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If you clicked on this heading anticipating information about Alexander the Great, you’re in for a surprise. While Alexander is globally renowned for his extraordinary triumph over the vast Persian empire, it was his father, King Philip II, who laid the groundwork for his success.
10. Spent His Youth as a Captive in Thebes
In approximately 371 BC, Philip’s elder brother, King Alexander II, was compelled to negotiate peace with Thebes following a defeat in the Thessalian conflict. As part of the agreement, 15-year-old Philip was sent to Thebes as a hostage.
This unexpected turn of events turned out to be a hidden advantage for the young prince. His time in Thebes equipped him with crucial knowledge that would later define his reign. He studied the advanced military strategies of the Theban army, the era’s most formidable force, and their streamlined administrative systems, inspired by Persian methods. Residing with a close associate of the renowned General Epaminondas, Philip also absorbed groundbreaking tactics, including novel battle formations.
9. Took Over a Kingdom in Chaos
In 359 BC, following the deaths of his elder brothers, Philip ascended to the throne. The Macedonia he inherited was under siege from multiple fronts: the Illyrians were poised to attack from the west, hostile Thracian tribes threatened from the east, and the Athenians, occupying Macedonian mines in the south, were backing Philip’s adversaries.
The newly crowned king acted swiftly and wisely to counter these threats. He placated the Thracians with generous offerings and relinquished the city of Amphipolis to the Athenians to secure time for training his forces. With a revitalized and disciplined army, he directed his attention to the Illyrians in the west. In 358 BC, he confronted them in battle, leveraging his superior troops and tactics to deliver a decisive victory.
8. He Revolutionized the Macedonian Military
Philip’s most significant reform was converting his military from a citizen-based militia into a highly trained professional force.
At the heart of this army were the Phalanx pikemen, armed with the Sarissa, a 6-meter (18 ft) pike that outmatched the shorter spears of hoplites, providing a tactical advantage. Unlike traditional hoplite formations, the Macedonian phalanx was divided into smaller units, each led by its own commander, enhancing coordination and flexibility on the battlefield.
7. He Restructured the Macedonian State Inspired by Persian Models
With a formidable army and boundless ambition, Philip aimed to solidify Macedonian supremacy across Greece. However, his reign faced a critical flaw: the absence of a well-organized and stable state structure. Often, Philip personally oversaw all state affairs. To forge a robust Macedonian kingdom, systemic changes were essential.
Drawing from his early experiences, Philip modeled his Macedonian administration after the Persian system, inspired by Theban practices. Rather than directly annexing conquered cities, he allowed them a measure of autonomy, while his appointed officials monitored their activities. This approach enabled Philip to harness the resources of these cities, such as the gold mines in the former Thracian city of Crenides, without the burden of direct control.
6. His Numerous Campaigns Left Him Physically Debilitated
Philip preferred to lead by example, often spearheading cavalry charges and enduring the same risks as his troops. His bravery undoubtedly motivated his soldiers, contributing to key victories, but it also took a toll on him. He suffered numerous injuries, leaving him permanently scarred.
By 336 BC, his body bore the marks of his relentless campaigns. During the siege of Methone in 354 BC, an arrow struck him, costing him his right eye (unlike Harold, he survived). A Thracian spear inflicted a severe leg injury in another battle, leaving him with a limp. Additional wounds included a fractured collarbone and a crippled arm.
5. He Married Seven Times
While Henry VIII is famously known for his eight wives, Philip II of Macedon surpasses this with an even more remarkable feat: he had seven wives simultaneously.
His wives included Audata, Phila of Elimeia, Nicesipolis of Pherae, Olympias of Epirus (mother of Alexander the Great), Philinna of Larissa, Meda of Odessa, and Cleopatra Eurydice of Macedon. Philip, a pragmatic and ambitious leader, did not marry for love. Each union served a strategic political purpose.
For instance, his marriage to Olympias, Alexander’s mother, around 357 BC, was aimed at securing Macedonia’s western frontier. This alliance with Epirus allowed Philip to focus on capturing the Athenian city of Amphipolis.
4. His Decisive Victory Came at Chaeronea
As Philip strengthened his grip on Greece, the Athenian orator Demosthenes formed an alliance against Macedon and initiated war. As the Athenians and Thebans readied their assault, Philip rallied his forces and advanced southward to confront them in a final, decisive clash.
In 338 BC, near Chaeronea, the two armies met. The Greek right wing featured 300 elite Theban soldiers from the Sacred Band. Facing them was young prince Alexander and his cavalry. The Athenians on the left flank launched the first attack, but Philip instructed his troops to feign retreat, creating an opening in the coalition’s line. Alexander then led a charge against the Sacred Band, while Philip exploited the gap, encircling and crushing the Thebans. With their forces divided and the Sacred Band defeated, the coalition army fled, securing victory for Macedon.
3. The Location of His Tomb Remains a Mystery
In 1977, archaeologists believed they had discovered Philip’s tomb in Aegean Macedonia near Salonica. However, further analysis revealed the tomb dated to 317 BC, ruling out Philip as its occupant and sparking questions about his true burial site.
Recently, another tomb near the original site has been investigated. Inside, the remains of a 45-year-old man (matching Philip’s age at death) were found, with evidence of a leg injury. The tomb also contained the remains of a woman and a baby, strongly suggesting it belongs to Philip.
However, some accounts suggest that the Macedonian General Cassander relocated and cremated Philip’s body, leaving the true location of the great king’s final resting place shrouded in uncertainty.
2. Alexander May Have Been Involved in His Assassination
In 338 BC, Philip planned to wed Cleopatra, a noblewoman of Macedonian descent, likely aiming to father an heir of pure Macedonian lineage. This move alarmed Alexander, who sought to remain the sole successor, causing tension between him and his father.
During the wedding festivities, Philip was stabbed while entering a theater by Pausanias, a young Macedonian noble. As Philip succumbed to his injuries, Pausanias attempted to flee but was intercepted and swiftly killed by Alexander’s companions.
This incident cast suspicion on Alexander, as Pausanias’s death eliminated any chance of uncovering the motive behind Philip’s assassination. It is possible that Alexander orchestrated the murder, with his allies silencing the assassin to protect him. Shortly after, Alexander’s mother ordered the execution of Philip’s new wife and child.
1. He Governed Greece via the League of Corinth
After defeating the military powerhouses of Athens and Thebes, Philip saw Greece as ready for unification. He called representatives from all Greek city-states to Corinth, establishing peace under the League of Corinth, with Philip as its leader.
The league operated through a council, with each city holding membership. However, Philip dominated the council, effectively controlling the league. As its supreme military commander, he could mobilize the league’s forces for his ultimate ambition: the invasion of Persia—a goal he would never accomplish.
+ Further Reading
Philip of Macedonia was an intriguing figure, much like his son, Alexander. Explore these additional lists from our archives that delve into the ancient world:
10 Conspiracy Theories About The Ancient World 10 Most Decisive Ancient Battles 10 Lesser-Known Facts About The Ancient World 10 Military Gambles That Dictated The Fate Of Nations
