Mr. Giesler Global Studies Empire of Alexander the Great Who was Alexander the Great and why so great? Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander.
Download ReportTranscript Mr. Giesler Global Studies Empire of Alexander the Great Who was Alexander the Great and why so great? Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander.
Slide 1
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 2
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 3
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 4
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 5
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 6
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 7
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 8
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 9
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 10
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 11
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 12
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 13
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 14
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 15
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 16
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 17
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 18
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 19
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 20
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 21
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 2
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 3
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 4
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 5
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 6
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 7
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 8
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 9
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 10
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 11
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 12
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 13
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 14
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 15
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 16
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 17
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 18
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 19
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 20
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander
Slide 21
Mr. Giesler
Global Studies
Empire of Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great and why so great?
Alexander III (356-323 BC), or Alexander the Great was
Macedonian king and son of Philip II of Macedon
Born in Pella, Macedonia
Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia, and had conquered the
Greek city states during his 27 year reign
In ten years, Alexander of Macedonia created the largest empire
in the world up to that time
Alexander spread Greek culture, ensuring cultural diffusion and
the survival of the qualities of classical Greece
Philip was murdered in 336 B.C. by an assassin…maybe hired by his wife,
Olympia…
Alexander was only 20 when he became king of Macedonia
Ruled Macedonia from 359-336 B.C. and transformed it into a powerful
military machine
Eyes on Persia
Philip intended to use Greece as a launching pad to invade Persia, but he
was assassinated before he could begin his plan
Instead the invasion of Persia would be left for Philip’s son Alexander who
was just 20 when Philip was assassinated
History suggests that Alexander
inherited from his father the most perfectly organized, trained, and
equipped army of ancient times.
Phalanx: ancient Greek expression to signify an organized, dense line of
battle; the heavily armed infantry soldiers were known as hoplites.
Like Father, Like Son…Expanding the Empire
Alexander’s army of over 50,000 crossed at the Dardanelles into
Asia, where he would declare that the whole of Asia would be
won by the spear
The army crossed the Dardanelles in spring 334
Warfare in the Age of Alexander
Companions
Alexander’s elite cavalry, the offensive arm of
his army, and his elite guard.
They would be used in conjunction with the
phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in
place and then the companion cavalry would
attack on the flank.
Alexander would lead the charge with his
cavalry, normally in a wedge formation.
These troops would also protect the flanks of
the Macedonian line during battle.
Sieges involved the
surrounding and blockading
of a town or fortress by an
army trying to capture it.
A variety of weapons were
built to hurl projectiles
over city walls, scale or
batter the walls, and
transport soldiers over
them.
The Battle of Gaugamela
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Darius made sure that this battleground favored his army and its tactics
particularly the use of his feared scythe-wheeled chariots.
Persian army of possibly 200,000 faced off against Alexander's 35,000.
Alexander immediately sized up the Persian's tactical advantage and
countered by ordering his cavalry to shift to the right hoping to move his
enemy away from its flat field.
Darius took the bait ordering his troops to follow.
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that crashed
through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and victory to
Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and children to
Alexander
Defeating Darius III of Persia, 331BCE
Soon the Persians found themselves on rough, rock-strewn
terrain.
Seeing the thinning Persian line, Alexander led the charge that
crashed through to the Persian rear.
As at the battle of Issus, Darius fled, leaving the field and
victory to Alexander
Darius was forced to flee, abandoning is mother, wife and
children to Alexander
And Down Goes Tyre
Old city on the mainland was
abandoned
Alexander offered peace treaty
Tyrians killed Alexander’s
ambassadors…sent Alexander into a
tizzy
New city built on an island two
miles long and separated from the
coast by a half mile channel
Walls were 150 feet high
Had two harbors (Sidonian and
Egyptian)
Alexander originally had no ships
so he built a land bridge across the
channel
Battering Ram
Stone Thrower
Light Catapult
Tyrians no match
7000 Dead Tyrians
400 Macedonians
Took 7 months
2000 crucified
30K sold into slavery
After Alexander died,
his generals jockeyed for
power and by 275 they
had divided up his
kingdom into three large
states
Antigonus took
Greece and Macedon
Ptolemy took Egypt
Seleuces took the
former Achaemenid
empire
The period of
Alexander and his
successors is called the
Hellenistic period to
reflect the broad
influence of Greek
culture beyond Greece’s
borders
Life after Alexander