Philip the Great

[DimitriosPoliorketes]

I would say the Spartan's were at least as professional as the Macedonians regardless of their economic system. Also, don't forget the Assyrians! The similarities between the Spartans and Macedonians were indeed striking.The Spartans and the Macedonians both scorned at Olympic contests since they beleived in training directly for war and that Athletic contests were essentially useless in developing warrior skills.Incidently the Spartans more unlike other city states retained to some degree Homeric model of Monarchy common that was the basis of the Maceonian society.The Spartans ceased to compete in Olympics and instead focused on drills that resembled actually Battle.The Romans and also shared this conviction.The Spartans problem however was their rigidity that finally led to their defeat.Phillip's genius was the ability to foresee the future of warfare and improved both weaponry and tactics. And your corrrect about the Assyrians as a proffessional force that preceeded the armies of the Greek world.

[ruthaki]

Philip was a magnificent man and a brilliant commander. I was delighted to find a new statue of him erected in Thessaloniki this summer very near the park where the one of Alexander and Bucephalus is located. It was pleased to see him so honoured as he does tend to get overshadowed by his remarkable son.

[jan]

Let's see if this works.The influence of Olympias, the mother, is so important to Alexander in her belief in his divinity. The major difference between King Phillip and King Alexander is the aspect of their divinity, in that Alexander is born of Zeus Ammon.

[O]

Born of Zeus? That's a new one! Surely that was Athena?