BEGINNING OF HIS REIGN

B.C. 336

Map of Macedon and Greece.

Alexander was suddenly called upon to succeed his father on the Macedonian throne, in the most unexpected manner, and in the midst of scenes of the greatest excitement and agitation. The circumstances were these:

Philip is reconciled to Olympias and Alexander.

Philip had felt very desirous, before setting out upon his great expedition into Asia, to become reconciled¹ to Alexander and Olympias. He wished for Alexander's co-operation in his plans; and then, besides, it would be dangerous to go away from his own dominions with such a son left behind, in a state of resentment and hostility.

Olympias and Alexander returned.

So Philip sent kind and conciliatory² messages to Olympias and Alexander, who had gone, it will be recollected, to Epirus, where her friends resided. The brother of Olympias was King of Epirus. He had been at first incensed at the indignity which had been put upon his sister by Philip's treatment of her; but Philip now tried to appease³ his anger, also, by friendly negotiations and messages. At last he arranged a marriage between this King of Epirus and one of his own daughters, and this completed the reconciliation. Olympias and Alexander returned to Macedon, and great preparations were made for a very splendid wedding.

1. reconciled: reunited 2. conciliatory: peace-making 3. appease: calm down 

The great wedding.