Phillip II

Discuss Philip's achievements and Macedonia pre-Alexander

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bob

Phillip II

Post by bob »

We all know there are 5 sources of Alexander. But Peter Green sure had a lot to say about Phillip. What are the sources (ancient) on Phillip II? Thanks all! Bob
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marcus
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Re: Phillip II

Post by marcus »

Diodorus Book 16.Justin, Books 9 and 10 (I think - might need to check this).Then there are various letters and speeches (many of them) by Demosthenes, Aeschines, Isocrates (the main ones).Plutarch also touches on Philip in, for example, his Life of Demosthenes; and in the Moralia (while other essayists, such as Athenaeus, generally have something to say about him).Oh yes, there are some good bits of information in Pausanias, "Guide to Greece".Hope this helps.ATBMarcus
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Re: Phillip II

Post by Paralus »

G'day Bob"Europe had never produced such a man, all in all, as Philip son of Amyntas."So wrote Theopompus of Chios (? GÇô not certain), one of those sources. Unfortunately, being used as a source for later writers only preserves his history GÇô along with its apparently pointed conclusions and observations GÇô in piecemeal form.
Much the same can be said for Pompieus Trogus, Diyllus of Athens, Callisthenes (Hellenica), Marsyas Macedon (who wrote from within Philip's court) and most unfortunately of all, Ephorus (and his son Demophilus). NGL Hammond ("Philip of Macedon") has good short background on the sources of information used to reconstruct Philip's history.We need to remember the interaction of the Greek city states played a part in preserving our knowledge of Philip GÇô from their side. Marcus has pointed up the some of the many Athenian orators of the period. As he says there are more (Lycurgus for one).

Whilst the Macedonian kings did not often feel compelled to record their decisions in stone or other media (as say a democracy such as Athens did), such decisions being theirs alone, the effects are reported and recorded elsewhere.Numismatics GÇô as the king had sole authority over his coinage GÇô is another. An example would be the coin (can't remember the exact one)depicting Nike (victory) either holding a trident or standing on the bow of a trireme (the former I think) minted c 338 which is interpreted as part of Philip's pan-Hellenic propaganda. The theory being, Philip (whose image is on the obverse) identifies himself with Salamis.The rest is down to archaeology.That Theopompus line goes a way to explaining Alexander's near compulsive drive to best his father. It is a most apt description of Europe's first "statesman". Lies, bribes, military brilliance, and master politician GÇô the lot. He may well have perfected GÇô if not invented GÇô "divide and conquer".Paralus.
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Ἐπὶ τοὺς πατέρας, ὦ κακαὶ κεφαλαί, τοὺς μετὰ Φιλίππου καὶ Ἀλεξάνδρου τὰ ὅλα κατειργασμένους;
Wicked men, you sin against your fathers, who conquered the whole world under Philip and Alexander.

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bob

Re: Phillip II

Post by bob »

Thanks to both of you for your helpful replies!
Bob
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