Who was the Macedonian king that aimed to unite Greece?

The correct answer is Philip II, the Macedonian king who played a pivotal role in uniting Greece under his rule. Ascending to the throne in 359 BC, he recognized the fragmented nature of the Greek city-states and sought to unify them to create a powerful kingdom capable of defending against external threats, particularly from Persia.

Philip II utilized both military strategies and diplomatic marriages to bring various Greek states into his fold. His military innovations, such as the phalanx formation, allowed his armies to be highly effective in battle. He succeeded in conquering key regions and gaining the allegiance of many city-states, thereby establishing Macedonian dominance in Greece. His achievements laid the groundwork for his son, Alexander the Great, who would go on to expand the empire even further.

The other figures mentioned in the options had different roles in history. Darius III was a Persian king who faced Alexander during the latter's campaigns, making him an adversary rather than a unifying figure for Greece. Alexander, while significant in expanding and spreading Greek culture, undertook consolidation after Philip II's initial unification efforts. Aristotle was a renowned philosopher who was a tutor to Alexander, and while influential, he was not a political figure seeking to unite Greek states.