Page:History of Greece Vol XII.djvu/15

 CONTENTS. VOL. XII. CPIAPTER XCI. riRBT PERIOD OF THE REIGN OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT — SIEOB AND CAPTURE OP THEBES. State of Greece at Alexanders accession — dependence on the iracedonian kings. — Unwilling subjection of the Greeks — influence of Grecian in- telligence on Macedonia. — Basis of Alexander's character — not Hel- lenic. — Boyhood and Education of Alexander. — He receives instruc- tion from Aristotle. — Early political action and maturity of Alexander — his quarrels with his father. Family discord. — Uncertainty of Alex- ander's position during the last year of Philip. — Impres.sion produced by the sudden death of Philip. — Accession of Alexander — his energy and judgment. — Accomplices of Pausanias are slain by Alexander — Amyntas and others are slain by him also. — Sentiment at Athens on the death of Philip — language of Demosthenes — inclination to resist Macedonia, yet without overt act. — Discontent in Greece — but no pos- itive movement. — March of Alexander into Greece — submission of Athens. — Alexander is chosen Imperator of the Greeks in the conven- tion at Corinth — continued refusal of concurrence by Sparta. — Condi- tions of the vote thus passed — privileges granted to the cities. — Au- thority claimed by Alexander under the convention — degradation of the leading Grecian states. — Encroachments and tyranny of the Macedo- nian officers in Greece — complaints of the orators at Athens. — Viola- tions of the convention at sea by Macedonian officers. — Language of the complaining Athenians — they insist only on strict observance of the convention. Boldness of their language. — Encouragements held out by Persia to the Greeks. — Correspondence of Demosthenes with Persia — justifiable and politic. — March of Alexander into Thrace. He forces his way over Mount Hoemus. — His victory over the Triballi. — He crosses the Danube, defeats the Gets, and returns back. — Embassy of Gauls Jo Alexander. His self-conceit. — Victories of Alexander over Kleitus and the Illyrians. — The Thebans declare their independence against Macedonia. — They are encouraged by Alexander's long absence in Thrace, and by reports of his death. — The Thoban exiles from Athens get possession of Thebes. — They besiege the Macedonians in the Kadmeia, and entreat aid from other Greeks. Favorable sympa- thies shown towards them, but no positive aid. — Chances of Thebes and liberation, not unfavorable. — Rapid march and unexpected arrival of Alexander with his army before Thebes. His good fortune as to the time