Lot 1103
Carian Satraps. Pixodaros. Silver Didrachm (6.78 g), ca. 341/0-336/5 BC. Laureate head of Apollo facing slightly right. Rev. ΠIΞΩΔAPOY,Zeus Labraundos standing right, holding labrys and scepter. (SNG Kayhan 891-2; SNG von Aulock 2375-6; SNG Copenhagen 597). Lightly toned. Extremely fine. Estimate $1,500UP
Ex Goldberg 36 (30 May 2006), lot 3523.
The Hekatomnid Pixodaros assumed power as dynast in Caria by driving out his sister. He subsequently secured his position by courting the favor of Persia and assuming a role as satrap of Caria for the Persian Great King. He was evidently a very cautious ruler, for he also attempted to gain the friendship of the increasingly powerful king of Macedon, Philip II. To this end he offered to marry his eldest daughter to Philip's eldest son, the illegitimate and reportedly half-witted Arrhidaios. When Philip's younger son, Alexander, learned of the proposed marriage alliance, he feared that it was a sign that he would be passed over as heir to the throne and attempted to engineer his own betrothal to Pixodaros' daughter. This plot suited Pixodaros even more, but it all fell through when Philip discovered what was going on. The incident, sometimes described as "the Pixodaros Affair," became a source of growing friction between Philip and Alexander that marred their relationship in the last years of Philip's life. Pixodaros appears to have died sometime before Alexander's arrival in Asia Minor at the head of the Macedonian army in 334 BC.
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| Realized $1,829 |
