CHAERONEIA, BATTLE OF, 338 B.C. This is of great historical importance as the victory by which Philip (q.v.) defi nitely established the Macedonian supremacy in Greece. In mili tary history, however, too little is known of its details to give it marked significance. Philip's path into Boeotia was barred by the allied Athenians and Thebans both at the western route from Cytinium to Amphissa and the eastern pass of Parapotamii from Elateia to Chaeroneia. Philip first placed himself at Elateia ; then, by a ruse of withdrawal, put the defenders of the western route still more off their guard and, moving from Cytinium by night, debouched into western Boeotia at Amphissa. He was thus on the rear of but at a distance from the defenders of the eastern pass, who thereupon fell back from Parapotamii. But instead of passing eastwards through hilly country which would have aided the resistance, he switched his army back to Elateia, moved unop posed through the pass of Parapotamii and descended upon the enemy's main army at Chaeroneia. Philip placed his 18-year old son, Alexander, in charge of the left wing, where his best troops faced the redoubtable Thebans and of ter a bitter struggle gained the upper hand. Meanwhile he had retired his right wing elasti cally before the onset of the Athenians until he had drawn them on to low ground while he had retired on to a rising slope. Then, suddenly he launched a counterstroke and disrupted the Athe nians. Both the victorious Macedonian wings now converged inwards upon the allied centre and crushed it between them. With the overthrow of the Theban army and the annihilation of the famous "Sacred Band" the sceptre of military as well as of political supremacy passed to the "new model" army of Mace donia that Philip had created. (See also MANTINEIA; GRANicvs, BATTLE OF THE ; ALEXANDER.)