Ancient Macedonia - the empire of two kings

The word "Macedonia" means "high land". This part of Greece possessed extraordinary potential. Natural and human resources could be envied by any other province. But for a long time there was no leading leader who would use all her powers wisely.

From savages to conquerors

On the edge of the north of Greece lived strange tribes. Their culture, language and traditions were influenced by both Greeks and Thracians neighbors. For all the ancient world Macedonians for a long time remained barbarians, ignoramuses and "low-grade" people.

Ancient Macedonia had significant historical advantages in order to become one of the most powerful empires in the world. Greece was defeated by the war with Sparta, which lasted 27 years with little interruptions. In addition, immediately after the fall of Athens other cities began to fight with each other for the right of primacy. Covered a significant crisis and ancient Persia, the sun of the Achamen dynasty was rolling to the sunset. Because of constant attacks, Egypt was ruined.

A turning point for history was the year 359 BC. E. A distant Greek province was headed by the twenty-three-year-old Tsar 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.

A fan of Greece

Philip was born in the capital of Macedonia - Pella, in the royal family. He ascended the throne during the bloody events. The cause of the feuds was the mother of Philip, Eurydice, who had a love affair with her daughter's husband. By her order, the king was killed.

On the throne was his brother Perdikk, who was killed by the enemies in 359 BC. E. Then Philip became king of Macedonia instead of a minor nephew. But later, having won the confidence of the troops, he dismissed 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 was another way 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 a full-fledged ruler of Greece.

Intrigues of the Macedonian apex

A year later, the king was carried away by a noble girl from Macedonia, because of which he divorced his wife Olympiad. From his first marriage he had two children: the daughter of Cleopatra and the son of Alexander, whom the ancient Macedonia was supposed to lead later. But the new marriage of the father did not suit the young man. So he left Macedonia after his mother. Philip apologized to his son, and he returned to his homeland, trying to maintain neutrality and not become one of the parties to the conflict of the parents.

In 336 BC. E., during the wedding ceremony of the daughter of Philip, one of the guards rushed forward and killed the king. He died at the age of 47 years.

The murderer was executed when he tried to escape. History is still unknown who was the customer. According to one of the versions, this is an offended Olympiad. Accused and Alexander. Also under suspicion was the brother of the Olympics - Alexander Molossky. Later, Philip's son officially accused the Persians.

Completion of the case of the father

The new ruler in the person of Alexander received Ancient Macedonia. Greece was already subordinate to the new king, but he decided to implement his father's plan and capture Persia. The ruler continued to develop military engineering and in 334 BC. E. Went to the enemy. The victory on land was light and lightning fast. But in the course of battles a problem arose-the lack of an efficient fleet. This Alexander compensated with a new strategy. He attacked important naval bases from the land.

After the victory over the long-standing enemies - the Persians - the king went to Egypt, the granary, which was supposed to feed his entire empire. This civilization with centuries of history, he respected unlimitedly, 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 BC. E. The boundaries 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 by enemies.

After the death of the Macedonian, his generals shared among themselves the empire.

Cultural growth of the empire

Philip was a supporter of Greece. There is evidence that from 368-365. BC. E. He was in captivity in Thebes, where he was carried away by 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. He invited Greek philosophers and teachers to the Tsar and to his homeland. The culture, language, writing of Ancient Macedonia were based on the knowledge of the Greeks.

After the death of Philip, his case was continued by Alexander. Each conquered city plunged into Hellenism, that is, completely turned into a Greek polis with a temple, an agora (market square) and a theater. Priority of the father and son was the creation of not only a large, but also a civilized empire.