Chapter LXXXVI

CENTRAL GREECE: THE ACCESSION OF PHILIP OF MACEDON TO THE BIRTH
OF ALEXANDER. 359-356 B. C.

Central Greece resumed. — State of Central Greece in 360-359
B. C. — Degradation of Sparta. — Megalopolis — Messênê — their
fear of Sparta — no central action in Peloponnesus. — Corinth,
Sikyon, etc. — Comparatively good condition of Athens. — Power
of Thebes. — Extinction of the free cities of Bœotia by the
Thebans — repugnant to Grecian feeling. — Thessaly — despots of
Pheræ. — Alexander of Pheræ — his cruelties — his assassination.
— Tisiphonus despot of Pheræ — loss of power in the Pheræan
dynasty. — Macedon — reign and death of Perdikkas. — Philip as
a youth at Thebes — ideas there acquired — foundation laid of
his future military ability. — Condition of Philip at the death
of Perdikkas. — Embarrassments and dangers with which he had to
contend. — Macedonian government. — Proceedings of Philip against
his numerous enemies. His success — Thracians — Athenians. — He
evacuates Amphipolis. He defeats Argæus and the Athenians — his
mild treatment of Athenian prisoners. — Philip makes peace with
Athens — renounces his claim to Amphipolis. — Victories of Philip
over the Pæonians and Illyrians. — Amphipolis evacuated by Philip
— the Athenians neglect it. — State of Eubœa — the Thebans foment
revolt and attack the island — victorious efforts of Athens. —
Surrender of the Chersonese to Athens. — Social War — Chios, Kos,
Rhodes, and Byzantium revolt from Athens. — Causes of the Social
War — conduct of the Athenians. — Synod at Athens. — Athens
acts more for her own separate interests, and less for that of
her allies — her armaments on service — badly paid mercenaries
— their extortions. — The four cities declare themselves
independent of Athens — interference of the Karian Mausôlus. —
Great force of the revolters — armament despatched by Athens
against Chios — repulse of the Athenians, and death of Chabrias.
— Farther armaments of Athens — Iphikrates, Timotheus, and Chares
— unsuccessful operations in the Hellespont, and quarrel between
the generals. — Iphikrates and Timotheus are accused by Chares at
Athens — Iphikrates is acquitted, Timotheus is fined and retires
from Athens. — Arrogance and unpopularity of Timotheus, attested
by his friend Isokrates. — Exile of Timotheus — his death soon
afterwards. — Iphikrates no more employed — great loss to Athens
in these two generals. — Expedition of Chares — Athens makes
peace with her revolted allies, recognizing their full autonomy.
— End of the Social War — great loss of power to Athens. —
Renewed action of Philip. He lays siege to Amphipolis. — The
Amphipolitans send to ask assistance from Athens — manœuvres
of Philip to induce Athens not to interfere. — The Athenians
determine not to assist Amphipolis — their motives — importance
of this resolution. — Capture of Amphipolis by Philip, through
the treason of a party in the town. — Importance of Amphipolis
to Philip — disappointment of the Athenians at his breach of
promise. — Philip amuses the Athenians with false assurances
— he induces them to reject advances from the Olynthians —
proposed exchange of Pydna for Amphipolis. — Philip acts in a
hostile manner against Athens — he conquers Pydna and Potidæa —
gives Potidæa to the Olynthians — remissness of the Athenians. —
Increase of the power of Philip — he founds Philippi, opens gold
mines near Mount Pangæus, and derives large revenues from them. —
Marriage of Philip with Olympias — birth of Alexander the Great.
197-241