Macedonia emerged as a major power under King Philip II (359-336 BCE).
Philip centralized government, creating a strong state.
Transformed the foot companions into a professional army.
Introduced the Sarissa, an 18-foot-long pike, improving combat effectiveness.
The Macedonian phalanx:
Composed of 10 ranks of pikemen.
Arranged in a formation resembling a porcupine.
Front ranks pointed pikes forward; rear ranks held pikes upwards to deflect arrows.
This made it hard for opposing armies to break through the formation.
The Macedonian phalanx was highly effective in battles.
Elite unit called the Hypaspists served as royal guard, stationed on the right flank.
Heavy cavalry supported the ranks.
Philip extended his reach by incorporating nearby peoples like the Thespians and Thyrisians, adding financial resources.
Gained control of strategic locations like the Athenian colony, later named Philippi, acquiring access to gold and silver resources.
Philip was a skilled diplomat, using alliances and wealth to bolster power.
Sought to buy loyalty of potential enemies, famously stating, "walls can also be made with gold."
Consolidated power by granting land to loyal nobles, reducing the influence of the old aristocracy.
Involved in the Third Sacred War (356-346 BCE) against the Phocians, signaling instability among Greek city-states.
Greek cities, distracted by internal conflicts, chose sides but failed to gain traction.
Philip occupied Thessaly and became Tagos (leader) of the Thessalian League, uniting it with Macedonia.
Captured Olympias, destroying it and selling its citizens into slavery.
The Battle of the Crocus Fields witnessed immense losses for the Phocians, leading to their eventual surrender and Philip's control over Delphi.
With the weakening Greek resolve, Philip's influence expanded across Greece.
Intellectuals began promoting Panhellenism, advocating for Greek unity against common enemies like Persia.
Philosophers, including Aristotle, suggested Greeks unite politically and culturally for strength.
Aristocrats perceived Philip as capable of leading the Greeks against the Persian threats.
Philip’s ambitions brought him into conflict with cities like Sparta and Athens.
The Battle of Charronia (338 BCE) pitted Macedonian forces against a united Greek front but resulted in a decisive Macedonian victory.
Key to the attack was a charge by Alexander, Philip’s son.
After the battle, Philip imposed Macedonian influence across Greek cities, with the formation of the League of Corinth to unify against Persia.
Philip was assassinated in 336 BCE, leading to Alexander's unexpected rise to power.
Alexander quickly quelled revolts within Greece, including razing Thebes as a warning to others.
Asserting authority, Alexander proceeded to fulfill Philip’s legacy of conquest.
Alexander began campaigns against Persia in 334 BCE, facing significant odds.
Mobilized an army of approximately 37,000 against the Persian Empire’s weakened state due to internal strife.
Victories at the Battle of Granicus and Battle of Issus confirmed his military prowess.
Captured key regions including Anatolia and Egypt, further destabilizing Persian control.
At the Battle of Guagamela, Alexander outmaneuvered Darius III’s larger forces, leading to Persian disintegration.
Entered major capitals like Babylon and Persepolis, looting and enforcing control.
Alexander proclaimed himself the Shahan Shah (King of Kings), taking on titles to assert dominance over the conquered lands.
Alexander continued his campaign into India, but growing fatigue among his troops led to a mutiny at the Hyphasis River.
The campaign had become challenging, with constant battles and fierce resistance.
Reluctantly, Alexander agreed to return, engaging in conflicts along the way to secure his return journey.
His forces struggled to navigate back safely through harsh terrain, diminishing their numbers significantly.
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