Alexander the Great Midterm exam study guide (CLSX322/HIST387)

Start of Term IDs

• will have to answer four out of eight

• Identify who, what, when, where, and why

• Especially explain why the term is significant to Alexander’s life and the themes of the course

• five sentences each

Symposium

• what: social gatherings where they socialize and drink

• who: elite male citizens

• why:

  • social and political bonds

  • part of Greek culture

  • adoption of Greek culture

  • tombs at Vergina had silver kylikes: show of wealth & shows how Macedonians used the vessels in a different context (burials)

  • flexibility of Macedonian ethnicity

Hoplite warfare

• who: hoplites were armed citizens

• what:

  • phalanx formation

  • close together with overlapping shields on their left arms

  • contributed to success in the Persian Wars

  • effective in a war with fewer soldiers

• why:

  • ???

  • was improved upon by Philip II

  • the basis of Alex’s army that made him so successful

Vergina

• what: debated tomb of Philip II

• when: found in 1977 from late 4th c BC

• Alex: Macedonian star symbol, his father’s tomb?

• what: gold ornaments

Demosthenes

• Who: Orator

• Where: in Athens

• When: 4th c. BCE (384-322 BCE)

• What:

  • Led anti-Macedonian faction against Philip II

  • sought to preserve Athens’ freedom & establish an alliance against Philip

  • killed himself to avoid punishment when Antipater sent men to track him down

• Why:

  • Demosthenes spoked outwardly against Alex

  • represented those who opposed Alex & Macedon

Philip II

• who:

  • youngest son of the king, became heir and king

  • Macedonian King

  • father of Alexander

• when: 382-336 BCE (reigned 360-336)

• what:

  • political hostage when young especially in Thebes

  • implemented what he learned from Theban army

  • Brought military reform and expansion to Macedonian kingdom

• why:

  • set Alex up to be successful

  • lots of influence in his life

  • theme: Macedonia adopting aspects of other cultures

Olympias

• who:

  • Daughter of king of Epirus, Neoptolemus I

  • Fourth wife of Philip, married 357 BCE

• what

  • marriage alliance between Epirus and Macedon

  • Supposedly murders Cleopatra (wife of Philip II) and child

  • As well as Arrhidaeus and wife Eurydice after Alexander the Great’s death

• why

  • actively supported Alex’s succession, killed for him

Cyrus the Great (the II)

• who: Persian founder of the Achaemenid Empire

• When: Reign 559-530 BCE

• What: Conquest of Lydian kingdom in western Anatolia, c. 547 BCE

• Alex: restored his tomb at Pasargadae (first captial under Cyrus)

Cryptic oracle to Croesus from Delphi – he would “destroy a great empire” – spoiler, his own

Defeated and killed by Scythians

Darius I

• who: the third King of Kings of the Achaemenid Empire

• when: reigning from 522 BCE until his death in 486 BCE

• what: satrap systems

• why:

  • Alex adopted satrap systems

Persepolis

• when: (burnt in 330 BCE))

• what: Ceremonial capital starting with Darius the Great

• why:

  • set fire to the palace (payback or accident?)

Satraps

• who: regional governors

• what:

  • fairly autonomous

  • instituted by Persia

  • AtG adopted satrap system - set his own men as satraps in some places & relied on previous satraps in others

• why:

  • adaptation of Persian culture

  • stability (by keeping the same systems)

  • consolidating power: placing men he trusted in power

  • appealing to locals

King’s Peace

• when: early 4th c. (386 BCE)

• what:

  • Treaty made by Persian king Artaxerxes II

  • Resolution of Corinthian War

  • Spartan loss

  • resulted in Persian control of Greek cities of Asia Minor

• who: Persia sided with Athens, Argos, Corinth and Thebes vs. Sparta

• why:

  • dependence of Greek cities on an outside power

  • Persian control of Greece = motivator for Greeks to want to conquer Persia

Macedonian phalanx

• what: a phalanx is a close formation of soldiers, the Macedonian’s carried long sarissa - it was an improvement on hoplite warfare from the Greeks

• why: the Macedonian Phalanx was improved upon by Philip II which is one of the reason’s Alex’s army was so successful

Companion cavalry

• who: a cavalry of chosen elite Macedonian soldiers to guard the king

• they would attack in a wedge formation

• charged in an arc

• why: was created by King Philip II and exploited by Alex

Siege of Olynthus

• when: mid-4th c. BCE (349-348)

• what: Philip II attacking cities in the Chalkidiki

• where: sling bullets and arrowheads found within the city suggest fighting within the city

• why:

  • physical evidence: lead sling bullets with inscriptions “Philip’s” and inscribed with insults

  • siege warfare (improved by Philip II - torsion catapults)

  • setting up Alexander’s success

  • Philip’s expansion

  • access to resources to support his kingdom

Battle of Chaeronea

• when: 338 BCE

• who: Philip & Alex VS anti-Macedonian alliance led by Thebes and Athens

• what

  • Alex (18yo) commanded Cavalry

  • Theban Sacred Band killed (300 members killed and buried)

  • result: Macedonians won

  • evidence: skeletal remains with skulls wounds = hit by cavalry?

• why:

  • Alex has important role leading the cavalry - sets up for his success in his crusade

  • set up for Theban Revolt/Sack of Thebes - one of Alex’s first military actions since becoming King

League of Corinth

• When: 338/7 BCE

• What: Greek cities against Persia unified by Philip

  • common peace

  • freedom & autonomy

  • would attack any polis that disturbed peace

  • exclusion of Sparta

• Who: Philip II as leader, Greek cities, NOT Sparta

• Why: provided Alex with support in his crusade against Persia, especially with a navy

Bucephalus

• who: Alex’s prized horse

• what: name means “ox-headed”

• why: Alex tamed Bucephalus when Philip II and others could not, showed his ability to rule/lead

• when: mid to late 4th c. (355-326), died after the Battle of the Hydapses in 326 BC

• Bucephala: named after Bucephalus, founded near Hydaspes River after his death

Aristotle

• who: Ancient Greek Philosopher, studies covered a vast range of subjects, tutor of Alex

• when: lived 4th c. BCE, educated Alex in 343 BC

• where: educated Alex at Mieza

• why:

  • Philip II requested his presence in order to educate Alexander at 14yo (educated him with his friends Hephaestion, Ptolemy, Harpalus)

  • Aristotle encouraged Alex toward Eastern conquest

  • shared his love of Greek literature with Alex

Pausanias

• who: bodyguard of Philip II (and later assassin)

• when: killed Philip II in 336 BCE

• what:

  • sexually assaulted by Attalus’ attendants

  • Philip II did not avange Pausanias

  • Assinated Philip during feast celebrating the marriage of Cleopatra, sister of Alexander, to uncle Alexander king of Epirus

• why: this set Alex up for succession and assuming the role of King and leader of the League of Corinth

Antipater

• who: Macedonian general for Philip II, then regent of Alexander’s Empire

• when: late 4th c. BCE

• why:

  • helped Alex secure the throne as he was part of the army that declared Alex as king

  • remained in Macedon to maintain control of Macedon and Greece

  • he put down revolts

Sack of Thebes

• who: Thebes, League of Corinth led by Alex, Dmosthenes

• when: 335 BC

• what:

  • Theban exiles convince others to revolt, think Alex is dead

  • Theban revolt after Alex made hegemon of the League of Corinth

  • result: Macedonian victory & destruction of Thebes

• why:

  • intimidation factor: rule with fear

  • philhellenism: destroys everything by Pindar’s house (appeals to Greeks)

  • reconciles with Athens (needs their support & navy)

Parmenion

• who:

  • Macedonian general & advisor for both Philip II & Alex

  • nobleman

• when: 4th c. BC

• what:

  • he led an advance in Asia Minor sent by Philip II before his death

  • cavalry leader in key battles

• why:

  • offered advice (older more experienced than Alex)

  • Alex had him assassinated when his son was involved in a conspiracy against Alex - shows his paranoia? - his brutal rule

Troy

• what: legendary Greek city and setting of the Trojan War in Homer’s Illiad

• when: late 4th c. BC 334 BC ← Alex’s visit

• why:

  • Alexander had a great interest in the Illiad and Trojan War

  • first city Alex visited in Asia

  • sacrificed to homeric heroes

  • Alex visited the city & placed a wreath on the tomb of Achilles

  • by visiting he associated himself with Achilles and homeric tales = godlike, hero-like

