Alexander the Great

The Rise of Macedonia

• After the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta the two city-states just tried to control each other. – While fighting continues amongst them a new empire called Macedonia is on the rise.

• King Phillip II begins to establish his power by conquering Greece.

– Phillip is an accomplished assassin and kills off other competitors for the throne – He is captured by the Thebans 369-367, and learns Greek military tactics here.

• King Phillip the II was the father of Alexander the Great.

– Alexander’s mother Olympias dreams of an auspicious future for the child in her womb.

Greek World in 363 BC

Phillip’s Death

• After Phillip’s death Alexander inherits the throne at the age of 20.

– He was taught military tactics by Aristotle.

• Greece revolts! They no longer want to be ruled by Macedonians. – Thebes was made example of: • Alexander crushed its army, and sold the people into slavery and burned the city to the ground.

Beginnings of an Empire!

• Alexander wanted all of Persia, and started a campaign after he dealt with all Greek revolts. – He would find himself at odds with Darius III of Persia.

Alexander’s Army

• Small • Well Trained • Fiercely Loyal to Alexander

Persian Army

• Large • Disorganized • No common language

Alexander’s Major Battles

• Battle of the Granicus River, 334 BC.

– Darius III didn’t take Alexander seriously, and sent a general in his stead.

• Alexander came very close to dying in battle, but he overcame his injuries to be victorious.

• Battle of Issus, 333 BC. – Darius III now is angered and will confront him at the Battle of Issus. However, he still doesn’t take Alexander seriously, and even brings his family to the battle site. • Darius loses the battle and flees without his family. Alexander captures them as prisoners of war, but treats them very well.

Battle of Issus Map

Alexander’s Famous Conquests

• Siege at Tyre – Alexander wanted to sacrifice to the Gods for his victories, but Tyrians refuse to let him into the city. • They feared he would take over the city, so they would not let him sacrifice an offering at the temple. • This angers him, and he decides to conquer the island.

Alexander takes Persia

• Alexander is able to take Persia, and begin his empire.

– Alexander burns Persepolis “Persian capital” to the ground.

• He pushes on into India where his campaign turns sour.

– His soldiers are starting to doubt him.

Bucephalus

• Alexander the Greats’ horse, and he tamed the wild stallion himself.

– As the story goes the horse was afraid of its own shadow, Alexander realized this and made blinders for the horse.

• It died at the Battle of Hydaspes, the last battle Alexander would ever fight in.

Army Revolts!

• The soldiers are tired of fighting and want to return home to see family and friends. – Alexander tries to persuade the army to continue on, but the men are ready to return to Macedonia.

Alexander becomes sick and dies!

• Many have debated whether his death was intentional or natural.

– Poison is a possible answer because troops were ready to return home.

– Malaria is another possibility because of the climate in India; misquotes are present in high numbers.

No Successor for Alexander

The Breakup of Alexander’s Empire