1. Philip II of Macedon (r. 359–336 BCE)
The founder of Macedonian power
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Philip II transformed Macedon from a weak kingdom into a powerful military state.
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He created the famous Macedonian phalanx, a powerful infantry formation using long spears called sarissas.
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He conquered most of Greece and united it under Macedonian control.
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Philip planned to invade the Persian Empire, but he was assassinated before he could do it.
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His reforms made Macedon strong enough for his son to build a huge empire.
2. Alexander the Great (r. 336–323 BCE)
The greatest conqueror in Macedonian history
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Son of Philip II and one of history’s greatest military leaders.
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Conquered the massive Achaemenid Persian Empire.
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Built an empire stretching from Greece to Egypt and India.
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Never lost a battle in his entire life.
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Founded many cities, including Alexandria in Egypt.
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Spread Greek culture across Asia, starting the Hellenistic Age.
3. Antipater (c. 397–319 BCE)
The loyal regent of Macedon
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Trusted general and advisor to both Philip II and Alexander.
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Ruled Macedon as regent while Alexander was conquering Asia.
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Successfully kept Greece under control during Alexander’s absence.
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Helped maintain stability in the empire.
4. Perdiccas (died 321 BCE)
Alexander’s general and successor regent
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One of Alexander’s top generals.
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Became regent after Alexander died.
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Tried to keep the empire united under one ruler.
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Faced rebellions and was eventually killed by his own officers.
5. Antigonus I Monophthalmus (382–301 BCE)
The powerful successor king
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One of Alexander’s strongest generals.
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Controlled large parts of Asia after Alexander’s death.
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Tried to rebuild Alexander’s empire under his rule.
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Founded the Antigonid dynasty, which later ruled Macedon.
6. Cassander (c. 355–297 BCE)
The ruler who secured Macedon
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Son of Antipater.
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Became king of Macedon after Alexander’s death.
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Founded important cities like Thessaloniki.
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Strengthened Macedonian control over Greece.
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Philip II of Macedon (382–336 BCE)
King of Macedon and father of Alexander the Great
Philip II was one of the most important rulers in ancient history. He transformed Macedon from a weak and divided kingdom into the strongest military power in Greece. His reforms, diplomacy, and military genius made it possible for his son, Alexander the Great, to conquer one of the largest empires in history.
Early Life (382–359 BCE)
Philip was born in 382 BCE in the capital city of Pella, Macedon. He was the youngest son of King Amyntas III of Macedon.
Important facts about his youth:
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Philip was not expected to become king.
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As a teenager, he was sent as a hostage to Thebes in Greece.
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In Thebes, he learned military tactics and leadership.
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He studied the powerful Greek phalanx formation.
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This experience helped him later improve Macedon’s army.
This period shaped Philip into a brilliant military and political leader.
Becoming King (359 BCE)
Philip became king in 359 BCE after his brother, King Perdiccas III of Macedon, was killed in battle.
At that time, Macedon was in serious danger:
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Enemies were invading from all sides.
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The army was weak.
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The kingdom was unstable.
Philip saved Macedon through military reform and strong leadership.
Military Reforms – Philip’s Greatest Achievement
Philip created one of the strongest armies in the ancient world.
1. The Macedonian Phalanx
His most famous reform was improving the phalanx.
Features:
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Soldiers carried a long spear called the sarissa (5–6 meters long).
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Soldiers stood in tight formation.
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This created a wall of spears.
This formation was nearly impossible to break.
2. Professional Army
Philip created a full-time professional army, unlike part-time citizen soldiers in Greece.
He improved:
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Training
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Discipline
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Organization
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Equipment
His army became the best in Greece.
3. Cavalry Improvements
Philip developed powerful cavalry called the Companion Cavalry.
They:
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Attacked enemy flanks
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Broke enemy formations
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Worked together with infantry
This combination made his army extremely effective.
Military Conquests
Philip expanded Macedon’s territory greatly.
He conquered:
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Northern Greece
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Thrace
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Parts of the Balkans
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Greek city-states
His greatest victory was:
Battle of Chaeronea (338 BCE)
Philip defeated the combined forces of:
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Athens
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Thebes
This victory made Philip the ruler of Greece.
Alexander, only 18 years old, fought bravely in this battle.
Political and Diplomatic Skills
Philip did not rely only on war. He also used diplomacy.
He used:
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Alliances
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Marriage
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Negotiation
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Strategy
He married several women to form political alliances.
His most famous wife was:
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Olympias – mother of Alexander the Great
Creation of the League of Corinth (337 BCE)
Philip united Greek city-states under his leadership by creating the:
League of Corinth
This league made Philip the leader of Greece.
Its purpose:
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Unite Greece
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Prepare for war against the Achaemenid Persian Empire
Philip planned to conquer Persia.
Personality and Leadership
Philip was known for:
Strengths:
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Brilliant military strategist
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Smart diplomat
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Strong leader
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Visionary ruler
Personality traits:
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Brave
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Intelligent
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Ambitious
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Strategic
He was also charismatic and inspired loyalty in his soldiers.
Assassination and Death (336 BCE)
Philip was assassinated in 336 BCE at age 46 in Aegae, the old Macedonian capital.
He was killed by:
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Pausanias of Orestis, one of his bodyguards.
The exact reason is unclear, but it may have involved:
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Personal revenge
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Political conspiracy
After his death, his son Alexander became king.
Legacy and Historical Importance
Philip II’s legacy is enormous.
His greatest achievements:
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Transformed Macedon into a superpower
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Created the strongest army in Greece
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United Greece under Macedonian rule
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Prepared the invasion of Persia
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Built the foundation for Alexander’s empire
Without Philip, Alexander the Great’s conquests would not have been possible.
Quick Facts Summary
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Born | 382 BCE |
| Birthplace | Pella, Macedon |
| Became King | 359 BCE |
| Died | 336 BCE |
| Age at death | 46 |
| Father | Amyntas III |
| Son | Alexander the Great |
| Greatest achievement | Military reforms and uniting Greece |
| Famous battle | Battle of Chaeronea |
| Empire | Macedonian Empire |
Why Philip II Was Important
Philip II was the true founder of Macedonian power.
He built the army, united Greece, and made Macedon the strongest kingdom in the region.
Alexander the Great conquered the world — but Philip built the foundation.