
The Assassination of Philip and the Rise of Alexander the Great
Tides of History
The Political Intrigue Surrounding Philip's Assassination
The assassination of Philip, a pivotal moment in Macedonian history, raises questions about the motivations and dynamics among key figures at the Macedonian court. Philip's unexpected death, occurring in a public setting and shortly after significant personal and political events, invites speculation regarding the involvement of rival factions. Notably, tensions between Philip and his son Alexander were noteworthy, particularly as Alexander attempted to undermine his father's diplomatic efforts through a marriage alliance with a Persian satrap, aiming to replace Philip's disabled son, Arideus, as the marriage candidate. The timing and nature of Philip's death suggest that underlying political intrigue and familial discord may have significantly influenced the circumstances leading to his killing, a sentiment echoed by both ancient observers and modern scholars alike.