Alexander the Great

  • Son of King Phillip II

  • Accomplished general by age 13

  • Famous for having never lost a battle

  1. Great because of his accomplishments

  • Conquered a LOT of land

  • Conquered the persian empire, all the land

  • Highly respected as a general

  • Not great at building a lasting empire

  • Empire broke into hellenistic kingdoms:

    Antigones in greece

    Ptolemies in egypt

    Seleucids in persia

  1. Great because of impact on world after death?

  • Important military model for future generals

  • Introd idea of absolute monarchy to greco-roman world

  • Introduced language of Greek to conquered lands

  • Facilitated conversation and commerce

  • Built a NUMBER of cities

  • Alexandria, egypt became a major center of learning in the classical world

  1. Great because of his legend?

  • Single-minded pursuit of persian king darius

  • Uncertain death

1798→ napoleon invaded egypt

(bc alex had done so)

  → admired by roman general pompey(the great)

He may have been great because others thought of him as great, admired him, and he became an icon