unit 19 review
Philip of Macedon transformed ancient Macedon from a weak kingdom into a dominant power. He introduced military innovations like the Macedonian phalanx and a strong cavalry, while also using diplomacy and alliances to expand his influence.
Philip's reign saw the conquest of Greek city-states and expansion into Thrace and Illyria. His victory at Chaeronea in 338 BC marked the end of Greek independence, paving the way for his son Alexander's future conquests.
Who Was Philip of Macedon?
- King of ancient Macedon from 359 BC until his assassination in 336 BC
- Born in Pella, the ancient capital of Macedon (present-day Pella, Greece)
- Son of King Amyntas III and Queen Eurydice
- Spent time as a hostage in Thebes, where he learned military tactics and diplomacy
- Ascended to the Macedonian throne after the deaths of his older brothers, Alexander II and Perdiccas III
- Father of Alexander the Great, who would go on to conquer the Persian Empire
- Transformed Macedon from a weak, divided kingdom into a dominant military power
- Laid the groundwork for the expansion of Macedonian influence across Greece and beyond
Rise to Power
- Took advantage of the instability in Macedon following the deaths of his brothers
- Eliminated rival claimants to the throne and consolidated his power
- Reorganized the Macedonian army, introducing the Macedonian phalanx formation
- Phalanx consisted of soldiers armed with long spears (sarissas) and shields
- Formation proved highly effective against the more traditional hoplite formations used by Greek city-states
- Strengthened Macedon's economy by seizing control of gold and silver mines
- Formed alliances with neighboring kingdoms and city-states through diplomacy and marriage
- Defeated the Illyrians, a rival power to the west, securing Macedon's borders
Military Innovations
- Introduced the Macedonian phalanx, a highly effective infantry formation
- Soldiers were armed with sarissas, spears up to 18 feet long
- Tight formation made it difficult for enemies to penetrate the ranks
- Developed a strong cavalry force, including the Companion Cavalry
- Cavalry served as a shock force, charging enemy lines and exploiting weaknesses
- Utilized siege engines, such as catapults and siege towers, to capture fortified cities
- Employed a well-trained and professional army, with soldiers receiving regular pay and training
- Emphasized speed and mobility in his military campaigns
- Adapted his tactics to the terrain and the enemy, demonstrating flexibility in battle
Expansion of Macedonian Kingdom
- Conquered the Greek city-states of Amphipolis, Pydna, and Potidaea
- Annexed the region of Thessaly, gaining control over its wealthy agricultural lands and strategic ports
- Captured the city of Olynthus, a major center of resistance against Macedonian expansion
- Defeated the Phocians in the Third Sacred War, gaining control over the Oracle of Delphi
- Established Macedonian garrisons in key locations throughout Greece
- Expanded Macedon's influence into Thrace and Illyria
- Laid the groundwork for the conquest of Persia, which would be completed by his son, Alexander the Great
Diplomacy and Alliances
- Formed an alliance with Epirus through his marriage to Olympias
- Maintained good relations with the Achaemenid Persian Empire, avoiding direct conflict
- Supported the Amphictyonic League, a religious organization that managed the affairs of the Oracle of Delphi
- Participated in the Olympic Games, using the event to showcase Macedon's wealth and power
- Negotiated with Athens and Thebes, playing them against each other to weaken their resistance
- Used diplomacy and bribery to gain influence over key political figures in Greek city-states
- Presented himself as a champion of Greek interests, despite his expansionist policies
Conflict with Greek City-States
- Opposed by Athens, Thebes, and other city-states who saw Macedon as a threat to their autonomy
- Defeated Athens and its allies at the Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BC
- Victory effectively ended the independence of the Greek city-states
- Destroyed the city of Olynthus in 348 BC after it resisted Macedonian rule
- Intervened in the Third Sacred War, defeating the Phocians and their allies
- Faced resistance from Demosthenes, an Athenian orator who advocated for opposition to Macedonian expansion
- Established the League of Corinth, a federation of Greek states under Macedonian control
- League served as a tool for maintaining Macedonian dominance over Greece
Legacy and Impact
- Transformed Macedon into a major power in the ancient world
- Laid the foundation for the conquests of his son, Alexander the Great
- Established a strong, centralized monarchy that would serve as a model for future Hellenistic kingdoms
- Introduced new military tactics and technologies that would influence warfare for centuries
- Spread Greek culture and language throughout the conquered territories
- Paved the way for the Hellenistic period, a time of cultural exchange and syncretism
- Considered one of the greatest military leaders and statesmen of ancient Greece
- His achievements overshadowed by those of his son, Alexander the Great
Key Battles and Campaigns
- Battle of Crocus Field (352 BC): Defeated the Phocians and their allies in the Third Sacred War
- Siege of Olynthus (348 BC): Captured the city after a prolonged siege, ending its resistance to Macedonian rule
- Battle of Chaeronea (338 BC): Decisively defeated the combined forces of Athens and Thebes
- Victory marked the end of Greek independence and the beginning of Macedonian hegemony
- Thracian campaign (342-340 BC): Expanded Macedonian influence into Thrace, securing the region's gold and silver mines
- Illyrian campaign (344-343 BC): Defeated the Illyrians, securing Macedon's western border
- Conquest of Thessaly (352-348 BC): Annexed the region, gaining control over its resources and strategic locations
- Siege of Perinthus (340 BC): Attempted to capture the city but was forced to withdraw due to the arrival of Persian reinforcements