Chapter 4 Summary and Analysis

Alexander was accepted as the Macedonian king. Many of his enemies were purged as he eliminated his opposition, but not the two main contenders, Amyntas and Cananis, Cleopatra's baby. He consolidated his position with the people by maintaining the principles of his father's administration and gave key positions to friends who returned from exile. Some areas of his empire rebelled and declared independence, then panicked. They basically received the message that they should cooperate.

Thebes refused to accept Alexander and expelled Philip's troops. Alexander had the city surrounded. The Thebeans acknowledged Alexander. Athens quickly acknowledged Alexander. Alexander accomplished what he set out to do except for Sparta.

Alexander trained his army in mountain warfare in 336/5 in preparation for his campaign. He planned to push through to the Danube in Europe. This meant he had to fight the Thracians. He sent his...