Philotas was a Macedonian general in the service of Antigonus I Monophthalmus

Antigonus I Monophthalmus

Antigonus I Monophthalmus , son of Philip from Elimeia, was a Macedonian nobleman, general, and satrap under Alexander the Great. During his early life he served under Philip II, and he was a major figure in the Wars of the Diadochi after Alexander's death, declaring himself king in 306 BC and...

 , who was employed by him in 319 BC

319 BC

Year 319 BC was a year of the pre-Julian Roman calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Cursor and Cerretanus...

, to endeavour by bribes and promises to corrupt the Argyraspides

Argyraspides

The Argyraspides , were a division of the Macedonian army of Alexander the Great, who were so called because they carried silver-plated shields. They were picked men, were commanded by Nicanor, the son of Parmenion, and were held in high honour by Alexander. They were hypaspists, having changed...

 in the service of Eumenes

Eumenes

Eumenes of Cardia was a Thracian general and scholar. He participated in the wars of the Diadochi as a supporter of the Macedonian Argead royal house.-Career:...

, and especially their leaders Antigenes and Teutamus

Teutamus

Teutamus was a Macedonian officer, who, in 319 BC, shared with Antigenes the command of the select troops called the Argyraspids. Of the services by which he had earned this distinguished post we know nothing...

. But his efforts were unavailing: Teutamus was tempted for a moment, but was recalled to the path of duty by his firmer-minded colleague, and the Argyraspids continued faithful(Diodorus, XVIII. 62-63).