zed and efficient army, one whose size and tactics would prove very hard to defeat. One of Philips main goals was to conquer the Greek world. His army, background in Greece, and the definite advantage of an autocrat, that being, speed, secrecy and dishonesty, gave Philip a certain power; the power to be diplomatic, or ruthless and vengeful, if the need arose. Soon after the birth of his army, Philip crushed the Illyrian tribes that threatened from the north-east. He quickly secured Macedon from any external threats. From this point on, Philip became renowned for his military, political and diplomatic abilities, as he expanded Macedon and conquered Greece. In 357, just two years after coming to power, Philip found himself in need of funds to finance his army, equip a fleet and secure himself politically with other states. Amphipolis was the most important port in the northern Aegean. It also blocked the path of invaders to Mt. Pangaeus, which contained valuable gold mines. He invaded and successfully captured Amphipolis, which became a major port for Macedonian timber. The capture of Amphipolis demonstrated that Macedon was becoming more powerful then Athens, as by capturing the city Philip disregarded Athens will, and Athens began to lose its influence. After Amphipolis, Philip systematically conquered many Greek cities, including Crenidas in Thrace, which he renamed Philippi. Philippi is a prime example of Philip’s tactical abilities. Philip used diplomacy to gain peaceful entrance into Thrace and appeased his most serious rivals. Philippi contained gold mines, which Philip could exploit to pay his army and add to the wealth of Macedon. He settled Macedonians in his city, ensuring the gradual spread of his people into the ever-expanding empire. Also, access to the Thracian coastline gave Philip many outlets for his fleets. Over the next few years Philip concentrated on his control of Thrace, before finally attacking the Chal...
