An Analysis of Philip II's Military Conquests and Diplomatic Skills

This essay delves into the military exploits of Philip II of Macedonia, focusing on his campaigns in ancient Greece. It examines his strategic use of both military force and diplomacy, illustrating how he transformed Macedonia into a dominant power. The essay highlights key events such as Philip'...Read More

Running head: MILITARY CONQUEST OF PHILIP THE SECOND
Military Conquest of Philip the Second
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1MILITARY CONQUEST OF PHILIP THE SECOND
Philip the Second was one the greatest kings of Macedonia during the three
hundred BC (Müller 2018). He is popularly known to be the father of Alexander the
Great, but there are many accomplishments of his which make him a unique character
to be studied in itself. This essay seeks to understand the military exploits of Philip in
to the land of Greece. In this regard, the essay looks in to the use of diplomacy by
Philip the Second as in contrast to the use of military force by him.
Philip is recognised to be the conqueror of Macedonia who redesigned his army
in order to make it stronger and more effective (Thomas 2017). He made the army so
that they become quite invincible in their exploits and also be able to conquer other
territories.
Philip’s military exploits can be seen to be starting as early as 359 BC when the
King of Paeonians, Agis, passed away (Martin 2016). Philip took this opportunity to
attack against the foreign power, ultimately emerging victorious in his conquest. In
the year 359 BC, Philip even went against Bardylis who had a firm control over the
upper part of Macedonia. Bardylis wanted to enter in to a treaty with Philip which
advocated for the maintenance of status quo but Philip did not believe in diplomacy.
He went in to a war with Bardylis and emerged victorious by defeating the king.
With respect of the use of diplomacy by Philip, in 358 BC, Aleuadae of Larissa
residing in Thessaly, wanted the aid of Philip to fight against Alexander of Pherae,
who was considered to be a tyrant. In order to help Aleuadae of Larissa, Philip
entered in to a marriage agreement with Philinna of Larissa (Worthington 2015). A
second instance of diplomacy employed by Philip in order to protect his kingdom was
the marriage with Olympias. Olympias was the daughter of Neoptolemus I of Epirus.
The king of Arybbas was her uncle. As a result of this marriage, Philip could enter in

2MILITARY CONQUEST OF PHILIP THE SECOND
to an alliance with Molossians in Epirus which aided him in securing the Western
border of Macedonia. This diplomatic relation also ensured the regaining of control
over Orestis by Macedonia.
The use of deceit can be noted in the war with Amphipolis. Philip shared an
alliance with Athens but Athens was distracted with her own alliances and the fear of
revolt. Philip took this opportunity to attack Amphipolis since it was the most
important city which provided access in to the city of Thrace. Philip was quick to
conquer Amphipolis with the use of seize machines (Ryder 1994). The use of deceit
can further be noted when Philip paid off Olynthus and Chalcidice who were
unwilling to help Amphipolis without the support of Athens. Athens finally managed
to come to the aid of Amphipolis and this triggered the ten year war between Athens
and Macedonia.
In the year 355 BC, Philip expanded his territorial conquest towards the
eastwhere he conquered the regions of Galepsus and that of Apollonia and also
occupied Oesyme (Buckler 1996). Neapolis, one of the trading countries near
Macedonia, sought the help of Athens, but was instead, soon captured by Macedonia.
All the various wars came to an end in 346 BC and the peace of Philocrates was
formulated. The initial attempts at peace was first formulated by Philip himself in the
year 347 BC. However, many countries were reluctant to enter in to a peace
negotiation until 346 BC. Around that time, Athens realised that it was futile to form
an alliance which could rival the power of Macedonia. Around ten ambassadors,
which included that of Demosthenes, sent to Pella in order to negotiate with Philip.
The ambassadors were given certain peace terms which were acceptable in nature.
However, an obstacle was reached with regard to the situation of Phocis. Philip

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himself went to Athens to concretise the peace treaty and it was signed which was
largely favourable to Macedonia. However, later Demosthenes was sceptical about
Philip’s peace treaty and was certain that Philip posed a great threat to the power of
Athens. During the time when Philip was in need of the support of Athens to launch
an attack against Thermopylae, Athens refused. Instead of resorting to a military
attack, Philip called for a peaceful solution.
In conclusion it is observed that Philip the Second was a great king and a brilliant
strategist. He knew which powers he could defeat and also challenged the might of
Athens.

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References:
Buckler, J., 1996. ‘Philip II’s Designs on Greece’, Transitions to Empire. Essays in
Honor of E. Badian, pp. 77-97.
Martin, T.R., 2016. By the Spear: Philip II, Alexander the Great, and the Rise and Fall
of the Macedonian Empire. The Historian, 78(2), p.402.
Müller, S., 2018. The Reception of Alexander’s Father Philip II of Macedon. In Brill's
Companion to the Reception of Alexander the Great (pp. 72-95). BRILL.
Ryder, T.T.B., 1994. The diplomatic skills of Philip II. Ventures into Greek History,
pp.228-57.
Thomas, N., 2017. The Military Genius of Philip II of Macedon.
Worthington, I., 2015. Demosthenes of Athens and the fall of classical Greece.
Oxford University Press.