To test the validity of this hypothesis we must look at three things:

· The major reforms in Macedonia under Philip

· How Philip went about conquering the Greek states

· The policies and terms under which the League of Corinth operated

Following the death of Perdiccas, Philip came to the throne in the autumn of 360B.C. He realised that great reforms were essential if he intended to remain the King of Macedonia. Macedonia underwent a major reconstruction at the hands of Philip but it was his military and political reforms that truly strengthened his kingdom.

Due to Philip's intentions of immediate expansion, there was a large emphasis placed on the reforms of his military. Philip made vast improvements in his cavalry and siege engines, both of which were widely exploited by his son and successor, Alexander the Great. These two improvements may have been important, but according to Tritle (1997:179), the most telling tactical innovation of the famous Macedonian phalanx was the introduction of the s

There was much opposition to Philip's accession and it was through his foreign policy that he avoided conflict and made peace with Thrace, Paeonia and Athens during his early years. Philip single-handedly made all decisions concerning both domestic and foreign policy, although towards the end of his reign, Roebuck (1966:322) says, "Alexander's tutor Aristotle supplied him with the detailed political knowledge to reorganise the power systems in Greece". If it weren't for these early peace settlements, he would not have been able to utilise his political skill, which later allowed him to take control over all of the Greek states.

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Approximate Word count = 1474
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)