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Philip II of Macedonia: Greater Than Alexander
Philip II of Macedonia (382–336 BCE), unifier of Greece, author of Greece’s first federal constitution, founder of the first territorial state with a centralized administrative structure in Europe, forger of the first Western national army, first great general of the Greek imperial age, strategic and tactical genius, and military reformer who revolutionized warfare in Greece and the West, was one of the greatest captains in the military history of the West. Philip prepared the ground, assembled the resources, conceived the strategic vision, and launched the first modern, tactically sophisticated and strategically capable army in Western military history, making the later victories of his son Alexander possible.
Philip’s death marked the passing of the classical age of Greek history and warfare and the beginning of its imperial age. To Philip belongs the title of the first great general of a new age of warfare in the West, an age that he initiated with his introduction of a new instrument of war, the Macedonian phalanx, and the tactical doctrines to ensure its success. As a practitioner of the political art, Philip also had no equal. In all these things, Philip exceeded Alexander’s triumphs.
This book establishes Philip’s legitimate and deserved place in military history, which, until now, has been largely minimized in favor of his son by the classicist writers who have dominated the field of ancient biography. Richard Gabriel, renowned military historian, has given us the first military biography of Philip II of Macedonia.
Philip’s death marked the passing of the classical age of Greek history and warfare and the beginning of its imperial age. To Philip belongs the title of the first great general of a new age of warfare in the West, an age that he initiated with his introduction of a new instrument of war, the Macedonian phalanx, and the tactical doctrines to ensure its success. As a practitioner of the political art, Philip also had no equal. In all these things, Philip exceeded Alexander’s triumphs.
This book establishes Philip’s legitimate and deserved place in military history, which, until now, has been largely minimized in favor of his son by the classicist writers who have dominated the field of ancient biography. Richard Gabriel, renowned military historian, has given us the first military biography of Philip II of Macedonia.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 1, 2011
This is a good solid biography of Philip II of Macedonia. Perhaps he is more famous for being the father of Alexander the Great than for his own accomplishments.
However, this book makes a very strong case that he is a worthy important historical figure in his own right. After all, he is the one who created the military and political platform from which Alexander launched his conquests.
The book describes his youth, where he spent much time outside Macedonia as, in essence, a hostage. Then, the tale of his rise to power. The Macedonian forces had been wrecked in combat, and Philip came to power having to repair Macedonia's military. The book shows how he did that, how he developed a new approach to battle, how he coupled diplomacy with conflict to advance the goals of Macedonia.
From this beginning, he began to expand Macedonia's sphere of influence and its power. For the most part, his military adventures were successful, and he slowly increased the sway of his country. He began planning for a march on Persia--before his assassination.
The book does a good job at taking sometimes sketchy information about events and creating a credible scenario for battles and other occurrences. One problem is the uncritical take on Philip. The book features something of a "rah rah" view of Philip. There is no doubt that he was an important figure, but a more nuanced view of him would have been useful.
Still and all, a good book if you want to get a better sense of Philip II of Macedonia.
However, this book makes a very strong case that he is a worthy important historical figure in his own right. After all, he is the one who created the military and political platform from which Alexander launched his conquests.
The book describes his youth, where he spent much time outside Macedonia as, in essence, a hostage. Then, the tale of his rise to power. The Macedonian forces had been wrecked in combat, and Philip came to power having to repair Macedonia's military. The book shows how he did that, how he developed a new approach to battle, how he coupled diplomacy with conflict to advance the goals of Macedonia.
From this beginning, he began to expand Macedonia's sphere of influence and its power. For the most part, his military adventures were successful, and he slowly increased the sway of his country. He began planning for a march on Persia--before his assassination.
The book does a good job at taking sometimes sketchy information about events and creating a credible scenario for battles and other occurrences. One problem is the uncritical take on Philip. The book features something of a "rah rah" view of Philip. There is no doubt that he was an important figure, but a more nuanced view of him would have been useful.
Still and all, a good book if you want to get a better sense of Philip II of Macedonia.
April 4, 2016
This was a mediocre work, unfortunately. While the author is correct in his ultimate assessment regarding Philip, and how Alexander compares to him, he is writing about the subject in a very dull manner. The treatment suffers from lack of any depth and passion. The whole book is boring and tedious to read.
November 21, 2019
Uma figura muitas vezes esquecida, mas que foi o grande responsável pelo sucesso de Alexandre.
este livro resgata esta condição dando a Filipe o lugar que ele merece, talvez não tão grande como Alexandre, mas com todo o direto de reivindicar méritos pelo sucesso do filho ao lhe deixar um Estado organizado e um exército treinado.
este livro resgata esta condição dando a Filipe o lugar que ele merece, talvez não tão grande como Alexandre, mas com todo o direto de reivindicar méritos pelo sucesso do filho ao lhe deixar um Estado organizado e um exército treinado.
August 7, 2022
Phillip II of Macedonia certainly was much greater than Alexander since he transformed Macedonia from a backwater close to disintegration into a regional power. Alexander would then use the foundation built by Phillip to create a great land empire, but this certainly would not have been possible without Phillips strategic vision and realpolitiking.
February 12, 2019
Fascinating to see how Philip manipulated situations to bring Macedonia from a beleaguered state, to a "world power".
December 1, 2021
Excellent book about this interesting period of the hellenistic age. It puts an interesting view of what make a man greater, it's his deeds or it's the consequences of his actions. I agree with the autor Alexander was great but Philip was greater.
May 22, 2014
this book was very informative read. what i knew about phillip was what i have read with the books ive read about alexander and by reading about phillip i have alot more understanding on how alexander was able to accomplish the feats that he did. was phillip greater the alxeander? in some aspects i think he was. if it wasnt for some of phillips innovations and unifying of greece there would be no alexander the great.
February 9, 2015
A really well researched and convincing piece of writing.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews