Macedon and Alexander the Great

This flashcard set covers the rise of Macedon under Philip II and the subsequent conquests, military strategies, and legacy of Alexander the Great.

Macedon

A Greek monarchy where Philip II came to power in 359, distinct from the traditional Greek city-states (polis).

Philip II

Macedonian king who overhauled the military system and tax structure, defeated the Greeks in 338, and was assassinated in 336.

Sarissa

The specific long spear utilized within the improved Macedonian phalanx.

Battle of Chaeronae

A 338 battle where Philip's forces defeated a combined force of Greeks, making him the Hegemon of Greece with control over everything except Sparta.

Alexander

The son of Philip II and student of Aristotle who became king at 20 and aimed to conquer the Persian empire.

Battle of the Granicus River

A 334 surprise attack in Asia Minor where Alexander was almost killed during the first step of his Persian conquest.

Gordian Knot

A legendary puzzle encountered by Alexander in Asia Minor as he worked to consolidate his power.

Battle of Issus

A 333 battle where Darius III got behind Alexander's forces and Alexander utilized force multipliers to win.

Battle of Tyre

An engagement following the Battle of Issus that was part of Alexander's strategy to cut off the Persian fleet by securing the coast.

Siwah

An Egyptian location where Alexander was addressed as "The Son of Amun" following the liberation of Egypt.

Battle of Gaugamela

A decisive 331 B.C. battle fought on an open field against Darius's chariots and elephants, featuring a gap in the Persian line that Alexander exploited.

Parmenion

One of Alexander's generals at the Battle of Gaugamela, notably mentioned in the quote "I would too, if I were Parmenion."

Prostration

A Persian custom adopted by Alexander as he moved east, contributing to concerns among his men that he was becoming "more Persian."

Battle of Hydaspes River

A costly 326 victory in the Punjab region of India fought against King Porus and over 200 war elephants.

Porus

The Indian king who led the assault at the Hydaspes River and requested that Alexander "Treat me like a king."

Bucephalus

Alexander's horse that died during the difficult return trip from the Indus River toward Babylon.

Mutiny

The refusal of Alexander's troops to continue further east when faced with the prospect of large Indian armies and thousands of elephants.

323

The year Alexander fell ill and died in Babylon.

Hellenism

The cultural legacy of Alexander’s conquests, spreading Greek religion, language, and culture.

Wars of the Diadochi

The conflicts that arose after Alexander's death when he reportedly left his empire "to the strongest."