Philip II of Macedon

Philip II of Macedon (Ancient Greek: Φίλιππος, romanized: Phílippos; 382 BC – October 336 BC) was the king (basileus) of Macedon from 359 BC until his death in 336 BC. He turned Macedon from a small kingdom on the edge of classical Greek affairs into a powerful nation that dominated all of Ancient Greece. His clever leadership, strong armies, and smart diplomacy helped him achieve this amazing growth in just 25 years.

Philip was the father of the famous Alexander the Great and a member of the Argead dynasty, the family that ruled the Macedonians. He changed the Macedonian army by creating the powerful Macedonian phalanx and using new battle tactics, like combining different types of soldiers. He also used big machines to attack cities, called siege engines and artillery.

One of Philip’s biggest victories was at the Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BC, where he defeated two important Greek cities, Athens and Thebes. After this, he brought many Greek cities together into a group called the Hellenic League, with himself as the leader. He planned to use this league to attack the big Achaemenid Empire. Sadly, before he could start this invasion, he was killed by one of his guards named Pausanias of Orestis. After Philip’s death, his son Alexander took over and continued the plans to invade the Achaemenid Empire.

Early life

Further information: Argead dynasty

Philip was born in either 383 or 382 BC. He was the youngest son of King Amyntas III and Eurydice of Lynkestis. Philip had two older brothers, Alexander II and Perdiccas III, and a sister named Eurynoe. After the death of his brother Alexander II, Philip was sent to live in Illyria and later Thebes, where he learned about military tactics and diplomacy.

When Philip returned to Macedon in 364 BC, he faced many challenges. His brother King Perdiccas III had died in battle, and enemies had attacked Macedonian lands. Philip used his skills to bring stability and begin expanding the kingdom.

Military career

Further information: Expansion of Macedonia under Philip II

Philip II was a skilled leader who strengthened Macedon through smart military changes. He improved his army by growing his cavalry from 600 to 4,000 soldiers and training his troops better. He also created the Macedonian phalanx, a special group of foot soldiers armed with long spears called sarissa, which became a key part of his army.

Further information: Ancient Macedonian army, Macedonian phalanx, Companion cavalry, and Hypaspists

Philip used his growing army to expand Macedon's borders. He defeated nearby tribes like the Paeonians and Illyrians, and took control of important cities such as Amphipolis and Philippi, which gave him access to valuable gold mines. His victories in battles like the Battle of Crocus Field earned him respect and helped him become a leader among Greek city-states. Later, he prepared for campaigns against the Persian Empire, setting the stage for his son Alexander the Great to continue these efforts.

Marriages and family

The kings of Macedon often had multiple wives. Philip II had seven wives, all from royal families in different lands. Each wife was considered a queen, and their children were also part of the royal family. Some of his wives include Audata, Phila of Elimeia, Nicesipolis, Olympias, Philinna, Meda of Odessos, and Cleopatra Eurydice of Macedon. Among his children was Alexander the Great.

Assassination

King Philip was assassinated in October 336 BC at Aigai, the ancient capital of Macedon. He was attending the wedding of Alexander I of Epirus and his daughter Cleopatra of Macedon when Pausanias of Orestis, one of his bodyguards, attacked and killed him. Pausanias tried to escape but was caught and killed by other bodyguards.

Historians have many different ideas about why Philip was killed. Some think it was because Pausanias felt wronged by someone close to the king. Others have suggested that Philip’s son Alexander or his mother Olympias might have been involved, but there is no clear proof. Whatever the reason, Philip’s death had a big impact on history. Some believe that if Philip had lived longer, the wars that followed might have been very different.

Tomb of Philip II at Aigai

Main article: Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai (Vergina)

In 1977, archaeologists began digging at Aigai near modern Vergina, the ancient burial place of the Macedonian kings. They discovered two tombs that had remained untouched since ancient times, filled with beautiful treasures and finely crafted objects.

After years of discussion, most experts believe Tomb II to be the tomb of Philip II. This conclusion is based on many clues, such as special leg armor that matched a known injury of Philip's. Recent studies confirm that Tomb II holds the remains of Philip II and his wife, Meda. The tomb’s decorations, like a large painting above the entrance, give us a glimpse into the rich traditions of the Macedonian royal family.

Legacy

Philip II left a lasting mark on history and culture. After his death, he was honored in various ways by different groups. Some Greeks built monuments and statues in his memory, and there were places named after him, such as Philippi and Philippopolis. His story has also been told in movies, television shows, and video games, introducing him to new audiences around the world.

His influence extended beyond his lifetime, with his name appearing on seals, emblems, and even parks as a symbol of his legacy.