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Patraus

Background

Patraus is a relatively obscure figure in ancient history, with limited information available about him. However, there is one notable individual named Patraus who was a ruler in the Hellenistic period.

Patraus of Paeonia

1. Background and Reign:

   • Patraus was a king of Paeonia, a region located in the northern part of ancient Greece, corresponding to parts of modern-day North Macedonia and northern Greece. The Paeonians were an ancient people with a distinct identity, often interacting with their Greek neighbors and other regional powers.
   • He ruled during the late 4th century BCE, a time of significant political and military activity in the region, influenced by the campaigns of Alexander the Great and the subsequent Wars of the Diadochi (the wars among Alexander's successors).

2. Relations with Alexander the Great:

   • Patraus’ reign likely overlapped with the period of Alexander the Great's conquests. The Paeonians, including Patraus, would have had to navigate the complex political landscape shaped by Macedonian dominance under Philip II and Alexander.
   • While specific details of Patraus' interactions with Alexander are not well-documented, it is probable that he, like other regional leaders, had to acknowledge Macedonian hegemony and potentially offer military support or tribute.

3. Coinage and Economic Influence:

   • One of the primary sources of information about Patraus comes from numismatic evidence. Coins minted during his reign provide valuable insights into his rule and the economic conditions of Paeonia.
   • The coins typically feature symbols and imagery that reflect both local Paeonian culture and the broader Hellenistic influences of the period. These coins are important for understanding the extent of Hellenization in Paeonia and the region's integration into the economic networks of the Hellenistic world.

4. Legacy and Historical Significance:

   • Patraus is a minor figure compared to the major Hellenistic rulers and generals, but his reign represents the continuity and local governance in regions on the periphery of the great empires of the time.
   • His rule illustrates the interactions between local dynasties and the dominant powers of the era, highlighting the complexities of regional politics during the Hellenistic period.

Summary

Patraus was a king of Paeonia during the late 4th century BCE, a period marked by the influence of Alexander the Great and the subsequent Hellenistic kingdoms. Although not much is known about his reign, numismatic evidence provides insights into his rule and the economic conditions of his kingdom. Patraus' legacy, while minor in the grand scope of Hellenistic history, reflects the regional dynamics and the interactions between local rulers and the dominant empires of the time.

Sources

Who's Who in the Age of Alexander the Great: Prosopography of Alexander's Empire by Waldemar Heckel, 2006, page 246, "Satropates' death may be depicted on the coinage of the Paeonian king, Patraus, who appears to have been Ariston's brother..."