Pausanias of Orestis

Pausanias of Orestis was a member of Philip II's elite bodyguard corps (somatophylakes) who assassinated the king at the theatre of Aegae during the celebration of his daughter Cleopatra's wedding in 336 BCE. Ancient sources, including Diodorus Siculus, suggest personal grievances — he had reportedly been humiliated by Attalus, a Macedonian nobleman, and felt Philip had failed to provide redress. Whether he acted alone or was part of a conspiracy involving Olympias, Alexander, or Persian interests has been debated by historians since antiquity. He was killed immediately while attempting to flee to horses prepared for his escape.

• Nationality: macedonian
• Roles: other