WI: Alexander IV escapes to the British Isles

As you know, In OTL, The son of Alexander the Great upon the end of the Third Diadochi War in 311 BCE, the peace treaty between the Generals acknowleged the young prince Alexander IV to succeed Cassander when he came of Age...

Unfortunatley, things didn't work out as planned and champions of the Agread Dynasty demanded that he should hold the thrown, ended up getting him killed at the age of 13...

But What If...Those same supporters of Alexander IV right to the Macedonian Throne knew very well that Cassander had no intention of relinquishing his power and decided to get as far away from the Diadochi as possible. They decide to move the Prince and his mother to the Isles of Pretani around 310 BCE a land explored recently by the great PYtheas. By either over land routes or by sneaking through the Pillars of Hercules they arrive at Cornwall, and settle down to make a significant Greek Stronghold on the Island.


So how would a major prescene of Greeks affect a Celtic Britain at this time? Would Carthage most likley attempt to smother out the colony before they have a chance to expand? How many Greeks would end up travelling to the Isles knowing that the Bloodline of Alexander holds strong there? Would Cassander follow them or would he be to busy consolidating his power to worry about them?
 
Would Cassander follow them or would he be to busy consolidating his power to worry about them?

Whilst i don't personally think it's possible it's certainly an interesting idea with a potentially very good TL.

On the point of Cassander i think he'd let the flee, maybe send some token assains but that would be about it.
 
That is true, Cassander was barely hanging on to the throne himself, hed be much more interesting in dealing with the other Diadochi. What would Carthage's role play with if the Macedonian's manage to dominate the very VITAL tin trade there especially in Cornwall?
 
why would he go to Britain of all places?

and I don't see many people wanting to settle there... if your king / emperor went into exile, would you want to follow him there? especially if it is on the edge of the known world?
 
why would he go to Britain of all places?

and I don't see many people wanting to settle there... if your king / emperor went into exile, would you want to follow him there? especially if it is on the edge of the known world?

It would be more realistic if he wented to Rome Tarentum or Syracuse and maybe maybe Massilia or a greek colony in Spain but Brittain no its to far unless he is so afraid of Cassander that he travels the whole end to be safe of him.
 
It would be more realistic if he wented to Rome Tarentum or Syracuse and maybe maybe Massilia or a greek colony in Spain but Brittain no its to far unless he is so afraid of Cassander that he travels the whole end to be safe of him.

I think Massilia is our best bet and target for an escaping Macedonian Monarch...That way he can build up his support with the Greeks in Sicily, Italy and Hispania so he can have a more faithful following. Then Once, he trully reaches of Age to rule, he ventures out after reading Pytheas book on his travels to Britain to either stake out a economic Monoply on the Tin Trade or use it as a stepping stone on his way to staking out his claim to the throne of Macedonia
 
why would he go to Britain of all places?

and I don't see many people wanting to settle there... if your king / emperor went into exile, would you want to follow him there? especially if it is on the edge of the known world?

Well, The Young Alexander might not be cut from the same particular cloth as his father & Grandfather. He might not have the sincere bloodlust and a tad bit of Megalomania simply because if history has taught us anything that the son of a Great King really does a bad job. But I do think he would share his father's drive to reach into the unknown and back. So I believe that Inner-Alexandrian Drive alone might push him toward the Isles of Pretanni;)
 
I think Massilia is our best bet and target for an escaping Macedonian Monarch...That way he can build up his support with the Greeks in Sicily, Italy and Hispania so he can have a more faithful following. Then Once, he trully reaches of Age to rule, he ventures out after reading Pytheas book on his travels to Britain to either stake out a economic Monoply on the Tin Trade or use it as a stepping stone on his way to staking out his claim to the throne of Macedonia

But he wont go to Brittain:) Maybe the Britons and Gauls will take over some Macedonian battle tactics. Or the Massilian Alexandrian Empire joins rome...
 
Well, The Young Alexander might not be cut from the same particular cloth as his father & Grandfather. He might not have the sincere bloodlust and a tad bit of Megalomania simply because if history has taught us anything that the son of a Great King really does a bad job. But I do think he would share his father's drive to reach into the unknown and back. So I believe that Inner-Alexandrian Drive alone might push him toward the Isles of Pretanni;)
but why would he go to Britain rather than somewhere else? going to Britain would basically be like being exiled to Siberia (sort of)... almost certain death... if Alexander wanted to have any hope of regaining the throne, wouldn't it be more useful for him to escape somewhere closer.
 

