The League of CorinthThe League of Corinth

Established 338/337BCEstablished 338/337BC

Topic: Alexander the GreatTopic: Alexander the Great

Theme: Leadership and PowerTheme: Leadership and Power

By the end of this lesson you will be able to:By the end of this lesson you will be able to:►Explain who created the league and when.Explain who created the league and when.►Describe how the league was structured.Describe how the league was structured.►Describe restrictions imposed on members Describe restrictions imposed on members of the league.of the league.►Describe the functions of the league.Describe the functions of the league.►Explain in detail the benefits of the league Explain in detail the benefits of the league for Macedonian power in Greece.for Macedonian power in Greece.

What was the League of Corinth?What was the League of Corinth?

►The League of Corinth was a political and The League of Corinth was a political and military organisation established by Philip II military organisation established by Philip II of Macedon in 338/337BC.of Macedon in 338/337BC.

►The purpose of the League was to create The purpose of the League was to create political stability in Greece by making all political stability in Greece by making all participating states swear to observe a participating states swear to observe a Common Peace. Common Peace.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_Macedonia_336_BC-en.svgSource: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_Macedonia_336_BC-en.svg

Source: Diodorus 16.89Source: Diodorus 16.89

““In 338/7 BC King Phillip, proud of his In 338/7 BC King Phillip, proud of his victory at victory at ChaeroneiaChaeroneia by which he had humbled the leading Greek by which he had humbled the leading Greek states, became ambitious to become leader of all Greece. states, became ambitious to become leader of all Greece. He spread the word that he wished to undertake a war He spread the word that he wished to undertake a war against the against the PersiansPersians on behalf of Greece and to punish on behalf of Greece and to punish them for the them for the sacrilege they had committed against sacri lege they had committed against Greek templesGreek temples . . He treated them all kindly both in He treated them all kindly both in public and private matterspublic and private matters and revealed to the cities and revealed to the cities that he wanted to discuss with them matters of mutual that he wanted to discuss with them matters of mutual benefit. Hence he convened a general congress at Corinth benefit. Hence he convened a general congress at Corinth and put forward his proposals for the war. By and put forward his proposals for the war. By raising raising great hopes, he won the support of the delegatesgreat hopes, he won the support of the delegates and finally the chose him as and finally the chose him as commander-in-chief of commander-in-chief of the Greek forcesthe Greek forces . He began to make great preparations . He began to make great preparations for the campaign against the Persians and, after fixing the for the campaign against the Persians and, after fixing the number of troops each city should contribute to the allied number of troops each city should contribute to the allied forces, he returned to Macedonia.forces, he returned to Macedonia.””

““ …… victory at Chaeroneia…victory at Chaeroneia… ””► 22ndnd August 338 BC August 338 BC► Greek Allies (led by Athens and Thebes) v Macedonia & Greek Allies (led by Athens and Thebes) v Macedonia &

Thessalian CavalryThessalian Cavalry► Allies held strong position between foothills and the Allies held strong position between foothills and the

Cephisus R.Cephisus R.► Phillip orders ‘withdraw’ of Macedonian right Phillip orders ‘withdraw’ of Macedonian right Athenians Athenians

pursue pursue Gap opens between Athenians and Sacred Band Gap opens between Athenians and Sacred Band Alexander lead companions through the Gap and Alexander lead companions through the Gap and wheeled left to attack Sacred band wheeled left to attack Sacred band Thebians Thebians slaughtered slaughtered 1000 Athenians fell, 2000 taken hostage. 1000 Athenians fell, 2000 taken hostage.

► Consequences: Consequences: Thebes heavily punished for ‘breaking’ an agreement Thebes heavily punished for ‘breaking’ an agreement

with Macedon.with Macedon. Athens was offered more lenient terms.Athens was offered more lenient terms.

VIDEOVIDEO

““Persians… …sacri lege they had Persians… …sacri lege they had committed against Greek temples.committed against Greek temples. ””

► Persian Invasion led by King Xerxes 480-479BCPersian Invasion led by King Xerxes 480-479BC► The idea of a war against Persia was not new…The idea of a war against Persia was not new…

Text called Text called PanegyricusPanegyricus 380BC – Isocrates urges a 380BC – Isocrates urges a Greek crusade against Persia.Greek crusade against Persia.

Phillip 346BC – Isocrates sends an open letter to Phillip Phillip 346BC – Isocrates sends an open letter to Phillip to lead the invasion.to lead the invasion.

Demosthenes (Athenian orator) supported an Athenian Demosthenes (Athenian orator) supported an Athenian lead response against Persia – but was openly hostile to lead response against Persia – but was openly hostile to a Macedonian lead campaign by Phillip the Barbarian!a Macedonian lead campaign by Phillip the Barbarian!

► Sacrilege – Xerxes has desecrated the Greek Sacrilege – Xerxes has desecrated the Greek temples, Athens had been burned down.temples, Athens had been burned down.

