Alexander the Great: Conqueror of Empires and Spreader of Greek Culture

1. Alexander the Great In this lesson, students will identify the contributions of Alexander the Great to world history. Students will be able to identify and/or define the following terms: Alexander the Great Macedonia Hellenism

2. Greece’s neighbor to the north is Macedonia.

3. Macedonia • Macedonia was a Greek city-state • The Greeks had conquered Macedonia and treated them poorly • After the Peloponnesian Wars Greek City-States Weakened • Greece was vulnerable to attack

4. Philip II • Philip II was a king of Macedonia. In 338 B.C., he conquered the Greek city-states. • Philip had previously been a Greek prisoner in Thebes • Returns to Macedonia and becomes king • Begins expanding his territory and conquering neighboring civilizations

5. Philip II • Philip returned to Greece and conquered Thessaly and Thebes • Athens made peace and allowed Philip to control them • Philip then threatened Sparta • Threatened but never attacked • Sparta remained independent • Philip planned to conquer parts of Persia but was assassinated

6. This ancient coin bears the image of Philip II of Macedonia.

7. E. Napp

8. Alexander the Great • Son of Philip II • Tutored by Aristotle • Helped his father conquer Athens and Thebes at the age of 18 • Had great ambition to conquer the world • Set out to conquer Persia

9. Alexander the great • Conquering of Persia • Moved across the Mediterranean sea and took Anatolia • Conquered northern Africa including egypt • Continued east to conquer all of Persia and overthrow Darius III • Motivated to control the entire world he invaded India

10. Alexander the Great conquered a vast empire.

11. Fall of Alexander • Alexander was ruthless to his enemies and anyone who opposed him • Chased Bessus across Asia • Soldiers began to become exhausted • Years of campaigning and numerous battles • When Alexander’s soldiers crossed the Indus River, they begged Alexander to turn back. • Alexander begins his trip back to Macedonia • Decided to cross the desert and most of his army dies along the way • Soldiers opposed the integration of Asian soldiers into the army • Back in Babylon, Alexander began to plan more military campaigns

12. Alexander’s Death • While planning military campaigns in Babylon alexander falls ill • The exact cause of his death is unknown • Poison • Disease • Malaria • Typhoid fever • Died at the age of 32

13. Alexander the Great was only 32 when he died. For 13 years, he had ruled a vast empire.

14. After the death of Alexander • Alexander’s empire fell apart after his death. • His three generals divided the empire into multiple kingdoms • These kingdoms often fought each other but they were united by their common Greek culture.

15. After the death of Alexander the Great, his vast empire was divided among his generals.

16. Hellenism • Alexander the Great spread Greek culture throughout his empire. • As Greek culture spread eastward, it blended with other cultures. This blend of eastern and western cultures is called Hellenism. • Hellenism comes from the Greek word “Hellas”, which means “their own land.”

17. Hellenism is a Greek like culture.

18. Hellenistic Culture • Hellenistic culture shaped the Mediterranean world for nearly 300 years. • However, Alexander’s dream of creating an enduring empire with one government did not come true. • After Alexander’s death, the Romans eventually realized this dream • Alexander had a great effect on the Roman Empire

19. Alexander the Great spread Greek culture throughout the Mediterranean world.

20. Questions for Reflection: • Where is Macedonia located? • List two accomplishments of Alexander the Great. • Why did Alexander’s soldiers want to return home after invading the Indus River Valley? • What happened to Alexander’s empire after his death? Why did this happen? • Define Hellenism.