Battle of Granicus

• when: 334 BC

• who: Battle between Alexander & Persian forces (Darius III not present)

• what:

  • Alex pushes across river despite Parmenion’s advice

  • Persian advantage: higher ground, not crossing the river

  • Persians attack as Macedonians try ro get to other side of the river bank

  • Macedonian first charge: deterred by draws out the Persians

  • Alex takes charge with cavalry

  • Alex is almost killed

  • Persians are pushed back, they flee and are defeated

• why:

  • Mercenaries left behind taken as captives = made an example out of them

  • success against odds

Darius III

• who: king of Persia

  • after a betrayal and several killings

• when: 4th c. BC, reigned 336-330 BCE

  • came into power during a weakened state

  • same year as Philip II’s death

• why:

  • King during Alex’s Panhellenic crusade against of the Persian Empire (334 BC)

  • succeeded by Alexander the Great

  • Alex pursued him but he died to his relative Bessos = uncertainty of succession

Gordion

• when: 333 BC (later 4th c. BC)

• what: location of the myth of the Gordion knot

  • whoever undoes the knot becomes ruler of Asia

• why:

  • Alex cut the knot

  • continues myth that Alex will rule

  • parallel to Heracles: doing the impossible

  • achieves his goals through unconventional means

Battle of Issus

• when: 333 BC

• where: southern Anatolia near the town of Issus

• who: Alexander /League of Corinth and Darius/Achaemenid Empire

• what:

  • Alex is outnumbered

  • Flanks to Alex’s right drive off Persians

  • Alex charges

  • Alex’s phalanx: attacking when crossing the river

  • Alex advanced

  • Darius flees when Alex disperses his left wing

  • Alex tries to pursue Darius

• why:

  • second great battle of Alex’s conquest

  • the first encounter between Darius & Alex

Siege of Tyre

• when: 333-332 BC

• what:

  • Alex wants to give sacrifices to Herakles at Tyre

  • Tyre refused

  • Tyre was vital city for access to the sea - would allow Persians to travel to Greece

  • built a mole from mainland to Tyre w/ siege towers

  • Tyrians sent burning ships

  • Alex received support/allies

  • seige engines brought to the walls = breach

• why:

  • Alex goes through the wall = bravery, part of his army

  • success of a long seige, moral booster

Siwa oasis

• what: Oasis in Egypt, location of the Oracle of Ammon

• where: west of the Nile

• why:

  • Alexander makes a detour to visit the Siwa Oasis to speak to the Oracle of Ammon

  • Alex visits the Oracle of Ammon which confirms him as divine

  • oracles important in Greek culture (philhellenism)

  • omen: led by birds

Zeus Ammon

• who: Zeus & Ammon are conflated/equated

• why:

  • Alex visits the Oracle of Ammon which confirms his divinity as son of Zeus/Ammon

  • religious, deification propaganda

  • Alex later adopts symbols of Zeus Ammon (horns) in his depictions

Alexandria

• when: 331 BC

• who: founded by Alex, who named it after himself

• what:

  • important port of the Greeks

  • trade! harbors!

• why:

  • part of Alex’s foundation of cities

  • encouraged city life and brought wealth

  • combined Greek and Egyptian cultures

  • supported his empire w/ trade

Battle of Gaugamela

• when: 331 BC

• what: decisive battle between Alexander Darius III

  • Alex drew out one flank to uneven territory

  • charge with Companion Cavalry

  • Darius fled & Alex pursued but stoped to aid Parmenion

  • result: Darius murdered by companions as they fled, victory for Alex

• where: Mesopotamia

• why: Alex’s succession

  • Alexander consolidated power in the various Persian capitals afterwards

  • killed Bessos to assume the title of king

Susa

• when:

• where: capital of Persia

• what:

  • Alex went to Susa

  • took treasures & royal property

  • Alex returned bronze statues of tyrant killers

  • Weddings: Alex married his companions to Persian Wives - unity

• why:

  • compares him to the tyrant killers, suggesting by killed Darius he killed a tyrant

  • weddings:

    • appealing to locals/Persians

    • uniting his people

    • bribery (feast)

Babylon

First Visit

• when: 330 BC

• Alex orders temples destroyed by Xerxes to be rebuilt

• sacrifices to local god (appealing to locals)

