Alexander the Great

What does the title of “the Great” imply about Alexander?

• he did something important with his life

• benefitted the whole country not just himself

• will be remembered 

• many people thought that he did something great - widespread thing, not just something people called him 

• protects others 

• achievements - military and political

• His extraordinary military conquests, cultural influence, and leadership shifted the course of history, establishing him as a legendary figure.

'“The Great”

• leadership

• fairness

• power - power to make a change and be remembered so significantly

• respected

• wealth

• encouraged reforms within his country that benefited the people - a revolutionary

• bravery

• strength - both physically and mentally - had extensive tutorage 

What modern-day countries were part of Alexander’s empire?

• Egypt

• Turkey

• Israel

• Jordan

• Lebanon

• Syria

• Palestine

• Iraq

• Iran

• India

• Afghanistan

• Macedonia

What was something people said about Alexander?

He never lost a battle.

At what age did Alexander become king of Macedon?

20.

True or false, Alexander created the largest empire in Greek History.

True

Which ancient Greek philosopher was Alexander tutored by?

Aristotle

What did Alexander do at the age of 18?

He led a cavalry charge against Thebes, conquering most of Greece.

“By the Aegean sea / in 334 B.C….

…he utterly beat the armies of Persia”

What was the name of the Persian king?

King Darius III

Who did Alexander claim he was the son of?

Zeus, king of the Gods.

Alexander goes as far as Pakistan and along the way names how many cities after himself? What were the names of the cities?

20, Alexandria

Why did Alexander not continue east into India?

His army turned back.

When did Alexander the Great die?

323 B.C.

How did Alexander die?

He died of fever in Babylonnnnn

When was Alexander born?

356 B.C.

When did Alexander ascend to the throne?

336 BC

What was the first thing Alexander did upon his world conquest?

His fleet sailed to Asia and he won his first battle against the Persians by the Granicus River.

Where was the most famous city of Alexandria?

Egypt.

What did Alexander do to commemorate his horse after its death?

Established the city of Bucephalus.

What plans of Alexander’s were foiled when his army turned back in 325 BC?

His plans to conquer China.

What did the Greek city states have in common?

The poleis of Ancient Greece were separate city-states with different political climates and economies, however they were linked through religion and language.

What were Greek city states called?

‘poleis’

In what main way did the ancient greek city states differ?

Different leaders and political climates

Which empire invaded the Greek states in 388-387 BCE?

Persia!

What did persia force the Greek states to do after conquest?

• To accept ‘The King’s Peace’ meaning that the king had supreme control over all the defeated city states 

• In the mainland the city states were allowed to be continued to rule by their ruler, however in Asia Minor they were ruled by Persian governors. 

What were the geographical features and natural resources of Macedonia?

• good access to food and timber

• had gold and silver mines

• surrounded by mountains on 3 sides, and water on another creating a natural barrier for defence 

What was the nature of kingship in Macedonia?

• Kingship was generally hereditary, but they had to prove themselves worthy in fighting, hunting and drinking first. 

• Nobility also played a role in promoting the future king.

How did macedonia emerge as a powerful leading state?

• Macedon was not defeated by Persia and so was able to maintain their wealth within the country 

• In the 4th century BCE it began to expand under the rule of Philip II

How did Philip consolidate his political position?

• he expanded the country through some of the Persian empire

• He reformed the military by improving catapults etc. to make them stronger

What was the purpose of the League of Corinth?

To unite the Greek military to fight the persian empire (under Macedon’s rule)

In which year was Philip assassinated and who succeeded him?

Assassinated in 336 BCE and succeeded by Alexander the Great.

Who was Alexander’s Mother?

Olympias, a princess of Epirus.

From whom was Alexander thought to have been descended through his father and mother?

On his mother’s side, Achilles, and on his father’s side, Perseus and Heracles.

According to Plutarch, how did Alexander’s mother influence him?

Stories of Alexander's divine birth were mostly attributed from her influence, and whether or not Alexander believed these stories, many of his later actions can be linked back to his perceived semi-divine standing and his admiration of the heroes he was supposedly descended from. According to Plutarch, she was a woman of 'jealous and vindictive temper, who incited Alexander to oppose his father.' Alexander also seemed to have inherited many of his more well-known qualities from Olympias, such as his pride, intelligence and ambition.

Who was the Ancient Greek writer who wrote about Alexander, and who did he put him in comparison with?

Plutarch, Julius Caesar.

Who was Alexander first tutored by?

Leonidas

How did Alexander’s education prepare him for his future role?

He was taught how to fight by Leonidas

Taught how to do public speaking, and all other facets of being a ruler by Aristotle

What military and political experience did Alexander have before he became King?

• appointed regent at 16 - father was fighting a war in Thrace (gave him ruling experience)

• helped fight in some wars, giving him military experience 

• had more experience than his other siblings 

• know how to be a good ruler 

• taught how to defend his country, and lead them into military victory

• spent more time learning how to please the people by being regent, gaining himself supporter for when he actually took over as king.

What did Phil Grabsky say about Alexander?

That he was possibly one of the greatest military commanders of all time.

What was Alexander’s character?

• Great publicist (promoter of causes)

• He had charisma

• Very self-promoting

  • Named so many cities 'Alexandria"

• Was taught Art, Literature and Music

  • Was a good student - didn't trouble the teachers with any childish questions or temperament

• He was very powerful

• Arrogant

• Pompous

• Very endurance

• Hungry for popularity

• Super smart

• Brave and adventurous

• Seen as a master by his troops

  • Inspired them and gave them confidence to be able to do the things they did

What did legend say would happen to the person who untied the Gordian knot?

“He would become the master of Asia”

What did Alexander do to the Gordian knot?

He cut it

What did Alexander spread far and wide?

Hellenism!

What did Alexander pave the way for?

Christianity!

What did Arrian say about Alexander?

“It is my belief that there was in those days no nation, no city, no single individual beyond the reach of Alexander’s name; never in the world was there another like him.”

Who was Arrian?

• greek

• historian/philosopher

• Born in 86 CE

• Died in 160 CE

• Wrote in 2nd century CE

True or false: Macedon was a war-like society characterised by Tribal loyalties and clan chiefs, and unlike other city-states of Greece, it was a monarchy.

True