Mark Luttenberger

The topic of inquiry is a political, military, and economic history of ancient Macedon during the reign of Philip II (359-336) in the fourth century BC. The first two chapters analyze the early history of Macedon and the development of the political, military, social, and economic institutions of the Macedonian kingdom. The balance of the book discusses the rise of Macedon from a small kingdom on the periphery of the Greek world to become the master of ancient Hellas and the Balkan world south of the Danube River. The central figure of the book is Philip II who ascended the throne as a young man in his early twenties after the defeat and death of his brother and six thousand Macedonians by the hostile Illyrians. The book follows his twenty-three-year reign as he guides the Macedonian people to the pinnacle of power and dominance over their neighbors in the Balkan world. You will witness the political, military, and economic growth of the kingdom that Philip created through his numerous reforms and conquests. His energetic, cunning, and inspired leadership will be revealed in these accomplishments. At Philip's death in 336, the foundation of power was established that his son Alexander the Great would use to conquer the Persian Empire. As Philip's power grew, you will encounter his seven wives that formed the basis of his diplomatic arrangements to protect the kingdom. You will be introduced to the leading characters whether family, friend, or foe. These include his wife and son Olympias and Alexander; friends Antipater and Parmenio; and foes Bardylis, Onomarchus, Demosthenes, and Artaxerxes III. The book concludes with an analysis of the assassination of Philip and Alexander's consolidation of power in the Balkan world in 335 BC before he embarks on his legendary journey.

The topic of inquiry is a political, military, and economic history of ancient Macedon during the reign of Philip II (359-336) in the fourth century BC. The first two chapters analyze the early history of Macedon and the development of the political, military, social, and economic institutions of the Macedonian kingdom. The balance of the book discusses the rise of Macedon from a small kingdom on the periphery of the Greek world to become the master of ancient Hellas and the Balkan world south of the Danube River. The central figure of the book is Philip II who ascended the throne as a young man in his early twenties after the defeat and death of his brother and six thousand Macedonians by the hostile Illyrians. The book follows his twenty-three-year reign as he guides the Macedonian people to the pinnacle of power and dominance over their neighbors in the Balkan world. You will witness the political, military, and economic growth of the kingdom that Philip created through his numerous reforms and conquests. His energetic, cunning, and inspired leadership will be revealed in these accomplishments. At Philip's death in 336, the foundation of power was established that his son Alexander the Great would use to conquer the Persian Empire. As Philip's power grew, you will encounter his seven wives that formed the basis of his diplomatic arrangements to protect the kingdom. You will be introduced to the leading characters whether family, friend, or foe. These include his wife and son Olympias and Alexander; friends Antipater and Parmenio; and foes Bardylis, Onomarchus, Demosthenes, and Artaxerxes III. The book concludes with an analysis of the assassination of Philip and Alexander's consolidation of power in the Balkan world in 335 BC before he embarks on his legendary journey.

The topic of inquiry is a political, military, and economic study of classical Greece from 500 to 336 BC. The book begins with the reign of Darius I of Persia and ends with the reign of Philip II of Macedon. It encompasses the Greek world from Asia Minor to Sicily and Italy. The primary emphasis is on the Greek world around the Aegean Sea and Macedonia.The book's central theme is the story of the various poleis that inhabit the Greek world. In this history of the classical age, you will encounter the famous cities of Athens, Sparta, Thebes, and Syracuse. All sought hegemony in the Greek world. In addition, you will discover that there were approximately eight hundred poleis during the classical period. Whether large or small, all played their part. Corinth, Olynthus, Mytilene, Miletus, Byzantium, and others played significant roles during the heyday of Greece.From the Greeks' successful defense of freedom against Darius I and Xerxes to their subjection by Philip II, you will encounter the men and events that have passed into legend. Miltiades, Themistocles, and Pausanias led Athens and Sparta against Persia. Marathon, Thermopylae, Salamis, and Chaeronea are symbols of freedom and courage. You will view the glory of Athens under Pericles and its defeat by Sparta. The demise of Sparta under Agesilaus will be recounted. The rise of Thebes under Epaminondas will be reviewed. Finally, the emergent star of Philip II will be described. The book concludes with Philip's assassination and the accession of Alexander the Great.To counterbalance the political disunion of the Greeks, you will witness the unity of Greek culture displayed through economics, religion, the arts, and the Panhellenic games. This rainbow of themes will illustrate the story of Greece in the classical age.

The topic of inquiry is a political, military, and economic study of classical Greece from 500 to 336 BC. The book begins with the reign of Darius I of Persia and ends with the reign of Philip II of Macedon. It encompasses the Greek world from Asia Minor to Sicily and Italy. The primary emphasis is on the Greek world around the Aegean Sea and Macedonia.The book's central theme is the story of the various poleis that inhabit the Greek world. In this history of the classical age, you will encounter the famous cities of Athens, Sparta, Thebes, and Syracuse. All sought hegemony in the Greek world. In addition, you will discover that there were approximately eight hundred poleis during the classical period. Whether large or small, all played their part. Corinth, Olynthus, Mytilene, Miletus, Byzantium, and others played significant roles during the heyday of Greece.From the Greeks' successful defense of freedom against Darius I and Xerxes to their subjection by Philip II, you will encounter the men and events that have passed into legend. Miltiades, Themistocles, and Pausanias led Athens and Sparta against Persia. Marathon, Thermopylae, Salamis, and Chaeronea are symbols of freedom and courage. You will view the glory of Athens under Pericles and its defeat by Sparta. The demise of Sparta under Agesilaus will be recounted. The rise of Thebes under Epaminondas will be reviewed. Finally, the emergent star of Philip II will be described. The book concludes with Philip's assassination and the accession of Alexander the Great.To counterbalance the political disunion of the Greeks, you will witness the unity of Greek culture displayed through economics, religion, the arts, and the Panhellenic games. This rainbow of themes will illustrate the story of Greece in the classical age.