Pelopidas's Macedonian Intervention and the Hostage of Philip (369 BC)
Pelopidas's Macedonian Intervention and the Hostage of Philip (369 BC) The year 369 BC marks a significant intersection in the histories of Thebes and Macedon, brought about by the actions of the Theban general and statesman Pelopidas. At approximately 41 years old, Pelopidas led a military expedition into Thessaly to confront the tyrannical Alexander of Pherae. Following his success there, he intervened in the internal affairs of Macedon, a decision that would have profound and lasting consequences. This intervention resulted in the taking of hostages to Thebes, among them the young Philip, the future Philip II of Macedon. Understanding why Philip was among these hostages and how this came to pass requires examining the political context of both Macedon and Thebes. Thessaly and the Threat of Pherae Thessaly, located south of Macedon and north of central Greece, was a strategically important region known for its fertile plains and powerful cavalry. The rise of Alexander of Pherae a...
