Abdalonymus

'Servant of the highest gods') was a Phoenician botanist and gardener of royal descent, who became King of Sidon under Alexander the Great in 332 BC.

Hephaestion offered it to two brothers with whom he lodged, but they declined it, alleging that according to their laws it could only be worn by one of royal blood.

Instead, they named Abdalonymus, who, notwithstanding his birth, had fallen into such poverty that he supported himself by the cultivation of a kitchen garden.

Alexander was so well pleased with this reply, that he confirmed the nomination of Hephaestion, and gave the new king the palace and private estate of Strato his predecessor, and even augmented his dominions from the neighboring country.

While Quintus Curtius confirms this story, as does Justin, Diodorus calls this person Ballonimus, and says he was made king of Tyre, not Sidon.

The envoys of Alexander the Great clothe the gardener Abdalonymos with the insignia of the royal dignity of Sidon