word "Macedonia" means "high land".This part of Greece has a very potential.Natural and human resources could envy of any other province.But for a long time there was a leading leader who would be wisely used all her strength.
From Savages to
conquerors of the north of Greece lived strange tribes.In their culture, language and traditions influenced by the Greeks and Thracians neighbors.For the whole of the ancient world for a long time remained the Macedonians as barbarians, ignoramuses and "low-grade" people.
Ancient Macedonia had significant historical advantages, to become one of the most powerful empires in the world.Greece has been broken by the war with Sparta, which lasted 27 years, with few interruptions.In addition, immediately after the fall of Athens and other cities began to fight with each other for the right to the championship.Coverage of major crisis and the ancient Persians, the sun dynasty Achaemenes rolled to a close.Because of the constant attacks ruined Egypt.
turning point for the history began 359 years BC.e.Far from the Greek province of the twenty-three headed King Philip.Under his leadership, he was born of ancient Macedonia.But it was not only the founder of the empire, but also opened a second wind for the culture of Greece.
admirer of Greece
Philip was born in the capital of Macedonia - Pella, in the royal family.He ascended the throne in the massacre.The cause of strife was the mother of Philip, Eurydice, who had an affair with the husband of his daughter.She killed the king's orders.
ascended the throne of his brother Perdiccas, who was killed by the enemy in 359 BC.e.Then Philip became king of Macedonia instead of a minor nephew.But later, having won the trust of the army, deposed heir and took the throne.It was he who expanded the poorest provinces to the size of the Empire, which is known as Ancient Macedonia.The story began with the establishment of the state of the military reform governor.Another way to success became a diplomat.
Philip was the first armed his soldiers with long spears (up to six meters).Because of this traditional phalanx began invincible.Another invention was the first catapult.During the battles in 338 BC.e.he became the sole ruler of Greece.
Intrigue Macedonian tops
year later, the king carried away by a noble woman from Macedonia, which is why divorced Olympics.From his first marriage he had two children: a daughter and a son, Alexander, Cleopatra, who was supposed to be headed later the empire of ancient Macedonia.But the father's new marriage did not suit the young man.So he followed his mother left Macedonia.Philip apologized to his son, and he returned home, trying to remain neutral and not become any one of the parties to the conflict to 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.
murderer was executed when he tried to escape.History is still unknown who was the customer.One theory is offended Olympics.Accused and Alexander.Also under suspicion was the brother of the Olympic Games - Alexander Molosser.Later, the son of Philip officially blamed the Persians.
Completion case father
new ruler in the person of Alexander got Ancient Macedonia.Greece has already been subordinated to the new king, but he decided to implement a plan to capture his father and Persia.The governor went on to develop a military engineer, and in 334 BC.e.He went on to enemies.Winning the land was light and lightning.But during the battle there was a problem - the lack of fighting fleet.This new strategy, Alexander compensated.He attacked the important naval bases on land.
After defeating old foes - Persians - the king went to Egypt, the granary, which was supposed to feed the rest of his empire.This civilization with centuries of history, he is infinitely respected, and there he was greeted as a god.Egypt surrendered voluntarily.Ancient Macedonia has given a new impetus to the development of the Egyptian and Greek culture.
In the year 325 BC.e.border land 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 death of the great military leader is unknown.There are versions that he was wounded in battle, he had contracted an infection, or even that he was poisoned by enemies.
After the death of the Macedonian empire was divided between his generals.
cultural flourishing empire
Philip was a supporter of Greece.There is evidence that a 368-365 years.BC.e.he was in captivity in Thebes, where culture became interested in a developed country.Therefore, after the conquest of Greece allowed the bright minds of that time to go back to their towns and continue to work.He invited the Greek philosophers and teachers of the king and the homeland.Culture, language, writing of ancient Macedonia were based on knowledge of the Greeks.
After Philip's death, Alexander continued his case.Each conquered city plunged into Hellenism, that is completely converted to the Greek polis to the temple, the agora (market square) and theater.The priority of a father and son was to create not only large, but also a civilized empire.