• why: philhellenism = appeal to Greeks

Second: his death

• when: 323 BC

• what: Alexander dies due to illness

• why:

  • place of his death

  • last words: “to the strongest”

Bessos

• who: satrap of Bactria who used scorched earth tactic

• when: 330 BC kills Darius

• what:

  • killed Darius & retreated to Sogiana

  • captured by Ptolemy

  • punished (nose and ears cut off) and sent away for execution

• why:

  • succession: killing the murderer of Darius

  • satisfaction: wasn’t able to kill Darius

Agis

• who: Agis III, king of Sparta

• when: later 4th c. BC

• what:

  • initiated revolt against Macedon in Greece against Antipater

  • sieges Megalopolis (331 BC)

  • defeated by Antipater & killed

• why:

  • shows unrest during Alex’s reign

Proskynesis

• what: Alex starts using proskynesis

  • Callisthenes disagress: should be reserved for gods - Macedonians agree

  • Alex gets rid of psokynesis

• where: Bactria

• when: 327 BC

• why:

  • Alex aligning himself more with Persian culture & diefication

  • his own men disagreeing

  • Alex realizes his men are most important for his success

Callisthenes

• who: Greek historian for Alexander the Great (primary source)

• when: mid to late 4th c. BCE (327 BC - death)

• what:

  • disagrees with proskynesis

  • Hermolaos got boar in hunt before Alexander, Alex hit him

  • Hermolaos wanted revenge = conspiracy

  • Alex heard of conspiracy - Callisthenes involved?

  • died: of disease after being shackled, or hanged

• why:

  • disloyalty to Alex

  • important for the spread of Alex’s legacy & propoganda

Aristobolus

• who: Greek engineer, architect, and historian for Alexander - accompanied Alex on his campaigns

• what: Primary source

  • wrote an account of Alexander

  • his work used by Arrian and Plutarch

• when: 4th c. BC

• why:

  • spread of information about Alexander

  • propaganda & legacy?

Roxana

• who: wife of Alexander the Great, daughter of Oxyartes (leader of a tribe in Sogdiana)

• what:

  • Alex fought Oxyartes

  • seized Sogdian rock by scaling = Sogdians surrendered

  • marriage alliance with Oxyartes’ daughter Roxana

• when: late 4th c. BC (married Alex Spring 327 BCE)

• why:

  • similar strategy to Philip II

  • shows other forms of strategy - political/social

  • pressure to produce an heir?

Poros

• who: Indian King

• where: Ruler of area between two rivers: Hydaspes and Akesinos

• when: later 4th c. BC (326 BC - Battle)

• what:

  • fought againt Alexander

  • reinstated as satrap after battle

• why:

  • Alex supporting systems already in place

  • Alex honoring others’ strength

Battle of the Hydaspes River

• when: 326 BCE

• who: Alexander and Poros

• where: at Hydaspes River

• what:

  • Alex leads the cavalry

  • Alex kills Poros’ son

  • Poros goes to meet Alex & Macedonian units cross river

  • Alex & the cavalry attack the right

  • right wing Indian cavalry goes behind their line to attack Alexander

  • Alex breaks Poros’ left

  • Macedonian phalanx panics the elephants

    Indian infantry flees

  • Poros did not flee - kept on as vassal king

• why:

  • farthest point of his eastern conquest

  • secures large portion of India

  • facing larger kingdoms

  • shortly before the Hyphasis River mutiny

Hyphasis River

• when: 326 BCE

• who: Alex VS Koinos & troops

• what: mutiny

  • Macedonians tired of conquering/traveling

  • Alex tries to rally troops

  • Koinos responds: we’re why you’re successful

  • Alex: stubborn stays in tent

  • Alex decided to turn back

• why:

  • Alex conquered by his own men

  • Alex realizes his strength lies in his men

  • he had to give up his dream of going even farther

Gedrosia Desert

• when: 325 BC

• what:

  • one of 3 directions taken on the journey back to Macedon

  • led by Alexander

  • punishment, exploration

• why:

  • contributes to his legacy

  • wants to outdo legendary figures (Queen Semiramis who conquered India) doing the impossible/what others couldn’t do

