Itanes - Roxane's brother
Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2023 6:45 pm
Roxane had a brother (which I hadn't realised), and at least two sisters. Her brother was probably a guest hostage in Alexander's entourage from 327 BC, and in 324 BC was enrolled into the agema of Alexander's bodyguard as part of the unpopular (with the Macedonians) reorganisation of the army (Arrian 7.6.5). This might have been when he was old enough, or a conciliatory move towards the family after the Susa weddings. Some translations show his name as Histanes.
Also enrolled in the agema was Darius's younger brother, Oxyathres, captured at Issus. He had a daughter Amastris, captured with other high-ranking ladies at Damascus, who appears to have been quite feisty. She was married to Craterus at Susa but, with his approval, married Dionysius of Heraclea Pontica and bore him three children. After his death she ruled as regent, and then married Lysimachus, and appears to have reigned as queen at Sardis. She was later drowned by her own sons.
Also enrolled in the agema was Darius's younger brother, Oxyathres, captured at Issus. He had a daughter Amastris, captured with other high-ranking ladies at Damascus, who appears to have been quite feisty. She was married to Craterus at Susa but, with his approval, married Dionysius of Heraclea Pontica and bore him three children. After his death she ruled as regent, and then married Lysimachus, and appears to have reigned as queen at Sardis. She was later drowned by her own sons.