The Rise of Macedonia: Philip II, Alexander the Great, and the Hellenistic World

Flashcards covering the historical background of fourth-century BC Greece, the rise and military innovations of Macedon under Philip II, the conquests of Alexander the Great, and the emergence of the Hellenistic kingdoms.

In what year did the Peloponnesian War end, and which polis emerged as the dominant power?

The Peloponnesian War ended in 404 BC, with Sparta winning and becoming the dominant power in Greece.

Why did Sparta's social structure prevent it from sending garrisons on distant missions across Greece?

The Spartan system relied on the labor of enslaved helots who were constantly threatening revolt, requiring Spartan soldiers to stay close to home to maintain control.

What change regarding soldier recruitment characterized the fourth-century BC military revolution?

A rise in professionalism and the use of mercenaries (paid soldiers), driven by the depletion of citizen ranks in poleis like Athens, Thebes, and Sparta.

What were peltasts, and how were they equipped?

Peltasts were light infantry troops named after their wicker or reinforced leather shield (peltast); they wore leather helmets and cloaks and carried throwing javelins and short swords.

How did light infantry, slingers, and archers defeat traditional hoplite phalanxes?

They used superior speed and mobility to strike the heavily armored, slow-moving phalanx from a distance and quickly withdraw before the phalanx could pursue them.

In what year did Philip II ascend the throne of Macedon?

Philip came to the throne in 359 BC.

What major territory did Philip capture between 342 and 341 BC to acquire timber, mines, and naval recruits?

Philip captured Thrace, a massive territory located between Macedonia and mainland Greece.

What was the significance of the Battle of Cyrenae (Carnea) in 338 BC?

Philip defeated a combined coalition of Greek forces led by Athens and Thebes, marking the end of Greek freedom.

When was Philip II assassinated, and how was he believed to have been killed?

Philip was assassinated in 336 BC, and he was probably poisoned.

Why did Alexander the Great portray himself in art wearing a lion's skin?

To associate himself with Heracles (who wore the skin of the Nemean lion) and promote his divine status, tapping into traditions of divinizing kings in the East.

In what year did Alexander launch his invasion of Persia, and how old was he?

Alexander invaded Persia in 334 BC at the age of 22.

What was the first major battle Alexander fought immediately after crossing into Asia in 334 BC?

The Battle of Granicus.

Which battle against Darius took place in Northern Syria in 333 BC?

The Battle of Issus.

Where was the famous Roman mosaic depicting the Battle of Issus discovered?

It was discovered on the floor of a wealthy Roman's house in Pompeii (now housed in the museum at Naples).

Which Phoenician city did Alexander sack in 332 BC before traveling to Egypt?

The city of Tyre.

What took place at the Battle of Gaugamela in 331 BC along the Tigris River?

Alexander defeated the Persians, Darius's men turned on him, and Alexander took control of the Persian Empire.

Why did Alexander stop his eastern advance and turn back from India in 326 BC?

His troops had been away from home for years, reached their limit, and demanded to return home.

When, where, and at what age did Alexander the Great die?

Alexander died unexpectedly in Babylon on June 13, 323 BC, at the age of 32.

What does the term 'Hellenistic' mean, and what event marks its beginning?

'Hellenistic' means 'like the Greeks,' referring to the spread of Greek culture to non-Greek areas; it traditionally begins in 323 BC with the death of Alexander.

What four kingdoms were established by Alexander's successors following his death?

The Antigonid, Ptolemaic, Seleucid, and Pergamene kingdoms.

How did the four Hellenistic kingdoms derive their names?

Three were named after Alexander's generals (Antigonus, Ptolemy, and Seleucus), while the Pergamene Kingdom was named after the city of Pergamum.

Which Greek city-state rose to prominence in the early fourth century BC and defeated Spartan forces using innovative military tactics?

Thebes.

What defensive armor pieces traditionally equipped a hoplite within a standard Greek phalanx formation?

A metal helmet, a large round shield, a breastplate, and greaves.

Why did fourth-century BC structural limits lead historians to describe a 'decline of the polis' across Greece?

Individual poleis were too small in population, manpower, and finances to maintain standing garrisons, fund navies, and sustain prolonged warfare.

What diplomatic and military strategy did Philip II use to extend Macedonian dominance over Greece without triggering an immediate unified response?

A gradual 'divide and conquer' strategy, annexing smaller border regions slowly while Greek city-states were preoccupied with internal arguments.

What official motive did Philip II promote for his planned campaign against the Persian Empire prior to his assassination?

To seek retribution for past Persian invasions of Greece and present Macedonia as a champion of Greek civilization.

Which Macedonian capital served as Alexander the Great's initial base of departure when launching his expedition into Asia in 334 BC?

Pella.

What Egyptian coastal city did Alexander establish in 331 BC that evolved into a major intellectual and cultural capital of the Hellenistic era?

Alexandria.

Which mythological figure's legendary trek to the East inspired Alexander's push across Asia all the way to India?

Dionysus.

How did the territory of the Seleucid Kingdom evolve between its initial formation and its later history?

It was initially the largest Hellenistic successor kingdom, but it shrank rapidly over time until it was reduced to a small territory in Syria.

Which famous monarch ruled Egypt as the final sovereign of the Hellenistic Ptolemaic dynasty prior to Roman conquest?

Cleopatra.