~The Doctor~

but why would he go to Britain rather than somewhere else? going to Britain would basically be like being exiled to Siberia (sort of)... almost certain death... if Alexander wanted to have any hope of regaining the throne, wouldn't it be more useful for him to escape somewhere closer.

The question isn't "Where would Alexander IV go if he escaped Cassander", it's What if Alexander IV escapes to the British Isles?"

I can't see the Macedonians being a major force on the Isles for a few decades. How many would go into exile with him?

All I can see is a more developed Britain being invaded by Caesar two hundred years later.
 
Alright Guys, with your discussions on the thread have been able to launch the basis of a new TL. It's been a while since I have written one so I might be alittle rusty. But here it is anyway, it's only a little taste of whats to come only If by your Candor you want me to continue...

A MACEDONIAN IN THE WEST
Written By
Austin Ross

310 BCE: In Asia Minor, Ptolemy attacks the land of Cilicia which is owned by Antigonus. The Roman Republic also deals with renewed problems with the Etruscans, who are persuaded by the Samnites to rise against Rome. In the ensuing Battle of Lake Vadimo, the Romans under Fabius Maximus Rullianus defeat the Etruscans

309 BCE: In Asia Minor, Ptomley 1 Soter commands a fleet himself to conquer the coastal regions of Caria and Lycia from Antigonous.(POD) After being imprisoned by Cassander of Macedon for almost seven years within the citadel of Amphipolis, supporters of the Agread dynasty manage to bribe Glaucias into freeing the widowed queen Roxana and her son Alexander. Under the guise of simple merchants, they leave the navel base in via Holka and set sail westward, in order to flee from persecution. Fearing the king’s wrath, the would be assassain Glaucias commits suicide only to further enrage Cassander, who sends out a battalion of his loyal guard to find the rightful heir shortly after their departure to no avail.

The battalion is never able to find the missing Roxana, her son and their handful of loyal defenders. An entire year is almost spent of the heirs visiting various cities Greek Colonial areas of Magna Graecia and Sicily for the new home by December, the family decides on an affluent port city on the eastern coast of France…Massilia

Also in this year, Antigonous attempts to renew his alliance with Macedonian general Polypherchon in order to put Alexander IV’s half (illegitimate) Brother, Heracles on the throne. Cassander is soon able to lure the former regent to his side and has him murder Heracles and his mother Barsine. In Carthage, titular king Bomlicar attempts to overthrow the Council of Elders and establish a monarchy. He fails and Carthage becomes in fact closer to a republic. During this time of distress however, Agathocles, King of Sicily lands in North Africa in attempts to distract them from the Seige of Syracuse and almost succeeds in sacking Carthage. Finally in Rome, Lucius Papirius Cursor is appointed Dictator to stop the Samnites for the second time, and has a great victory over the tribe at Longula

308 BCE: Alexander IV and his defenders arrive in Massilia and are extremely well received. The Council of 600 learning of the exploits of his father, are eager to have the family of the Great King himself in their midst. They are given all the privileges of an aristocratic family as if the family had lived their for generations, truly becoming their own apoikai. Also in this year Ptolemy crosses from Asia Minor into Greece where he conquers Corinth, Sicyon, and Megara. In Rome, The Second Samnite War escalates when, Central Appennies tribes join the war against the Republic who manage to quell the uprising. The Etruscans sue for peace with Rome, which is met with several heavy conditions

307 BCE: Antigonus and Seleucus make peace in Babylonia, along them to consolidate their gains. In Egypt, Ptolemy founds the Museum and Library of Alexandria with aid from Demetrius Phalerus. Like Alexander IV’s father he also studied under Aristotle, and employs the museum with around 100 professors paid by the state. Demetrius Policretes re-establishes the Athenian constitution and becomes allies with his brother-in-law, the newly king Phyrrhus of Epirus. Hamlicar, general of Carthage, fails to take Syracuse and is captured and killed.

