Bell-Ringer What makes someone great? **List several examples***
Alexander the Great
Essential Question: How did Alexander build his empire?
Alexander s Empire
What do you think? It only took 11 years!!!!
Alexander the Great Alexander the Great was the son of King Phillip II of Macedonia. Alexander conquered Persia, Egypt, the Middle East and Northern India. He died at age 33 from malaria? Alexander was not from Athens, but Macedonia. Alexander was a brilliant military strategist. His favorite book was Homer s Iliad
Alexander conquered the Persian empire and controlled the largest empire the world has ever seen.
Phillip II of Macedonia Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful military machine Moved into northern Greece and met little resistance due to effects of Peloponnesian War (Which was??) By 338 he had Greece under his control
Used as a brute-force breakthrough formation. Philip made the Phalanx a versatile weapon, with the ability to advance, hold and retreat in good order. It was primarily used as a holding force while the Companion cavalry delivered the main blow against the enemy. The Phalanx
Roots of Alexander s Reign https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=n714eevzcp8 Phillip of Macedonia Macedonian Phalanx https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=8kqwmbjpbts&feature=related
Companion Calvary
Alexander Takes Control Phillip II is assassinated Alexander crowned king Phillip had prepared Alexander well for kingship -Military Experience -Tutors
Influences Heavily influenced by Greek culture Inspired by the stories of Achilles and Hercules. Kept a dagger and a copy of the Iliad under his pillow. Wanted his accomplishments to surpass those of Hercules.
His Vision Alexander moved quickly to fullfil his father s dream The conquest of the Persian Empire!
Beginning of his Conquests 334 BCE His army totaled 37,000 Greek and Macedonian men. 5,000 of which were cavalry. Darius III, king of Persia, called forth a massive multinational army to meet the invaders. Estimates range from 200,000 to one million soldiers How did Alexander defeat Persia?
All Conquests: 4 Decisive Battles
Alexander s Conquests The Battle of Granicus River = 1st of Battles- Conquering of Persia https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=sehuk6p_xoc&feature=related 1. Heavily outnumbered, Alexander crushes the Persians at the Battle of Issus. 2. Alexander establishes Alexandria as the Greek capitol of Egypt! 3. Near Babylon, Alexander decisively defeats Darius! Becomes the ruler of the entire Persian Empire!
Still Not Satisfied For the next three years, Alexander moves east and northeast. Afghanistan & Pakistan In 326 BCE, Alexander moves into India. Series of a hard fought campaigns Macedonians refuse to go any farther Alexander s army returned to Babylon, where he dies in June 323 BCE of wounds, fever, and too much alcohol.
Why was Alexander so Successful? Great Military Leader Master of strategy and tactics He was fearless Led his men into battle Willing to risk his own life While in India, Alexander was the first to leap over a city wall in order to inspire his troops.
Legacy of Alexander 1. The Marriage of East & West 2. Alexander the Great ushered in the: Hellenistic Age A period where Greek influence could be found throughout the known world
Alexander spread Hellenistic Culture throughout Asia Hellenistic is a fancy word for Greek. Alexander spread Greek technology and ideas throughout his empire.
Why do you think people who were conquered (by Alexander) adopted Greek culture?
Cultural Diffusion the spreading out of culture, culture traits, or a cultural pattern from a central point.
Was Alexander Really Great? 9/28 CLOSE
National Geographic Article: Alexander the Great
The Character Write down as many skills, traits and qualities of Alexander as they each can individually on a separate piece of paper. What 5+ words would you use to describe Alexander the Great? Explain and justify your choices.