Perdiccas became regent of the Macedonian Empire immediately after Alexander the Great’s death. He assumed this role after Alexander died in Babylon in 323 BC without leaving an adult successor.
The settlement known as the Partition of Babylon recognized Alexander’s half-brother Philip III Arrhidaeus and Alexander’s unborn child as joint kings. Because Philip had limited capacity to rule and the child had not yet been born, Perdiccas governed as guardian and regent. He also held supreme authority over the imperial army.
Perdiccas had been one of Alexander’s senior commanders and had received Alexander’s signet ring, a symbol of delegated authority. His position made him the most powerful figure in the empire, but the arrangement did not prevent rival generals from taking control of individual territories.
Antipater remained the leading power in Europe, Ptolemy controlled Egypt, and Seleucus later became ruler of the Seleucid Empire. Perdiccas was assassinated during an unsuccessful campaign against Ptolemy in Egypt around 321 BC. Antipater then became regent under the settlement at Triparadisus.