306-304 BCE: Alexander’s Travels. Alexander IV now at this time is around 16 years old and almost of age. Against direct wishes from his mother, the young prince sets sail with a crew of 25 men, most former merchants who initially traveled with Pytheas on the explorer’s original voyage, venture out of Massilia in the spring of 306 BCE. The Vessel itself to avoid the Carthaginian blockade of Hispania and the Pillars of Heracles, stick very close to land and only travel at night. With the ship being solidly built, designed purposely to brave the rough seas of the North Atlantic, and with having to make frequent stops to replenish supplies the voyage takes longer than expected. Finally the vessel reaches the shores of OTL Brittany in 305 BCE, where Alexander crosses the English Channel to reach the densely forested land of Southern Britain, selling westward until finally reaching the mines of OTL Cornwall

Alexander falls in love with the country and the Pretanni tribesman as they show him the complexities of the tin trade. After spending time meeting and establishing contacts with the Cornovii for a few months, the crew heads back Massila this time using an overland route, which proves to be much easier.

306 BCE: During the battle of Salamis, Melealus, brother to Ptolemy 1 Soter of Egypt is captured by Demetrius Policoretes of Cyprus. It is a crucial victory for Demetrius, as it not only consolidates his gain of Cyprus but it effectively breaks the Egyptian Navy. This gives Antigonus control over most of the Middle East, the Eastern Mediterranean, and control of the Agean Sea. Also in this year, Syracuse and Carthage effectively end the Third Sicillian War. The Peace Settlement divides the Island in half with Carthage rulling everything west of the Halycus River and Agathocles rules the Greek Cities east of the River allowing him to strengthen his rule. Antigonus also attempts an unsuccessful invasion against Ptolemy in Egypt.

305 BCE: Seleucus establishes Seleucis on the Tigris River as his Captial for his new Selecuid Empire. In Syria, Antigonus sends his son Demetrius to conquer the city-state of Rhodes which has cut off his armed support against Ptolemy. He shows ingenuity by creating new siege-machines in his rather unsuccessful attempt to take the city. Among these inventions are a battering ram 60 meters long which takes 1000 men to operate it; he also devises a wheeled siege tower named the “Helepolis” which stands 40 meters tall and 20 meters wide. The Siege of Rhodes earns Demetrius the title of Poliocretes(The City Besieger). Also in this year, Roman Consuls Marcus Fulvius Curvius Paetinus and Lucius Postumius Megellus decisively defeat the Samnites in the Battle of Bovanium to end the Second Samnite War.

304 BCE: Alexander IV and his crew return home to Massilia and are very well received. So much so Impressed by the Macedonian’s ability establish trade routes and make powerful alliances with the Gallic tribes, that the Council of Fifteen(Elected officials from the Council of 600) elect him as an Timouchoi(He is effectively one out of three presidents who hold the most power in the council of 600). This will set an amazing precedence within the Massilian Government and see dramatic consequences later on.

Also in this year, the citizens of Rhodes with support from Ptolemy of Egypt are able to finally lift the siege put in place by Demetrius Poliocretes. Antigonus then signs a peace treaty with the city-state declaring its autonomy and neutrality in his conflict against Ptolemy. Cassander of Macedon invades Attica and besieges Athens, Demetrius replies for the call for aid in kind and effectively drives Cassander out of central Greece effectively liberating Athens. The tyrant Agathocles takes on the title of King of Sicily, he will during his reign extend his influence into southern Italy and the Adriatic. Finally Seleucus 1 is defeated by King Chandragupta in an attempt to invade India.

303 BCE: As one of his first acts of Timouchoi, Alexander IV finds the Massilian military as hopelessly outdated as it still uses the Hoplite Phalanx of old. With the help of his close military advisors (Some of his supporters who escaped with him were soldiers in Alexander III’s army), he reorganizes the military into something that is truly fomidable. The new Masillian Phalanx as it is to be called is a much more flexible formation, separated in three lines instead of one. After hearing past reports of the first line effectively being broken by a single charge by Gallic Tribes, Alexander realizes that if there is a second line behind it, the situation, more often than not, can be retrieved. The third line is a reserve force, to be deployed wherever the line is in most danger of being breached. It has also been found that, instead of equipping the heavy infantry with a single thrusting spear, it is better to give them a couple of javelins in addition, as the javelins can help to break up the Gallic charge prior to impact. The new formation is supported by light troops (archers, slingers, and javelin men) and cavalry, and provides a flexible strike force. The New military, will also be drilled using the policy of creating professional soldiers used first by his Grandfather allowing them to make complex moves outside of most armies

Also in this year, Selecus 1 Nicator expands his kingdom throughout the realms of Persia and as deep into India. Chandragupta Maurya is able to halt the advance and a pact is created between the two leaders. Selecus agrees to Territorial concessions for exchange for 500 war trained elephants. In Greece, Cassander and Lysimachus persuade Selecus & Ptolemy to join in alliance against Antigonus.