  • the idea of struggling leading to legacy

  • Arrian: Alex pours out the helmet of water - loyal to his men

Pasargadae

• what: capital of Achaemenid Empire under Cyrus the Great

  • Alex learned Cyrus the Great’ tomb was desecrated

  • ordered Aristobolus to retore it

• when: 325/324 BCE

  • upon Alex’s return to Persia

• why:

  • Cyrus was a great king and leader - Alex showing respect reflect well on himself

  • symbolizes Alex’s great leadership

Opis

• when: 324 BCE

• who: Alexander, Macedonian veterans, Epigonoi (Persian recruits trained during Indian campagin)

• what: mutiny

  • Alex tries to discharge Macedonian veterns at Opis

  • wants to replace them wtih epigonoi

  • Macedonians protests

  • Alex bribes them: banquet for Macedonians & Persians

  • Macedonian veterans willing to leave: left their Persian wives & children

• why:

  • Alex uniting Macedonians/Greek & Persians

  • Alex adopting more Persian aspects

  • the abandonment of Persian wives shows how temporary his system is

Hephaestion

• who:

  • Macedonian nobleman

  • general in Alex’s army

  • best friend and possible lover of Alexander the Great

  • led half the cavalry

• when: mid to late 4th c. BC (dies in 324 BCE)

• what:

  • dies of illness in 324

  • Alex cut his hair over the corpse

  • funeral in Babylon w/ funeral games

  • hero cult

• why:

  • significant emotional response: slaughter of Cossaeans

  • emulation of Achilles & Patroclus (cutting his hair & funeral games)

  • more deification (hero cult)

Battle of Ipsus

• when: 301 BCE

• who: fought between Diadochi (successor of AtG)

  • Antigonus and his son Demetrius

  • VS

  • coalition of three other successors of Alexander: Cassander, Lysimachus and Seleucus

• where: near Ipsus in Phrygia

• what:

  • how Alex’s kingdom was split

  • established dynasty in Macedon

  • the rest divide up the terriroty

• why:

  • it generally solidifies Greek regions

  • shows unrest after Alex’s death

  • shows the lack of structure Alex put in place

Antigonus I

• who: Macedonian general & successor of AtG

• when: late 4th c. BC [306/5 BCE (crowned as king)]

• where: Macedonia

• what:

  • part of Alex’s invasion of the Persian Empire

  • Satrap of phrygia

  • part of the Battle of Ipsus (Wars of the Diadochi)

  • controlled large parts of Alex’s former empire

• why:

  • shows unrest after Alex’s death

  • shows the lack of structure Alex put in place

  • the hunger for power

Ptolemy I

• who: Macedonian general, historian & successor of AtG

• when: late 4th c. BC to early 3rd c. (305-282)

• where: Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt

• what:

  • king and pharaoh of Ptolemaic Egypt

• why:

  • shows unrest after Alex’s death

  • shows the lack of structure Alex put in place

  • the hunger for power

  • success found through Alex’s death

Seleukos I

• who: Macedonian general & successor of AtG

• when:

• where: Mesopotamia & Persia, later: western Asia Minor

• what:

  • founded the Seleucis dynasty (major power of Hellenistic world)

• why:

  • power struggles after Alex’s death

  • emulation of Alex in iconography

  • shows the lack of structure Alex put in place

  • the hunger for power

  • success found through Alex’s death

Lysippus

• who: official sculptor

• when: C. 390-300 BCE

• where:

• what:

  • Youthful

  • No beard

  • Anastole and flowing hair

• why:

  • contributed to & set standards of Alex’s iconography

  • propaganda

Pharos lighthouse

• who:

  • Made by Sostratus of Knidos

  • Commissioned by Ptolemy, finished by Ptolemy II

• where: Alexandria

• what:

  • “Wonder of the Ancient World”

  • Statue of Zeus or Poseidon

  • Destroyed by earthquakes?

  • Converted to watch tower

  • Julius Caesar - Mentions lighthouse

• why:

  • shows improvments made to Alexandria after Alex’s death

  • symbol of the legacy of Alex

  • highlights its importance as a trading port

Library of Alexandria

• when: early to mid 3rd c. BC (284-246 BCE)

• who: Built under Ptolemy II

• where: within Alexandria, Egypt

• what:

  • Connected to royal palaces and mouseion

  • enormous quantity of books, nearly seven hundred thousand volumes

• why:

  • symbol of the exchange of ideas & cultures which AtG tried to foster during his reign

  • carries on the importance of Alexandria & thus the legacy of Alexander

Start of Essay Questions

• will have to answer one prompt from two options

• Review these themes for the exam.

