Philip II of Macedonia was a powerful ruler who is best known for transforming Macedonia into a major military and political power in the ancient world. He was also the father of Alexander the Great.  Philip was known for his love of women and many wives .but like most powerful men of the Hellenistic world, he also had male lovers. 

Born in 382 BC as the youngest son of King Amyntas III, and was not originally expected to inherit the throne. However, after the murder of his older brothers, he ascended to the throne in 359 BC at the age of 23.

Philip II immediately set about strengthening Macedonia’s military and economic power. He reformed the army, creating the famous Macedonian phalanx, which was a formidable fighting force that proved to be almost unbeatable on the battlefield. He also introduced a number of military innovations, including the use of siege engines and the development of a corps of elite cavalry known as the Companion Cavalry.

Phillip also availed himself of the 800 young eunuchs that had been brought with the army for his pleasure.

In addition to his military reforms, Philip II also established a strong centralized government in Macedonia. He reorganized the country into administrative regions, and appointed loyal officials to oversee each of them. He also worked to expand Macedonia’s economy, developing mines and increasing trade with other regions.

Perhaps Philip II’s most famous achievement was his conquest of Greece. In 338 BC, he defeated the combined forces of Athens and Thebes at the Battle of Chaeronea, effectively ending Greek independence and establishing Macedonia as the dominant power in the region. He then formed the League of Corinth, which brought together many of the city-states of Greece under his leadership.

Despite his many accomplishments, Philip II was not without his detractors. He was a controversial figure, with some accusing him of being ruthless and tyrannical. However, he was also known for his intelligence, his strategic thinking, and his ability to inspire loyalty among his troops.

In the end it in the year 336 BC it would be one of his male lovers (bodyguard) who would assassinate him. His son, Alexander the Great, succeeded him to the throne and went on to become one of the most famous conquerors in history and also a major figure in ancient gay history.

You can learn more about Philip of Macedonia and his conquests at GLBTQ.com