302 BCE: Timouchoi Alexander IV is finally able to put his new phalanx to the test as he receives a declaration of war by the Council of 600 by stressing the need for Greek Unity against future Carthaginian and Gallic Invasions. In a few months, the old Hoplite Phalanx of the city-states are crushed and Massilia now rules over the cities of Emporiae, Agathe, Olbia, Antipolis and their surrounding territories.

Also in this year, keeping true with their alliance against Antigonus, Selecus invades Asia Minor from Babylonia, while Ptolemy attacks Syria and Lysimachus moves westward in into Asia Minor. Demetrius attacks Cassander’s forces in Thessaly in which are soundly defeated and Antigonus crowns their success by renewing the pan-Hellenic league. Delegates from all the Hellenic city-states(With exception of Thessaly, Messenia, and Sparta) met in Corinth and declare Antigonus and Demetrius as their protectors. However, Antigonus does feel his enemies closing in on him and a truce is made between the diadochi and the gains met by Demetrius are abandoned.

301 BCE: With the success made by Alexander’s campaign against the other Greek-City States in Gaul, the Council of 600 unanimously elects Alexander IV as King at the age of 20. Also in this year at the battle of Ipsus in Phyrgia, the armies of Antigonus ruler of all Syria, Asia Minor, Phoenicia and Judea with his son Demetrius Poliocretes are defeated by the forces of Lysimachus and Selecus. Antigonus is killed in the battle, which consolidates Cassander’s control over Macedonia and Lysimachus is able to add the greater part of Asia Minor to his possessions while Selecus now controls most of Syria. However Demetrius is allowed to hold onto a foothold in Greece.

300 BCE: King Alexander IV of Massilia announces his plan for an invasion of Gaul. The Plan is well received and during the course of this year, the military will be expanded for the mission.
 
Why not escaping to Rome and petitioned the Senate for help so he could regain his Throne? Its more propable... A Roman-Greek colonies alliance against Macedonia...
 
But he wont go to Brittain:) Maybe the Britons and Gauls will take over some Macedonian battle tactics. Or the Massilian Alexandrian Empire joins rome...

Wow you almost hit the nail right on the head with that one. I do have most of what you said planned and in the works with some "miniscual changes" on the future installments lol:)

rcduggan said:
but why would he go to Britain rather than somewhere else? going to Britain would basically be like being exiled to Siberia (sort of)... almost certain death... if Alexander wanted to have any hope of regaining the throne, wouldn't it be more useful for him to escape somewhere closer.

Thats also something I had to take in effect, the basic premise of this TL, was for him to "escape' to the British Isles but I do believe that the Greek colony of Massaliia was a great place to hold a Macedonian King in Exile. It's pretty much cut off from the mother country but it's also good for a launchpad agaisnt future campaigns.

The Doctor said:
The question isn't "Where would Alexander IV go if he escaped Cassander", it's What if Alexander IV escapes to the British Isles?"

I can't see the Macedonians being a major force on the Isles for a few decades. How many would go into exile with him?

All I can see is a more developed Britain being invaded by Caesar two hundred years later.

Thanks Doc, for backing me up on that one,,,But who says that Caesar will even exist in my ATL as surley as those Butterfly's would start flapping the wings with Caesaer being born over 200 years later from the POD.

fortyseven said:
I like it. He'd be Alexander the First of Massilia though.

Jammy said:
I like it to - liitle odd maybe but i like it - definatly carry on

Thanks Guys, the next Installment will be a full Century based one so be prepared trust me...It's going to get realy...realy...Intresting:eek:

Don_Giorgo said:
Why not escaping to Rome and petitioned the Senate for help so he could regain his Throne? Its more propable... A Roman-Greek colonies alliance against Macedonia...

Well,as big as Graecophile as the Roman's were I just had and hard time picturing a King in Exile to try to appeal to the Senate. They would eat him alive and just the idea of a foriegn King in their midst would quite a disturbance in Rome. But I have much more grandieous plans for Rome, howver lol
 
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