Alexander II of Macedon had successfully gained…

Alexander II of Macedon had successfully gained control of Larissa and several other cities but, betraying a promise he had made, had put garrisons in them, provoking a hostile reaction from Thebes, the leading military power in Greece at this time.

The Theban general Pelopidas, after driving the Macedonians from Thessaly, now neutralizes Alexander by favoring the ambitions of Alexander's brother-in-law Ptolemy of Aloros, and forces Alexander to abandon his alliance with Athens in favor of Thebes.

As part of this new alliance, Alexander is compelled to hand over hostages, including his younger brother Philip.

At the instigation of Ptolemy, Alexander is assassinated during a festival.

Although Alexander's brother Perdiccas III becomes the next king, he is under age, and Ptolemy is appointed regent.