12 - Rise of the Macedonian Empire by Arthur M. Curteis

Discover how the Kingdom of Macedonia, under the visionary leadership of Philip II (382-336 BC), rose to dominate ancient Greece through a mix of shrewd diplomacy and military prowess. Philip revolutionized the classical Greek phalanx by integrating soldiers armed with the formidable 6-meter spear known as the sarissa, creating an infantry that remained unmatched until the rise of the Roman legions. After Philips tragic assassination, his son, Alexander the Great (356-323 BC), ascended to the throne and embarked on an extraordinary journey, establishing an empire that stretched from Greece to the far reaches of northwestern India. The Hellenistic culture he spread not only influenced his empire but also laid the groundwork for modern western civilization. (Summary by Pamela Nagami, M.D.)