Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Which Macedonian kings ruled before Philip II?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Philip II
Bust, tentatively identified as Philip II of Macedonia, mid-4th century bce; in the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen.
The Argead dynasty ruled Macedonia from approximately 700 to 311 BCE. The kings who reigned before Philip II (who ruled 359–336 BCE) include the following notable figures:
- Perdiccas I: The founder of the dynasty who led the Macedonians eastward from the Haliacmon River around 700 BCE.12
- Amyntas I: Reigned during the 6th century BCE, expanding Macedonian power beyond the Axius River.1
- Alexander I: Known as "the Philhellene," he reigned before 492–c. 450 BCE and advanced the kingdom's frontiers to the Strymon River.1
- Perdiccas II: Reigned c. 450–c. 413 BCE.1
- Archelaus: Reigned c. 413–399 BCE, known for moving the capital to Pella and introducing Greek cultural influences.1
- Amyntas III: Reigned c. 393–370/369 BCE, credited with bringing unity to the kingdom.12
- Alexander II and Perdiccas III: The two older sons of Amyntas III who ruled briefly before Philip II assumed control.12