Pausa'nias
7. A Macedonian youth of distinguished family, from the province of Orestis.
He was one of the body-guard of king Philip, who, on account of his beauty, was much attached to him. Perceiving himself in danger of being supplanted in the affection of Philip by a rival also called Pausanias, he, in the most opprobrious manner, assailed the latter, who complained to his friend Attalus, and soon after perished in battle with the Illyrians. Attains contrived to take the most odious revenge on Pausanias, who complained of the outrage to Philip.
But, apparently on account of his relationship to Attalus, and because he needed his services, Philip declined to inflict any punishment on Attalis. Pausanias accordingly directed his vengeance against Philip himself.
An opportunity presented itself at the festival held by Philip at Aegae, as, in a magnificent procession, Philip approached, having directed his guards to keep at a distance, as though on such an occasion he had no need of them. Pausanias rushed forwards from the crowd, and, drawing a large Celtic sword from beneath his dress, plunged it into the king's side.
The murderer forthwith rushed towards the gates of the town, where horses were ready for him.
He was, however, closely pursued by some officers of the king's guard, and, having stumbled and fallen, was despatched by them on the spot. Suspicion rested on Olympias and
Alexander of having been privy to the deed.
According to Justin, it was Olympias who provided the horses for the flight of Pausanias ; and when his corpse was crucified she placed a crown of gold upon the head, caused the body to be burnt over the remains of her husband, and erected a monument to him in the same place, and even instituted yearly rites in memory of him.
The sword with which he had assassinated the king she dedicated to Apollo.
The suspicion with regard to
Alexander is probably totally unfounded.
There was likewise a story that Pausanias, while meditating revenge, having asked the sophist Hermocrates which was the shortest way to fame, the latter replied, that it was by killing the man who had performed the greatest achievements. These occurrences took place in B. C. 336. (
Diod. 16.93,
94;
Just. 9.6,
7;
Plut. Alex. 100.9,
10.)
