ABSTRACT
This chapter expands a critique of Austin’s view by taking Hellenistic Macedonia as a test case. It shows that when the Macedonians abandoned their kings (or queens), they were not necessarily or chiefly motivated by disappointment with the latter’s performance as commanders and providers or moved by the wish to punish them for some failure. Looking at mass desertions of leaders such as Philip III and Eurydice-Adea, Olympias, Alexander, son of Cassander, Demetrius, and Pyrrhus, the chapter suggests that defections might be due to the appeal of the opposing leader, who was not always a greater benefactor and general. At times, desertion was the Macedonians’ only choice. The chapter argues, then, against a direct link between loyalty and the ruler’s military activity and gainful rapaciousness.
