Third Sacred War participant Boeotia
Third Phocian campaign in Boeotia (352 BC)
First conflict in the Peloponnese (352 BC)
Second Phocian campaign in Epicnemidian Locris (351 BC)
Second conflict in the Peloponnese (351 BC)
Fourth Phocian campaign in Boeotia (351 BC)
Second Boeotian campaign in Phocis (349 BC)
Fifth Phocian campaign in Boeotia (349 BC)
Euboea (349–348 BC)
Third Boeotian campaign in Phocis (348 BC)
Sixth Phocian campaign in Boeotia (347 BC)
Fourth Boeotian campaign in Phocis (347 BC)
Philip had not involved himself in the Sacred War since his victory at the Crocus Field in 352 BC. In the meantime, it had become clear that the Sacred War could only be ended by outside intervention. The Phocians had occupied several Boeotian cities, but were running out of treasure to pay their mercenaries; conversely, the Thebans were unable to act effectively against the Phocians. The Phocian general Phalaikos was removed from his command in 347 BC, and three new generals appointed, who successfully attacked Boeotia again.The Thebans appealed to Philip for aid, and he sent a small force to their assistance. Philip sent force enough to honour his alliance with Thebes, but not enough to end the war—he desired the glory of ending the war personally, in the manner of his choosing, and on his terms.