🎙️ The Ides of April — Two-Part Series Philip of Macedon: The Father Behind the Empire Before the legend of Alexander the Great, there was the man who made his rise possible. In this two-part series of The Ides of April, we travel to the rugged northern kingdom of Macedonia to explore the life, ambition, and violent death of Philip II of Macedon — the ruler who transformed a dismissed frontier state into the dominant power of the Greek world. Part One — The King from the Edge of Greece Long before Macedonia commanded armies and alliances, it was considered backward by the great city-states of southern Greece. This episode traces:     •    The harsh frontier culture that shaped Philip’s early life     •    His time as a political hostage in Thebes — where he studied the future of warfare     •    The military revolution that created the Macedonian war machine     •    The rise of Philip’s power across Greece     •    The complex royal family dynamics that shaped succession     •    The early signs of greatness in his young son — including the famous taming of Bucephalus By the time Philip stands at the height of his power, Greece is unified under his leadership and a massive invasion of Persia is within reach. But success has created enemies — both abroad and within his own court. 💼 SPONSORS 🧥 QUINCE Luxury essentials at affordable prices. Free shipping + 365-day returns: 👉 http://www.quince.com/MISCHIEF 📱 MINT MOBILE Premium wireless for just $15/month. Switch and get free shipping: 👉 www.mintmobile.com/DEVILWITHIN 🛰️ EXPRESSVPN Protect your data anywhere. Get up to 4 months free: 👉 http://www.expressvpn.com/DEVILWITHIN 🌿 MOOD CBD and THC gummies shipped nationwide. 20% off with code DEVILWITHIN: 👉 http://www.mood.com/DEVILWITHIN 🐶 OLLIE DOG FOOD Real, fresh, human-grade meals for your dog. 60% off your first box: 👉 http://www.ollie.com/IDES 💰 MONARCH The only finance app you’ll ever need. 50% off your first year: 👉 www.monarchmoney.com/IDE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices