Synopses & Reviews
Alexander the Great is probably the most famous ruler of antiquity, and his spectacular conquests are recounted often in books and films. But what of his father, Philip II, who united Macedonia, created the best army in the world at the time, and conquered and annexed Greece? This landmark biography is the first to bring Philip to life, exploring the details of his life and legacy and demonstrating that his achievements were so remarkable that it can be argued they outshoneand#160;those of his more famous son. Without Philip, Greek history would have been entirely different.
Taking into account recent archaeological discoveries and reinterpreting ancient literary records, Ian Worthington brings to light Philipand#8217;s political, economic, military, social, and cultural accomplishments. He reveals the full repertoire of the kingand#8217;s tactics, including several polygamous diplomatic marriages, deceit, bribery, military force, and a knack for playing off enemies against one another. The author also inquires into the kingand#8217;s influences, motives, and aims, and in particular his turbulent, unraveling relationship with Alexander, which may have ended in murder. Philip became in many ways the first modern regent of the ancient world, and this book places him where he properly belongs: firmly at the center stage of Greek history.
Review
"Detailed, nuanced. . . . An important book for anyone with an interest in Greece, the Hellenistic age, and the roots of the West."and#8212;The New York Military Affairs Symposium Review
Review
"This is an important book on a remarkably successful king."--Peter Hunt, The Historian --Peter Hunt
Review
"A detailed narrative of the political and military history of Phillip's region. . . . Overall the strengths are: the author's impressive range, his knowledge of the scholarship on Phillip, and his lively prose. . . . This is an important book on a remarkably successful king."and#8212;Peter Hunt, The Historian
About the Author
Ian Worthington is Frederick A. Middlebush Professor of History, University of Missouri–Columbia. Among his previous books are Alexander the Great: Man and God and Demosthenes: Statesman and Orator. He lives in Columbia, MO.