death of philip ii |
Alexander's military expertise can be first seen at the Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BCE. Although Alexander was only 18, he helped his father defeat Athenian and Theban armies at Chaeronea. After defeating the Greek allied city-states, Alexander and Philip's relationship disintegrated. Philip married Cleopatra and Alexander and his mother were sent into exile until Alexander and his father were able to reconcile their differences. After Philip II was murdered at a wedding celebration, Alexander was set on becoming the next king by any means necessary. He quickly collected the support of the Generals and soldiers he fought with at Chaeronea and killed off the heirs that could possibly take the throne. With the death of Philip II, Thracians, Greeks, and Illyrians saw the chance for independence. He reestablished Macedonian rule in Northern Greece and marched down to Southern Greece surprising Greeks which were forced to acknowledge his rule in the summer of 336 BCE.