Although he is often only remembered for being the father of Alexander the Great, Philip II of Macedon (reigned 359 BCE - 336 BCE) was an accomplished king and military commander in his own right, setting the stage for his son's victory over Darius III and the conquest of Persia. Philip inherited a weak, backward country with an ineffective, undisciplined army and molded them into a formidable, efficient military force, eventually subduing the territories around Macedonia as well as subjugating most of Greece. He used bribery, warfare, and threats to secure his kingdom. However, without his insight and determination, history would never have heard of Alexander.
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Definition
Timeline
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383 BCEBirth of Philip II of Macedonia.
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368 BCE - 365 BCEYoung Philip II is captured by Pelopidas and held hostage in Thebes.
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359 BCEPhillip II takes throne of Macedonia.
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359 BCE - 336 BCEReign of Philip II of Macedon.
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357 BCEMarriage of Olympias to Philip II of Macedonia.
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357 BCE - 356 BCEAfter defeating the Thracian dynasts Berisades and Cetriporos, Philip II lays the foundation of a new city bearing his name: Philippopolis (modern Plovdiv, Bulgaria).
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c. 357 BCEPhilip II of Macedon renames the Macedonian city of Crrenides after himself: Philippi.
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356 BCEThird Social War in Greece.
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356 BCEPhilip II of Macedon wins the horse race at the Olympic Games.
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c. 353 BCEPhilip II of Macedon leads the joined forces of Macedonia and the Amphictyonic League in Thessaly and wins over the Phocians, Pheraeans and their allies in the Battle of Crocus Field.
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352 BCEBattle of Crocus Field in Greece.
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352 BCEPhilip II of Macedon wins the chariot race at the Olympic Games and retains the crown in 348 BCE.
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c. 349 BCE - c. 346 BCEPhilip II is given the hand of Nikesipolis, niece of Jason of Pherae, a Thessalian nobleman, for marriage. She gives birth to Thessalonike of Macedon, and dies 20 days later.
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c. 347 BCEAthenian orator Demosthenes is sent on a diplomatic embassy to the court of Philip II of Macedon.
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346 BCEDemosthenes gives his 'On the Peace' speech to the Athenian assembly advocating war against Philip II of Macedon.
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343 BCEKing Philip II of Macedon summons Aristotle to tutor his young son Alexander (later 'The Great').
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342 BCEPhilip II leads a military expedition against the Scythians.
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340 BCEPhocion defeats Philip II of Macedon at Byzantium.
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339 BCEPhilip II of Macedon fights the Scythians.
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338 BCEThe first battle of Chaeronea. Philip II of Macedon defeats the Greek alliance directed against him, led by Athens and Thebes.
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c. 338 BCEPhilippeion built at Olympia by Philip II of Macedonia.
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338 BCEPhilip of Macedonia defeats the Greek allied forces of Athens, Thebes and Corinth in the Battle of Chaironeia.
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2 Aug 338 BCEThe Battle of Charonea gives Athens to the Macedonian victors. Agora takes on Macedonian characteristics.
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337 BCEPhilip II of Macedonia marries Cleopatra Eurydice.
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337 BCEThe League of Corinth is created by Philip II of Macedon.
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336 BCEPhilip II of Macedon is assassinated.
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316 BCEDeath of Olympias, mother of Alexander the Great.
