Priorto Philip's assumption of control, the Macedonians were failing in their wars against Illyria, were under pressure from the Paeonians and the Thracians in the east, and had a hostile Athenian contingent supporting a rival for the throne at Methone. Yet, by the time of his death in 336 BC, Philip was the hegemon of all Greece. He defeated the most powerful state in Greece at the time, at the Battle of Chaeronea; he successfully professionalized the Macedonian army and is credited with introducing military innovations that revolutionized phalanx warfare. This paints a picture of a very capable military figure.
The reason we sometimes lose sight of Philip's diplomatic skills, is because the most famous sources for the rise of Philip are the works of Demosthenes. This Athenian orator spoke out against the expansion of Macedon and devoted a great deal of time to opposing Philip's growing power. Demosthenes characterized him as the greatest enemy of Athens. He presents Philip as a brutish drunk, capable
