(b. c. 382BCE - 336BCE Alexander´s father)

Philip II of Macedonia ruled from 359-336BCE, laying the foundations for the military and political achievements of his son, Alexander. Philip introduced numerous innovations to the Macedonian army and established alliances with the Balkan peoples that provided both himself and Alexander with the organisation and resources necessary to carry out such conquests.

Macedonia had just suffered a major defeat at the hands of the Illyrians when Philip came to power in 359 BCE. The nation was in a state of political and military turmoil and Philip immediately set about bringing order to Macedonia. He attacked and defeated the Illyrians in 358BCE and then initiated a campaign that brought Upper Macedonia under his control. Philip frequently sought to create alliances and strengthen loyalties by marriage. For Philip, the most critical union was with Olympias, from the royal house of Molossia. They married in 357BCE and, in 358BCE, she gave birth to Alexander.

Philip made several political and military innovations that contributed to the expanded power of Macedonia. The increased size of the group of Royal Companions, the hetairoi, provided more people with positions of power and a stronger sense of belonging. He is also credited with the practice of having the sons of nobles educated in the court of the king. Not only would these young men learn the necessary skills of warfare, they also developed a fierce loyalty to the king. It also provided a way for Philip tohold the children hostage to maintain parental allegiance.

The success of Philip's military innovations was evident in 338BCE at the battle of Chaeronea. Although his army was greatly outnumbered by the combined Athenian and Theban force, his soldiers overwhelmed the opposition. Athens and Thebes became subjects of Philip, leaving Sparta as the only Greek state not under Macedonian control.

At the Council of Corinth in 337BCE, Philip presented his system for ruling the Greek states. All the political parties in each state were granted freedom and autonomy within a network of bureaucracies that would remain loyal to Philip. Despite some dissent, the Greek statecentury. In the spring of 336BCE, Philip sent Attalus and Parmenion into Asia Minor with 10,000 troops to begin liberating Greek cities along the coast. However, Philip never assumed field command in the campaign. He was assassinated just before beginning his journey to Asia. The story of his death is recounted in primary sources.