heavy cavalry of Parmenion carried out a crossing of the river and turned the enemy to flight. In the process of advancing deeper into Persia, Parmenion often acted separately from the main body of the army, capturing cities and subordinating local rulers. In the autumn of 333 BC, Parmenion and his troops joined forces with Alexander’s army before the Battle of Issus, where he commanded the left flank of the Macedonian forces. While Parmenion’s wing held back the pressure of the Persian cavalry, Alexander on the right flank broke through to Darius, turning the Persian king to flight. During this period, Parmenion was, in fact, the Alexander’s deputy. He was entrusted to seize the wealth of the Persian king in Damascus.
After the victory at Issus, Darius offered Alexander half his kingdom. Parmenion believed that the Persian king’s proposals should be accepted, and the conquest completed. This, however, was contrary to Alexander’s ambitious plans for world domination. This created an acute worldview differece between Parmenion and Alexander.
In 331 BC, Parmenion commanded the left wing of the Macedonian army in the battle of Gaugamela. This was the most difficult battle with the Persians, but the Macedonians prevailed. Alexander rushed to pursue the fleeing Darius to Parthia, and Parmenion remained to settle matters in Media, the center of the Persian state.
The Fall and Death of Parmenion
The son of Parmenion, Philotas, became the involuntary cause of his father’s death. He had found it difficult to conceal his hostility towards Alexander’s new course of gradual alienation from Macedonian tradition. Old soldiers were dissatisfied with the Persian customs introduced by the Macedonian king. Philotas considered himself a bearer of the traditions of the late Philip, and therefore enjoyed the support of a certain circle of Macedonians. In October 330 BC, Philotas was accused of plotting against Alexander and tortured. Under torture, he confessed his intentions, and also created suspicions of Parmenion, although he vehemently denied the involvement of his father. Alexander considered it dangerous; and killed Parmenion by sending two assassins. Fearing the wrath of Alexander, the body of Parmenion was not buried immediately, but was later laid in the ground under pressure from the soldiers.