Macedon's rise from a mountain kingdom to Philip II's leadership shaped Persian conflicts and internal rivalries.This, the first of four volumes, traces the eventful, tumultuous history of Macedon from the foundation of an insignificant mountain kingdom in the ninth century to the death of Philip II in 336 BC. It was a land beset by hostile neighbours from the outset and many of the early kings died violent deaths at the hand of either foreign invaders or rivals from within the ruling Argead dynasty. Among the most significant events of this period were the two great Persian invasions and the author closely examines the question of Macedon's 'medizing' (collaboration with Persians) as a major theme, considering their strategic options (or lack thereof). With the rise of the wily Philip II (who usurped the throne from his nephew after his brother was killed by marauding Illyrians), we see the rapid consolidation and expansion of Macedonia's power until victory at Chaeronea in 338 BC confirmed him as undoubted leader of the mainland Greeks, poised to lead them in a war of revenge on Persia.