Philotas
(Φιλώτας). A son of Parmenio. He distinguished himself on many occasions as a commander of cavalry under Alexander the Great, but was at last accused of conspiring against the king's life. An informer said that he had at first told his secret to Philotas, who had daily access to Alexander, but who had taken no notice of it for two days, at the end of which time, through the means of another officer near Alexander's person, the information was conveyed to the king. This threw strong suspicion on Philotas, who, however, was not implicated by either the informer or any of the accused in their confessions. But Craterus, who was jealous of Philotas, on account of the favour which the latter enjoyed with the king, encouraged the suspicions of Alexander, who recollected what Philotas had said at the time when the former claimed Zeus Ammon for his father, that he pitied those who were doomed to serve a man that fancied himself to be a god. Craterus had also, for some time previous, bribed a courtesan intimate with Philotas, who reported to him, and, through him, to the king, all the expressions of discontent uttered by Philotas in his unguarded moments. In short, Alexander was induced to order Philotas to be tortured in consequence of the suggestions of Craterus, Hephaestion, and others of the king's companions. The torture was administered by Craterus himself, and Philotas, after enduring dreadful agonies, confessed, though in vague terms, that he had conspired against the life of Alexander, and that his father Parmenio was cognizant of it. This being considered sufficient evidence, Philotas was stoned to death; and Parmenio suffered not long after him. See Parmenio.
- descendant of Peneleos: Paus. 7.2.3
- joint founder of Priene: Paus. 7.2.10