What factors produced Macedon's ascendancy on the Greek peninsula?

There were a number of factors that contributed to this
rise.

First, there was the fact that the Greek poleis were
in a fairly chaotic state.  There were shifting alliances among the various poleis and
there was no established dominant power by the mid-300s BC.  A second factor was the
fact that Macedonia had more natural resources than the Greek peninsula did.  Third, we
can point to the fact that Macedonia was subject to repeated attacks from the west and
north, leading them to need to emphasize military prowess in order to
survive.

However, the rise of Macedonia is still a surprise
of history.  The most important factors seem to be personal ones.  Both Phillip of
Macedonia and his son, Alexander the Great, were clearly superior leaders with great
charisma and ability.  Their actions, both diplomatic and military, were the major
factors that accounted for the rise of Macedonia.