This book is a study in depth of the rise to power of Macedonia under the astute leadership of Philip II, whose diplomatic adroitness and military skill paved the way for the career of his son and heir, Alexander the Great. J. R. Ellis has attempted to arrive at an impartial assessment of the process by which Philip brought Macedonia from the periphery to the hub of Balkan and Aegean affairs.

Originally published in 1986.

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