Faction description:
Macedonia has long been on the fringe of the Hellenic world. Much like Epiros, its society has seen less progress than those of the city-states of the south, and the people are still happy to be ruled by a king. The foundation of the Macedonian kingdom is shrouded in myth, with historians agreeing that the royal dynasty came from Argos but being less certain on the origin of the rest of the people – an Aeolian or Dorian origin usually considered the more likely.
Macedonia first became a player in Greek politics during the Persian Wars when its king, Alexander I, though a Persian vassal, helped the Greek cause with information, thereby securing his own kingdom’s liberty. He then began a process of integrating the independent Macedonian tribes, a process completed only recently, by Amyntas III, the current king’s father.
Macedonia is now a united country, although its northern borders are still in disarray from Illyrian, Paionian and Thracian invasions. The Athenians, likewise, are pressing from the south, to push their colonial interests, and a resurgent Thessaly could prove the greatest danger, should it choose to expand to its north. But facing these challenges is Philip II, a king devious and resourceful enough to be hopeful of turning the tables on Macedonia’s enemies and assuming the initiative on all fronts. His childhood in Thebes has given him a deep knowledge of the modern art of war, and his plans to reform the Macedonian army might just change the way war is fought in Greece – if they prove any good.
Strategy Map Location
Units
General's Bodyguard
Royal Hypaspists
Hypaspists
Companion Cavalry
Phalangiates
Militia Hoplites
Thracian Auxilliaries
Archers