Philotas (in Greek, Φιλώτας, d. October 330 BC) was the eldest son of Parmenion, Alexander's most experienced and talented general. When Alexander became king of Macedonia (336 BC) with Parmenion's support (Parmenion had executed Attalus, a rival claimant to the throne), Parmenion and his relations were rewarded with offices and commissions. Philotas was promoted, from a commander of a cavalry squadron to commander of the Companions, the corps of Macedonian cavalry that also provided bodyguards and attendants to the King. (In battle, Alexander rode with and led this cavalry corps; they were, literally, his "companions," therefore the name.) Philotas, though a highly capable officer, was widely perceived as arrogant and pompous; he was never able to master the role of courtier, was often a center of conflict, and often earned the King's disfavour.

In the latter part of 330 BC, Philotas was accused of conspiring against Alexander. He had been subject to similar reports previously, though the case against him in 330 was more serious; his accusers included the commander Coenus, who was married to Philotas' sister. Philotas was tried and convicted, tortured to reveal the extent of the conspiracy, then stoned or speared to death with other convicted plotters. His death marks one of the darker moments in the King's history; the execution of Philotas necessitated the removal of Parmenion, who, while innocent of any plotting, was judged unreliable once his son and heir had been put to death. Alexander sent assassins to murder Parmenion before the news of his son's execution reached him.

In Literature

• The story of Philotas was dramatized in 1604 by the English poet and playwright Samuel Daniel. A performance of the eponymously-named play earned Daniel the unwelcome scrutiny of the Privy Council, because of a perceived resemblance between the play's protagonist and [Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex], executed for rebellion and treason in 1601.

Philotas by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

The German dramatist and critic Gotthold Ephraim Lessing also adapted the story; his play Philotas dates to 1759. It was written during the Enlightenment golden era and while the Prussian Empire dominated what is now Germany.

The drama was also written during the Seven Years' War (1756-1763) between Prussia and Hannover, against France, Austria, Switzerland, and Spain for control over regions such as Silesia and Saxony.

The play tells the story of prince-commander Philotas, a young and impulsive heir who is made prisoner during his first battle. While captive, Philotas is visited by King Arideus, a former friend of his father. While in warm dialogue with Philotas, Arideus tells him his son has also been captive by the opposite side, and that both kings were planning an exchange of prisoners.

Soon afterwards, Philotas is seen by Parmenio, his father's messenger, who inquires him about when the exchange of prisoners will take place. Philotas pleas Parmenio for more time, and requests for an extra day prior to the exchange.

Philotas then begins a heavy monologue filled with moral and ethical questions, about whether remaining alive would better serve his father's interests, specially considering he is in possession of Arideus' son.

Philotas concludes that the most appropriate thing to do is killing himself to preserve his father's dominion over the lands in dispute. He then manages to obtain a sword from Arideus, claiming it would 'fit him better' before meeting the squadron, something Arideus asked him to do.

The legitimacy of Philotas' suicide is a subject of discussion in modern theatre and ethics education today. A common question is whether Philotas' suicide was necessary, and whether Lessing desired to praise, or else criticise, the strong moral codes that dominated Prussia during the XVIII century, which according to many scholars were key to the survival of the Prussian empire.

Among the values exalted by the Prussian morale were: prudence, modesty, hard work, honesty, fairness, courage, strictness with oneself, order, duty, punctuality, integrity, austerity, loyalty, and subordination to power.

External links

• Livius, Philotas by Jona Lendering