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Lasthenes

Background

Lasthenes was a prominent figure from the ancient city of Olynthus, a key city of the Chalcidice peninsula in northern Greece. He is most notable for his role in the city's interactions with Macedonia during the 4th century BCE, particularly in the context of the expansionist policies of King Philip II of Macedon.

Key Aspects of Lasthenes' Life and Actions

1. Background and Role in Olynthus:

   • Olynthus was a significant city in the Chalcidice region, known for leading the Chalcidian League, a federation of Greek cities. The city held considerable strategic and economic importance due to its location and alliances.
   • Lasthenes was an influential citizen of Olynthus, holding a prominent position that allowed him to play a crucial role in the political and military affairs of the city.

2. Alliance with Philip II of Macedon:

   • During the 4th century BCE, Philip II of Macedon sought to expand his influence over the Greek city-states, including those in the Chalcidice peninsula.
   • Lasthenes, along with Euthycrates, another leading citizen of Olynthus, played a controversial role by allying with Philip II. They betrayed their city by facilitating the Macedonian king’s plans to conquer Olynthus.

3. Fall of Olynthus:

   • In 348 BCE, Philip II launched a campaign against Olynthus. The betrayal by Lasthenes and Euthycrates significantly weakened the city's defenses and morale, leading to its eventual capture and destruction by Macedonian forces.
   • The fall of Olynthus marked a critical point in Philip's consolidation of power in northern Greece and demonstrated the effectiveness of his strategy of using both military might and political alliances to achieve his aims.

4. Motivations and Consequences:

   • The motivations behind Lasthenes' betrayal are debated, but they likely included promises of power, wealth, or favorable treatment by Philip II.
   • The consequences for Olynthus were severe. The city was destroyed, and many of its inhabitants were either killed or sold into slavery. The betrayal by its leaders, including Lasthenes, is remembered as a tragic chapter in the city's history.

5. Historical Sources:

   • The primary sources of information about Lasthenes and the fall of Olynthus come from ancient historians such as Diodorus Siculus and the speeches of Demosthenes, the Athenian orator. Demosthenes, in particular, criticized the betrayal of Olynthus in his speeches, using it as an example of the dangers posed by Philip II and the need for Greek unity against Macedonian aggression.

6. Legacy:

   • Lasthenes is often viewed negatively in historical accounts due to his role in the betrayal of Olynthus. His actions are seen as a cautionary tale about the consequences of treachery and the impact of individual actions on the fate of entire communities.
   • The story of Lasthenes and the fall of Olynthus underscores the complex political landscape of ancient Greece, where city-states frequently navigated alliances and conflicts in a constantly shifting balance of power.

Summary

Lasthenes was a prominent citizen of Olynthus, known for his controversial role in the city's betrayal to Philip II of Macedon in 348 BCE. His actions, along with those of Euthycrates, facilitated the Macedonian conquest and subsequent destruction of Olynthus, leading to severe consequences for its inhabitants. Lasthenes' motivations likely involved promises of power and wealth from Philip II, and his legacy is often viewed negatively due to the devastating impact of his betrayal. The fall of Olynthus remains a significant episode in the history of Greek-Macedonian relations, illustrating the complexities and perils of political alliances and treachery in ancient Greece.

Sources

Appian of Alexandria and Horace White, The Roman History of Appian of Alexandria, 1899, The MacMillan Company.

C. Michael Hogan, Cydonia, The Modern Antiquarian, January 23, 2008.

Theodor Mommsen, The History of Rome, Translator: William Purdie Dickson, 1894.