Orestes of Macedon

Introduction

Orestes (Ancient Greek: Ὀρέστης) was a king of the ancient kingdom of Macedon of the Argead (Argéades) dynasty, the son of Archelaus I. He reigned briefly from about 400/399 to 398/397 BC. He became king as a child after the murder of his father and was placed under the guardianship (epitropos) of his uncle Aeropus II. During Orestes’ minority Aeropus II acted as regent; in 398/397 BC Aeropus either deposed or killed him and thereafter ruled alone until 394/393 BC. The surviving accounts record no independent policies, campaigns, or reforms by Orestes; his historical importance lies in his short, childhood accession and the ensuing transfer of power to Aeropus II following his removal or death.