Previous ruler
Philip II, third son of Macedonian king Amyntas III, was last in line for the throne when his father died. His eldest brother, Alexander II died shortly after taking the throne so his other brother, Perdiccas III became king. During this time Philip was held hostage by the Greeks, where he watched and learned from the fighting tactics of the Greeks for almost three years before returning home to assist his brother in bringing back Macedonia to its former glory when their father ruled. Perdiccas III died in an unnamed battle, along with the 4,000 men he took to battle, trying to liberate northern Macedonia from the Illyrians that held the northern lands since their father’s death. Philip became …show more content…
He married Audata from Illyria to gain peace with his northwestern neighbor, then Phila from Macedonian Elimea, and his last wife was Olympia from Epirus. His last union gave him his son, Alexander III, in 356 BC. During his son’s formative years he let other children of noble blood into court for a higher education. This was a strategy to gain loyalty among the next generation of generals, politicians, and advisors. In 338 BC, Philip II gave his son command in the battle of Chaeronea at the age of 18 so that he could gain experience in strategy and leadership. This only happened shortly after Philip was injured defeating the Scythians and Thracians less than a year before.
Failings
Philip II
Reorganization of army Professionalization Phalanx Training/supplies
Alexander Alexander III, heir to the now flourishing Macedonian empire, learned from Aristotle in philosophy and battle techniques from his father. He had few improvements to make but was extremely ambitious to continue Philip’s conquest of the Balkans and Persia.
Excellent strategies
Flotillas carrying supplies along the coast following army Companion squad
3 year campaign (334-331 BC) Defeated Persia at Crannicus, Isis, Arbella Master of Greece Asia minor, Egypt, Syria, Afghanistan, India
ADD GRAPHICS
Descent into civil war after Alexander’s