Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2008 2:18 pm
I'm intrigued at your continued use of "second in command" and your insistence on what you see as a "good enough" answer. The implication is that there was something far more important - militarily - about Alexander that saw him promoted to "second in command".the_accursed wrote:That is, in my opinion, a poor explanation. Philip was about to fight the most important battle of his life. Had he lost, then it would probably have been the end of the Macedonian empire. And before this battle, he made a relatively inexperienced 18-year old second in command. I think "why" is a very good question. And "sending a message" is not good enough an answer.
Philip left for operations against Perinthus and Byzantium in late 340. When he did this, he left the royal seal with his annointed heir, the sixteen year old Alexander who acted as regent. Later, in 339, Philip summoned his son "to join him, and learn the rudiments of war in the camp of his father" (Justin IX.1.8) whilst campaigning on the northern frontiers.
At Chaeronea he posted his son on the left wing whilst the king. Philip, commanded from the right. The young Alexander was given the Zimmer-frame of Philip's "most important commanders" in Diodorus' words. Thus the prodigy was provided with a group of hardened and experienced campaign generals to provide advice and keep the young fellow with the programme.
After the battle Philip sends his diplomat, Antipater, to Athens so as to settle matters in Philip's stead. Along with him he sends Alexander. Does this indicate that Antipater was getting old and needed help in his job? Not likely.
What all of this clearly shows is that Alexander, coming into manhood, is being clearly singled out by Philip as his successor. All of this is an expression of confidence by Philip and training to boot.
Philip well knew the issue was up for grabs at Chaeronea. That will have been the same with or without Alexander.That the king's eighteen year old son is on the left wing is no great surprise - he is hardly likely to have been found amongst the lochoi of the infantry. Nor is the fact that Philip's most experienced generals are placed there about him.