The History of the Chalcidic League

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1919 Excerpt: ... CHAPTER II FORMATION OF THE CHALCIDIC LEAGUE Alexander I, the Philhellene, had extended the Macedonian sphere of influence on all sides, but by so doing he had made certain the coining conflict with the Greeks. These people then, settled upon the coasts that were necessary to Macedon if she was to obtain the power that was hers by every right, must, sooner or later, either become incorporated in the growing state of their powerful neighbour or make it commercially dependent upon them. Philip II realized this fully, when, conscious of his superiority, he replied to the Olynthian embassy that it was impossible for the Chalcidian power to exist side by side with that of Macedon1. Perdiccas, Alexander's successor as king of Macedon, had several rivals to contend with, and, for many years, was in no position to take an aggressive attitude. While he was strengthening his power, Athens was not idle. She fully realized the importance of maintaining her position and of putting every obstacle in the way of further Macedonian extension. When once she saw that the control of the Strymon was important for both states, she did not rest until 'Bco 6Sd, the strategic point upon the river, was in her possession and she had founded the city of Amphipolis upon that site2. Then a policy, none too straightforward, was set into operation against Perdiccas. Athens supported pretenders to his throne and encouraged rebellious subjects in their attempts to break away from the authority of the Macedonian crown3. 1 Dem. IX, 11. The first attempt to found a Greek city on this important site was made by Aristagoras, 498-7. About thirty years later Athens made an unsuccessful attempt. Thuc. I, 100; IV, 102f; Diod. XII, 68; Schol. Aesch. II, 31; cf. Hdt. IX, 75; Paus. I, 29, 4. 'Time. I,...