The word "Macedonia" means "high land". This part of Greece had extraordinary potential. Natural and human resources could be the envy of any other province. But for a long time there was no leading leader who would use all her powers wisely.
From savages to conquerors
Strange tribes lived on the edge of the north of Greece. Their culture, language and traditions were influenced by both the Greeks and their neighbors, the Thracians. For the entire ancient world, the Macedonians for a long time remained barbarians, ignoramuses and "low-class" people.
Ancient Macedonia had significant historical advantages to become one of the most powerful empires in the world. Greece was defeated by the war with Sparta, which lasted 27 years with short breaks. In addition, immediately after the fall of Athens, other cities began to fight with each other for the right to take precedence. A significant crisis also gripped Ancient Persia, the sun of the Achaemenian dynasty rolled to sunset. Due to the constant attacks, Egypt went bankrupt.
The turning point for history was 359 BC. e. A distant Greek province was headed by the twenty-three-year-old king Philip. Under his leadership, Ancient Macedonia was born. But he became not only the founder of the empire, but also opened a second wind for the culture of Greece.
Greece fan
Philip was born in Pella, the capital of Macedonia, into a royal family. He ascended the throne during the bloody events. The reason for the civil strife was Philip's mother, Eurydice, who had a love affair with her daughter's husband. By her order, the king was killed.
The throne was ascended by his brother Perdiccas, who was killed by enemies in 359 BC. e. Then Philip became the king of Macedonia instead of a minor nephew. But later, having won the confidence of the army, he deposed the heir and took the throne. It was he who expanded the poor province to the size of the empire, which is known as Ancient Macedonia. The history of the establishment of the state began with the military reform of the ruler. Diplomacy has become another path to success.
Philip was the first to arm his warriors with long spears (up to six meters). Thanks to this, the traditional phalanxes became invincible. Another invention was the first catapult. During the battles in 338 BC. e. he became the full ruler of Greece.
Macedonian elite intrigues
A year later, the king became interested in a noble girl from Macedonia, because of which he divorced his wife Olympias. From his first marriage, he had two children: a daughter, Cleopatra, and a son, Alexander, who was to later head the empire of Ancient Macedonia. But the new marriage of his father did not suit the young man. Therefore, he left Macedonia after his mother. Philip apologized to his son, and he returned to his homeland, trying to remain neutral and not take sides in the conflict between his parents.
In 336 B. C. e., inDuring the wedding ceremony of Philip's daughter, one of the guards rushed forward and killed the king. He died at the age of 47.
The killer was executed when he tried to escape. History is still unknown who was the customer. According to one version, this is an offended Olympics. Alexander was also blamed. Also under suspicion was the brother of Olympias - Alexander Molossky. Philip's son later officially accused the Persians.
Finishing Father's Case
Ancient Macedonia received a new ruler in the person of Alexander. Greece was already under the control of the new king, but he decided to carry out his father's plan and capture Persia. The ruler continued to develop military engineering and in 334 BC. e. went to the enemies. The victory on land was easy and lightning fast. But during the battles, a problem arose - the lack of a combat-ready fleet. Alexander compensated for this with a new strategy. He attacked important naval bases from land.
After defeating ancient enemies - the Persians - the king went to Egypt, the granary that was supposed to feed his entire empire. This civilization with a century of history, he boundlessly respected, and there he was met as a god. Egypt surrendered voluntarily. Ancient Macedonia gave a new impetus to the development of Egyptian and Greek culture.
In 325 B. C. e. the borders of the lands of Alexander the Great stretched from Greece to the territory of modern India. His reign lasted until his death in 323 BC. e. The exact cause of the death of the great commander is unknown. There are versions that he was wounded in battle, contracted an infection, or even that he was poisoned.enemies.
After the death of Macedon, the empire was divided between his commanders.
Cultural Rise of Empire
Philip was a supporter of Greece. There is evidence that from 368-365. BC e. he was a prisoner in Thebes, where he became interested in the culture of a developed country. Therefore, after the conquest of Greece, he allowed the bright minds of that time to return to their cities and continue their work. The king invited the Greek philosophers and teachers to their homeland. The culture, language, writing of Ancient Macedonia were based on the knowledge of the Greeks.
After the death of Philip, Alexander continued his work. Each conquered city plunged into Hellenism, that is, it completely turned into a Greek policy with a temple, an agora (marketplace) and a theater. The priority of father and son was to create not only a large, but also a civilized empire.
