Did the war between Athens and Sparta set the stage for Philip II to rise to power?Philip II's power worked out according to plan after his noticeable involvement in the 3rd Social War fought in the year 356 BC. Delphi was overrun and defeated by the Phocians. The Spartans as well as the Athenians entered the fray rooting for the Phocians. Though unable to unite in opposition to Philip II, the Athenians continued waging war till the treaty, Peace of Philocrates, was signed in the year 346 BC. South Greece was weakened further by such continuous discord. In the middle of this struggle, Philip II expanded his kingdom by capturing Crenides' urban areas and renaming it Philippi in the year 355 BC, destroying Methone in the year 354 BC, and annexing the Chalcidice promontory's ancient city Olynthus in the year 348 BC (MAG).

How did Philip II build the strength of Macedonia?

Philip II rose to power in the year 360 BC in Macedon, Northern Greece. It took him less than a decade to subjugate most of the bordering kingdoms: the Thracians in the Upper East and North and the Paionians and Illyrians and in Northwestern and Western Greece. Philip II made huge changes in Macedon and elsewhere. Advancements such as improved battle gear, equipment and launches, as well as 'sarissa', a different kind of infantry wherein individual warriors held great pikes as weapons, ensured his army was equipped with highly advanced military innovations (MAG).

What were the pillars of Philip II's military strategy and strength?

The Macedonian army is cited as an example of one of the world's best-prepared...

Military transformations such as full-time army occupation ensured Macedonia's army became all powerful. All-day army work, occasionally witnessed in Asia Minor and Greece in that era, proved to be amazing and alarming (to enemies) during war. The Greek phalanx and other novel strategies were devised and adopted, in addition to calm united attacks by infantry, bowmen, and mounted forces, contributing to their military legacy. Macedon's army consisted mostly of local warriors and conquered Greek armies. The army which was sent to wage war on Persia-controlled Asia Minor was about sixty-six-percent non-Macedonian. Novel weapons like the previously-mentioned sarissa accorded Macedon a truly spectacular military strength. Its army worked united and effectively (MAG).
What event led to Alexander taking over power in Macedonia?

Philip II formally waged war against Persia in spring 336 BC. Around this time, a young honorable from Macedon, Pausanias, attacked and murdered the king at a wedding ceremony held in Aegae, Macedon's former capital city. Philip II, the great Macedon king who freed Macedon and raised it to great heights, was dead. Alexander the Great, Philip's son became king, and hence responsible for realizing his father's dream to defeat Persia (MAG).

What challenges did Alexander face when attacking Persia? How did he deal with these challenges?

Persia's army marched from the Zelean town to Kocabas Cay (then known as Granicus River, a wide waterway characterized by varying depth, sharp, irregular banks, and great force).…