The word "Macedonia" means "high land."This part of Greece had extraordinary potential. Any other province could envy natural and human resources. But for a long time there was no leading leader who would use all her powers wisely.
Strange tribes lived on the edge of the north of Greece.Both Greeks and Thracian neighbors influenced their culture, language and traditions. For the entire ancient world, the Macedonians for a long time remained barbarians, ignoramuses and "low-grade" people.
The turning point for history was 359 BC. erThe distant Greek province was headed by the twenty-three-year-old king Philip. Under his leadership, was born Ancient Macedonia. But he became not only the founder of the empire, but also opened a second wind for the culture of Greece.
Филипп родился в столице Македонии - Пелле, в royal family. Ascended to the throne during the bloody events. The cause of strife was Philip's mother, Eurydice, who had a love affair with her daughter's husband. By her order killed the king.
On the throne came his brother Perdick, who waskilled by enemies in 359 BC. er Then Philip became king of Macedonia instead of his young nephew. But later, having won the trust of the troops, he removed the heir and occupied the throne. It was he who expanded the poor province to the size of an empire, which is known as Ancient Macedonia. The history of the establishment of the state began with the military reform of the ruler. Diplomacy was another path to success.
Philip was the first to arm his warriors.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. er he became the full ruler of Greece.
A year later, the king got carried away by a noble girl fromMacedonia, because of what divorced his wife Olympics. From his first marriage, he had two children: a daughter, Cleopatra, and a son, Alexander, with whom the Empire of Ancient Macedonia should later be headed. But the new marriage of the father did not suit the young man. Therefore, he followed his mother left Macedonia. Philip apologized to his son, and he returned to his homeland, trying to maintain neutrality and not to take sides with any parents in the conflict.
In 336 BC. Oe., during 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 of this offended Olympics. Blamed and Alexander. Also under suspicion was the brother of Olympiad - Alexander Molossky. Later, Philip's son officially accused the Persians.
The new ruler in the face of Alexander receivedAncient Macedonia. Greece was already subordinate to 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. er went to enemies. The victory on land was easy and lightning. But during the battles a problem arose - the lack of an efficient fleet. This Alexander compensated for the new strategy. He attacked important naval bases from land.
After the victory over long-standing enemies - the Persians - the kingwent to Egypt, the breadbasket, which was supposed to feed his entire empire. He endlessly respected this civilization with a century-long history, and there he was greeted like a god. Egypt surrendered voluntarily. Ancient Macedonia gave a new impetus to the development of Egyptian and Greek culture.
After the death of the Macedonian Empire, its commanders divided among themselves.
Philip was a supporter of Greece.There is evidence that from 368-365. BC er He was held captive in Thebes, where he became interested in the culture of a developed country. Therefore, after the conquest of Greece allowed the bright minds of the time to return to their cities and continue to work. Invited the Greek philosophers and teachers of the king and home. The culture, language, writing of Ancient Macedonia was based on the knowledge of the Greeks.
