The rise of Macedonia Aim: to have an overview understanding of Macedonia and Greece Starter: Where is Greece?

Context: Greece in 400B.C. In the 4 th century BC Greece was not a unified country. It was a series of squabbling city states and various kings. It wasn’t uncommon for kings to fight amongst each other.

Scary neighbours The Persian Empire had always been a significant threat to Greece since it’s founding in 500BC (ish). Historic rivalries and tensions go back as far as the siege of Troy. Various Persian rulers attempted to conquer Greece.

Task Study source 1 Study source 1 Describe the changing balance of power in Greece between 480and 371 BC. Describe at least 2 ways the Persian Empire had affected Greek affairs. 480 A major invasion by the Persian king Xerxes was defeated (battle of Thermopylae and Salamis) – Greece and the Ionian cities remained independent. Athens became the most powerful city-state Peloponnesian War (Sparta v Athens) – eventually, with Persian help, Sparta won and became the dominant power in Greece Corinthian War (Sparta v Athens, Thebes, Corinth and Argos); in 387 the Persian king brokered The King’s Peace and guaranteed it. By this peace, Persia gained control over the Ionian cities. 371Battle of Leuctra – Thebes destroyed the Spartan army and became the dominant city.

What about Macedonia? In the 4 th Century BC, the rest of Greece didn’t really pay much attention to Macedonia. They saw them as a disorganised tribe of Barbarians. Macedonia was constantly under threat from it’s rivals to the north. Athens controlled much of the Aegean Sea which limited Macedonia's influence on the region.

Task 2 Study source 2 Study source 2 Explain how this information helps explain Macedonia’s limited influence on the rest of Greece. What problems would a new king of Macedonia face? (include ALL possible points)

Plenary Summarise the strengths and weakness of Macedonia in the 4 th Century BC.