how did philip 2 influence Alexanders career?

[smashedpumpkin]

i need to know someone must be able to tell me something!!!!!!

[marcus]

It would probably take a book to discuss this completely, but basically I reckon the answer lies in:(1) Everything Alexander learned about how Macedonian kingship came from Philip
(2) Philip was an extremely successful general, with both strategic and tactical brilliance. All Alexander had to do was watch and learn...
(3) Philip had been working, for some time, towards the campaign in Asia - and, indeed, had already sent a bridgehead across the Hellespont before he was killed. Alexander, to begin with, was merely continuing what Philip had been planning (although we could argue for weeks over where Philip's objectives ended and where Alexander's began).
(4) I suppose one could also say that Philip's appointment of Aristotle to be Alexander's tutor also influenced Alex - although this would depend on whether you are looking at the top level career or all the peripheries.All the bestMarcus

[davej]

Damn you Marcus,You answer the question I wanted. The only thing I would add is obviously Alexander adopted Philips' no nonsense approace to politics. The Slaughter of the Thebans I beleive was something Philip would have done. However there have been other factors at work, Philip spent many productive years in Thebes. As far as the bridgehead goes tehy were in serious trouble, all their early gains were lost, Ephesus had a conter coup and this forced Alexander's position. he had to do something to ensure that he was'nt called home early by internal strife like Agesilaus.

[smashedpumpkin]

yes, dave and marcas, i agree. Philip must have known that Alex was meant to lead, i mean, he left Alex as regent of Macedonia when he went to fight the rebels, thats a lot of responsibility for a 16 year old! He gave Alex every oportunity to exceed and reach his full potential as quick as possible. Do either of you think Philip suspected a possible assasination? Or was he so confident that he believed he was INVINCIBLE!!

[marcus]

Philip certainly wasn't expecting to be killed. He was already 46, which wasn't bad going, particularly for an active soldier and a Macedonian king... but he was expecting to trot over to Asia to liberate the Ionian cities.All the bestMarcus

[marcus]

Hi Dave,Yes, I realised afterwards that I hadn't really mentioned the politics issue. Whether Philip would have sacked Thebes I don't know, but it is quite clear that Alexander learned his politics and diplomacy from his father. All the bestMarcus

[Bob]

Through his political and military knowledge