• structure your essay: a thesis, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

What defined Greek culture?

• Greek language

• Greek religion

  • Panhelenic festivals (Olympic games)

  • Panhellenic sanctuaries (Olympia & Delphi)

• Symposium

• Hoplite Warfare

• Polis culture

  • No one citizen can monopolize power

  • Citizen assembly

  • Council of leading aristocrats

  • Officials served for a set period

• Philosophical inquiries, idea sharing, art

What defined Macedonian culture?

• Monarchy: palace-based with kings

• Language: Macedonian language (NW dialect of Greek?)

• Absolute power

  • Military, politics, & religion

  • Owned natural resources

• Aristocratic

• Court (special people to the king - companions)

• Hellenization

  • Worshipped Greek gods

  • Later emulated Greek poleis

  • Royal family more Greek

  • Symposium

What defined Persian culture?

• Religious tolerance

  • Due to them conquering many different cultures

• Religion less engrained in society?

• Satraps

• Language: not Greek (administrative correspondence in Greek)

• Worship of kings (proskynesis)

How did Greek, Macedonian, and Persian ethnicities play into Alexander’s campaign?

• appealed to different cultures to better control them and gain their support

• Symbolism and cultural
  appropriation

Greek, Macedonian, and Persian ethnicity – what defined these different cultures and how did they play into Alexander’s campaign?

• Greek

  • Greek language

  • Greek religion

  • Polis culture

    • No one citizen can monopolize power

    • Citizen assembly

    • Council of leading aristocrats

    • Officials served for a set period

  • Panhelenic festivals (Olympic games)

  • Panhellenic sanctuaries (Olympia & Delphi)

  • Symposium

  • Hoplite Warfare

  • Philosophical inquiries, idea sharing, art

• Macedonian

  • Monarchy: palace-based with kings - Nobility!!

  • Language: Macedonian language - NW dialect of Greek?

  • Absolute power

    • Military, politics, & religion

    • Owned natural resources

  • Aristocratic

  • Court (special people to the king - companions)

  • Hellenization

    • Worshipped Greek gods

    • Later emulated Greek poleis

    • Royal family more Greek

    • Symposium

• Persian

  • Religious tolerance

    • Due to them conquering many different cultures

  • Religion less engrained in society?

  • Satraps

  • Language: not Greek (administrative correspondence in Greek)

  • Worship of kings (proskynesis)

• How did they play into Alexander’s campaign?

  • Alex appealed to each culture to gain their support

  • Symbolism and cultural

    appropriation

Summarize aspect of the Macedonian military

• Military reforms: by Philip II improved what he learned from Thebes

• Use of the cavalry: charge more

• Phalanx: close formation of soldiers w/ long sarissa

• Companion cavalry:

  • attacked in wedge formation (charges) and from flanks

  • Riders had long, light double-sided spears

  • Attack on move

• Foot companions – used sarissa (c. 14-20 feet long), smaller shields

• Shield bearers – veterans on flanks, faster, shorter spears, swords

• Hammer and anvil attack

  • Formation of attacking enemy from both sides

  • Foot Companions attacked on one side

  • Cavalry came around the back and attacked from the other

• Torsion catapults and siege warfare

Explain Alexander as a general

• Strategy

• One with his men - loyal

• Stubborn/passionate

• Intimidation (Sack of Thebes)

• Pursued his enemies

• Surprise (Sack of Thebes)

• Established secure bases/founded cities

• Use of cavalry

• Adaptability

What made Alexander successful in his Campaigns?

• Alex appealed to each culture to gain their support

• Symbolism and cultural appropriation

• Strategy

• Loyalty to his troops & goal

• received advantages from Philip II

• Kept local systems in place

Macedonian military and Alexander as general – what made Alexander successful in his campaigns?