SEGUE!Sparta, Laconic Wit

Philip II of MacedonWith key Greek city-states in submission, he turned his attention to Sparta

and sent a message: "If I win this war, you will be slaves forever." In another version, Philip proclaims: "You are advised to submit without further delay, for if I bring my army into your land, I will destroy your farms, slay your people, and raze your city." According to both accounts, the Spartan ephors sent back a one word reply: "If" (αἴκα).[20] Subsequently both Philip and Alexander avoided Sparta entirely.

VIDEOSparta under King Agis, with the financial backing of Persia is later

defeated by Antipater at the Battle of Megalopolis.

Sparta is forced to join the Corinthian League.

““ ……He treated them all kindly both in He treated them all kindly both in public and private matters…public and private matters… ””

► Is this a little romanticised???Is this a little romanticised???► After the battle of Chaeroneia…After the battle of Chaeroneia…

Thebes: Leaders executed, pro-Macedonian oligarchy established, Thebes: Leaders executed, pro-Macedonian oligarchy established, prisoners sold into slavery, independent treaties abolishedprisoners sold into slavery, independent treaties abolished

► But then againBut then again Athens: Disband confederacy and give up Chersonnese, Athenian Athens: Disband confederacy and give up Chersonnese, Athenian

prisoners were restored, gained territory from Thebesprisoners were restored, gained territory from Thebes► Also…Also…

The Greek states were to be‘free and autonomous’The Greek states were to be‘free and autonomous’► But then again…But then again…

‘‘free and autonomousfree and autonomous’’ within the boundaries set by Philip within the boundaries set by Philip Four Macedonian garrisons held‘strategic’positions in GreeceFour Macedonian garrisons held‘strategic’positions in Greece Phillip was Hegemon of all GreecePhillip was Hegemon of all Greece Anyone allying with Persia was to be executedAnyone allying with Persia was to be executed

““…… raising great hopes, he won raising great hopes, he won the support of the delegates…the support of the delegates… ””

►A slightly different translation…A slightly different translation… Through bribery and propaganda, military might Through bribery and propaganda, military might

and the threat of reprisal, he won the and the threat of reprisal, he won the begrudging support of the delegates and they begrudging support of the delegates and they had no choice but to name him as the had no choice but to name him as the commander-in-chief of the Greek forces.commander-in-chief of the Greek forces.

““…… commander-in-chief of the commander-in-chief of the Greek forces.Greek forces. ””

► Strategos Autokrator Strategos Autokrator Pure military rolePure military role Commander-in-chief of all Macedonain and LEAGUE Commander-in-chief of all Macedonain and LEAGUE

forces in the fieldforces in the field► HegemonHegemon

Leader of the LeagueLeader of the League Military and civil functionMilitary and civil function Council would pass resolutions and hegemon would Council would pass resolutions and hegemon would

implementimplement Phillip manipulated this position to suit his own ends.Phillip manipulated this position to suit his own ends.

►Taxation, Macedonian status, execution of traitorsTaxation, Macedonian status, execution of traitors

The League of CorinthThe League of Corinth

Tod, Greek Historical Inscriptions, Tod, Greek Historical Inscriptions, No. 177No. 177

► Oath. I swear by Zeus, Earth, Sun, Poseidon, Athena, Ares, each and every Oath. I swear by Zeus, Earth, Sun, Poseidon, Athena, Ares, each and every one.one.

► I shall abide by the peace, and I shall not break the treaty with Philip of I shall abide by the peace, and I shall not break the treaty with Philip of Macedon. Macedon. I shall abstain from any attack either by land or sea on I shall abstain from any attack either by land or sea on any member stateany member state which observes the oath and from hostile occupation of which observes the oath and from hostile occupation of any city, fort, or harbour belonging to the participants in the peace by any any city, fort, or harbour belonging to the participants in the peace by any means whatsoever.means whatsoever.

► I shall not subvert the kingdom of Phil ip and his descendantsI shall not subvert the kingdom of Phil ip and his descendants , or , or the the constitut ions which existed constitut ions which existed in the several Greek states when they in the several Greek states when they swore the oaths concerning the peace.swore the oaths concerning the peace.

► I shall do nothing contrary to the present treaty and I shall take every possible I shall do nothing contrary to the present treaty and I shall take every possible step to prevent others from doing so.step to prevent others from doing so.

► If anyone shall infringe the treaty, I shall assist in response to the request of the If anyone shall infringe the treaty, I shall assist in response to the request of the injured party, and I shall make war on the transgressor of the Common Peace injured party, and I shall make war on the transgressor of the Common Peace in accordance with the in accordance with the decision of the common Council and the orders decision of the common Council and the orders of the Leaderof the Leader (Hegemon) and I shall not desert the cause… (Hegemon) and I shall not desert the cause…

► Votes: People of Corcyra 2; Thessalians 10; Magnesians 2; Achaeans of Votes: People of Corcyra 2; Thessalians 10; Magnesians 2; Achaeans of Phthiotis 2; Islander 1; People of Samothrace and Thasos 2; Aetolians 3; Phthiotis 2; Islander 1; People of Samothrace and Thasos 2; Aetolians 3; Acarnanians 2; Ambraciots 1;…Phocians 3; Locrians 3; Dorians, Oetaeans, Acarnanians 2; Ambraciots 1;…Phocians 3; Locrians 3; Dorians, Oetaeans, Malians, Aenians, Agraeans, and Dolopians 3; Athamanians and Perhaebians Malians, Aenians, Agraeans, and Dolopians 3; Athamanians and Perhaebians 2; People of Zacynthus and Cephallenia 3.2; People of Zacynthus and Cephallenia 3.

