Thomas R. Martin, An Overview of Classical Greek History from Mycenae to Alexander, The Creation of Macedonian Power, Alexander's Rise to Power

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Introduction to the Historical Overview in Perseus Geographical and Historical Introduction The Early Greek Dark Age and Revival in the Near East Remaking Greek Civilization The Archaic Age The Late Archaic City-State Introduction to the Fifth Century Clash Between Greeks and Persians Athenian Empire in the Golden Age Athenian Religious and Cultural Life in the Golden Age Continuity and Change in Athenian Social and Intellectual History The Peloponnesian War and Athenian Life Introduction to the Fourth Century The Aftermath of the Peloponnesian War New Directions in Philosophy and Education The Creation of Macedonian Power

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Macedonian Monarchy Macedonians and Greeks The Ambitions of Philip II Philip's Reorganization of the Macedonian Army Philip and the Greeks The Aftermath of the Battle of Chaeronea Alexander's Rise to Power Alexander's Hopes The Attack on the Persian Empire The Siege of Tyre Alexander in Egypt The Conquest of Persia Alexander's March to the East Alexander in Afghanistan and India The Return of Alexander Alexander's Last Plans The Aims of Alexander The Death of Alexander The Effect of Alexander

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Alexander's Rise to Power

A disgruntled Macedonian assassinated Philip¹ in 336 B.C. Unconfirmed rumors circulated that the murder had been instigated by one of his several wives, Olympias, a princess from Epirus to the west of Macedonia. In any case, Philip's son by her, Alexander² (356-323 B.C.), promptly liquidated potential rivals for the throne³ and won recognition as king. In several lightning-fast campaigns, he subdued Macedonia's traditional enemies to the west and north. Next he compelled the southern Greeks, who had rebelled from the League of Corinth⁴ at the news of Philip's death, to rejoin the alliance. To demonstrate the price of disloyalty, Alexander destroyed Thebes⁵ in 335 B.C. as punishment for its rebellion from the League.

1 Aristot. Pol. 5.1311b 1

2 Perseus Encyclopedia entry for Alexander