Alexander the Great

1. Alexander the Great

2. Background Son of Philip II King of Macedonia His father plans to conquer Greece then Persia Alexander is tutored by Aristotle becomes educated in many areas

3. Background After Philip II is killed Alexander takes the throne Learned to be a great soldier as a boy Uses his military education to conquer many lands

4. Ruthless Greek city-state of Thebes rebels against Alexander’s rule Alexander destroys Thebes Kills 6,000 citizens Enslaves the survivors Strikes fear into all Greek city-states

5. Persia With Greece secure, Alexander marches into Persia Persian king Darius III unwilling to surrender Massive armies meet, but Alexander’s military strategy prevails Darius III flees

6. Egypt Alexander conquers Persian held Egypt Egyptians crown him pharaoh He establishes major port of Alexandria at the mouth of the Nile

7. Persia cont. Alexander moves into Mesopotamia seeking Darius III Conquers Mesopotamia, Susa, and Persian capital of Persepolis Persepolis destroyed Seeks Darius III in Asia

8. Moves East Darius III dead, but Alexander still moves on. Wants to conquer more lands Alexander wants to extend his empire to Asia Marches across deserts, mountains, and through monsoons Defeats large Indian army, but his men have had enough Alexander regretfully returns to Babylon

9. Alexander’s Legacy Alexander adopted many customs from his conquered lands His conquests helped establish trade routes and spread culture This blend of Greek, Egyptian, Persian, and Indian influences = Hellenistic culture