Macedonian Military:

• Philip II: brought what he learned from Thebes and improved upon it

• Especially using the cavalry: charge more

• Improved hoplite warfare from Greeks

• Phalanx: close formation of soldiers w/ long sarissa

• Companion cavalry:

  • attacked in wedge formation (charges) and from flanks

  • Riders had long, light double-sided spears

    Attack on move

• Foot companions – used sarissa (c. 14-20 feet long), smaller shields

• Shield bearers – veterans on flanks, faster, shorter spears, swords

• Hammer and anvil attack

  • Formation of attacking enemy from both sides

    • Foot Companions attacked on one side

    • Cavalry came around the back and attacked from the other

• Torsion catapults and siege warfare

Alexander as General

• Strategy

• One with his men - loyal

• Stubborn/passionate?

• Intimidation (Sack of Thebes)

• Pursued his enemies

• Surprise (Sack of Thebes)

• Established secure bases/founded cities

• Use of cavalry

• Adaptability

What made Alexander successful in his Campaigns?

• Alex appealed to each culture to gain their support

• Symbolism and cultural appropriation

• Strategy

• Loyalty to his troops & goal

Give examples of Alexander’s propaganda

• Oracle of Ammon: diefication

• Emulation of Zeus Ammon

• Association with homeric heroes: Achilles

• Personal historians to share his legacy

• Symbolic gestures?

How did Alexander promote his image to different cultures?

• Adopted local cultures religions to portray himself in whatever way was beneficial for him

• Incorporated aspects of different cultures: proskynesis, Persian marriages, doing Persian adornments

• Panhellenism? - spread Greek cultures w/ images

• Founded cities

• Hired historians & sculptors to depict him a certain way

• Often portrayed in a divine way

Alexander’s propaganda – how did Alexander promote his image to different cultures?

• Alexander’s propaganda

  • Oracle of Ammon: diefication

  • Emulation of Zeus Ammon

  • Association with homeric heroes: Achilles

  • Personal historians to share his legacy

  • Symbolic gestures?

• How did Alexander promote his image to different cultures?

  • Adopted local cultures religions to portray himself in whatever way was beneficial for him

  • Incorporated aspects of different cultures: proskynesis, Persian marriages, doing Persian adornments

  • Panhellenism? - spread Greek cultures w/ images

  • Founded cities

  • Hired historians & sculptors to depict him a certain way

  • Often portrayed in a divine way

What did Alexander do during his conquest to set up his new kingdom?

• Founded cities (to help unify his empire)

• ^ and ports = supporting economy

• United Macedonians & Persians: weddings, banquets, adopting aspects of other cultures

• Collected tribute from conquered locations to support his campaign

• Intimidation to ensure loyalty (killing conspirators, Sack of Thebes)

• Generally kept autonomy of regions

• Kept local systems in place but placed his own men in charge (stability)

• Monetary rewards to maintain loyalty

• Religious tolerance

In what ways were his actions successful and unsuccessful?

• Successful:

  • Founded cities were successful

  • Spread Hellenistic culture successfully

  • Keeping local systems in place ensured stability across such a vast empire

  • Stubbornness & passion = success

• Unsuccessful

  • Satraps rebelled

  • Too big: overextended

  • Mutinies & disloyalty/resistance

  • No stronger, main system in place (after his death it dissolved quickly)

  • Stubbornness & passion = strained his men

  • Lacked stable governance

Alexander’s empire and its dissolution – what did Alexander do during his conquest to set up his new kingdom? In what ways were his actions successful and unsuccessful?

• What did Alexander do during his conquest to set up his new kingdom?

  • Founded cities (to help unify his empire)

  • ^ and ports = supporting economy

  • United Macedonians & Persians: weddings, banquets, adopting aspects of other cultures

  • Collected tribute from conquered locations to support his campaign

  • Intimidation to ensure loyalty (killing conspirators, Sack of Thebes)

  • Generally kept autonomy of regions

  • Kept local systems in place but placed his own men in charge (stability)

  • Monetary rewards to maintain loyalty

  • Religious tolerance

• In what ways were his actions successful and unsuccessful?

  • Successful:

    • Founded cities were successful

    • Spread Hellenistic culture successfully

    • Keeping local systems in place ensured stability across such a vast empire

    • Stubborness & passion = success

  • Unsuccessful

    • Satraps rebelled

    • Too big: overextended

    • Mutinies & disloyalty/resistance

    • No stronger, main system in place (after his death it dissolved quickly)

    • Stubborness & passion = strained his men

    • Lacked stable governance