Ariston of Paionia

Ariston (Greek Ἀρίστων ) was a paionischer officer of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC.

To ensure the loyalty of the north and east of Macedonia settled peoples, Alexander undertook this not only to the position of troop contingents for his Asia campaign, but also by members of the princely families. This should take over the duties as a commander, but also serve as hostages at the same time. That was probably Ariston a member of the Princely House of Paionians, maybe a brother or son of the king Patraos.

As the leader of paionischen Ariston cavalry fought in the battles of the Granicus in 334 BC, and at Issus in 333 BC respectively on the right wing of the battle. While with the onslaught to Mesopotamia in 331 BC, he secured his troops a transition of the Tigris by a victory over a Persian cavalry stationed there from 1,000 men. In this struggle Ariston killed the enemy leaders Satropates and brought its severed head to Alexander. The representations of a duel between a mounted warrior and his inferior opponent on some coins of Patraos (see picture) probably relate to this fight.

In the battle of Gaugamela Ariston was stationed with his Paioniern on the right wing next to the mounted mercenaries of Menidas who supported them crucial. From Ariston and his troop then nothing more is reported, presumably because they were incorporated the unity of the Lancer.