““ I shall abstain from any attack… I shall abstain from any attack… on any member state…on any member state… ””

►This was essentially a peace proposal. This was essentially a peace proposal. All members could feel secure and safeAll members could feel secure and safe Philip would not have to worry about internal Philip would not have to worry about internal

conflicts while he was abroadconflicts while he was abroad Importantly, Importantly, Macedonia did not join the Macedonia did not join the

League so was not bound by these League so was not bound by these clausesclauses

““ I shall not subvert the kingdom I shall not subvert the kingdom of Phil ip and his descendants…of Phil ip and his descendants… ””► This was Philip’s protection clause.This was Philip’s protection clause.

If any member state tried to rise against Macedon then If any member state tried to rise against Macedon then this would be in breach of the common peace.this would be in breach of the common peace.

““ … … I shall make war on the transgressor…I shall make war on the transgressor… ””This clause meant that all members would need to make This clause meant that all members would need to make

war on the state that broke the common peace. This is a war on the state that broke the common peace. This is a big incentive NOT to break the conditions.big incentive NOT to break the conditions.

► Alexander was assured the same privileges and Alexander was assured the same privileges and protection that Philip had. This also included a protection that Philip had. This also included a hereditary right to the leadership of the Leaguehereditary right to the leadership of the League

““ ……constitutions which existed…constitutions which existed… ””

►Philip was shrewd in his political dealings.Philip was shrewd in his political dealings. He ensured that the conditions enforced on He ensured that the conditions enforced on

Thebes and Athens after Chaeroneia still Thebes and Athens after Chaeroneia still appliedapplied

And…And… That the‘autonomy’of the member states was That the‘autonomy’of the member states was

protected.protected.►This autonomy was artificial in that Member States This autonomy was artificial in that Member States

had Macedonian garrisons patroling them.had Macedonian garrisons patroling them.►They were They were ‘‘autonomousautonomous’’ as long as they obeyed as long as they obeyed

MacedonMacedon

““ …… decision of the common council decision of the common council and the orders of the Leader…and the orders of the Leader… ””

► Common CouncilCommon Council SynhedrionSynhedrion Elected representatives from member statesElected representatives from member states Numbers of representatives were determined by naval and military Numbers of representatives were determined by naval and military

strengthstrength Judicial powers and could impose sentencesJudicial powers and could impose sentences

► Leader (Hegemon)Leader (Hegemon) Leader of the LeagueLeader of the League Military and civilMilitary and civil Council would pass resolutions and hegemon would implementCouncil would pass resolutions and hegemon would implement Phillip manipulated this position to suit his own ends.Phillip manipulated this position to suit his own ends.

► Taxation, Macedonian status, execution of traitorsTaxation, Macedonian status, execution of traitors

The ‘New’ RelationshipThe ‘New’ Relationship► By the time the League was actioned…By the time the League was actioned…

Macedonia was now in a dominant position.Macedonia was now in a dominant position.►The Greek States were forced to support Macedon and any The Greek States were forced to support Macedon and any

attempts to resist would be meet with force.attempts to resist would be meet with force.►Macedonia was the Master Macedonia was the Master the Greek States were the the Greek States were the

slaves.slaves.► Just as a Master needs slaves, so to Macedon Just as a Master needs slaves, so to Macedon

needed the resources of the Greek States.needed the resources of the Greek States. ““Philip’s policy, it seems likely, was aimed primarily at Philip’s policy, it seems likely, was aimed primarily at

securing the advancement of Macedon and for this he securing the advancement of Macedon and for this he found Greeks useful, perhaps essential.” found Greeks useful, perhaps essential.”

(Hamilton, 1973, 28)(Hamilton, 1973, 28)

The ‘New’ RelationshipThe ‘New’ Relationship► By the time the League was actioned…By the time the League was actioned…

Macedonia was now in a dominant position.Macedonia was now in a dominant position.►The Greek States were forced to support Macedon and any The Greek States were forced to support Macedon and any

attempts to resist would be meet with force.attempts to resist would be meet with force.►Macedonia was the Master Macedonia was the Master the Greek States were the the Greek States were the

slaves.slaves.► Just as a Master needs slaves, so to Macedon Just as a Master needs slaves, so to Macedon

needed the resources of the Greek States.needed the resources of the Greek States. ““Philip’s policy, it seems likely, was aimed primarily at Philip’s policy, it seems likely, was aimed primarily at

securing the advancement of Macedon and for this he securing the advancement of Macedon and for this he found Greeks useful, perhaps essential.” found Greeks useful, perhaps essential.”

(Hamilton, 1973, 28)(Hamilton, 1973, 28)