The Macedonian Succession Wars, more commonly referred to as the Wars of the Diadochi, were a series of conflicts fought among the former companions and generals of Alexander the Great after his death, from 322 to 281 BCE. By the end of Alexander's life, these influential and powerful figures were promised, by virtue of their ranks as well as their deeds and personal relationships with their king, positions of power and prestige that only Alexander himself or his heir could grant them. However, Alexander's son was not yet born, and his brother had a mental disability that made him unsuitable to inherit Alexander's empire. As a result, Alexander's generals had to appoint themselves to the positions they coveted, and without a legitimate or capable figure of authority to lead them, they eventually either acted on their ambitions and lust for power or defended themselves against belligerent rivals and former brothers-in-arms. This ultimately led to the disintegration of Alexander's empire. Notable figures during this period include Craterus, Seleucus, Antipater, Antigonus, Ptolemy, Eumenes, Pyrrhus and many more.
