Western Civilization
University High School
2011-12
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constant warfare,
political/military conflict
between city-states
hegemony: political &
military dominance of one
city-state over the others
(Sparta, then Athens)
rise of federalism: system of
political power where
independent states are bound
together by a common
federal government
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inspiration for American
federalism and US Constitution
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land north of
mainland Greece
large area, big
population, fertile
land
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becomes king of Macedonia in
359 BCE
saw Athens as primary threat
to Macedonia
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began to expand Macedonian rule
in NW Aegean Sea
by 338 BCE: conquered Athens
and Thebes, took control of
Greece
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used concepts of peace,
federalism to rule conquered
Greek lands
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united Greek states under his
control
retained many of the ancient
Greek ideals and ways of living
Western Civilization
University High School
2011-12
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Philip II assassinated in 336 BCE
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Macedonian throne  Alexander
(his son)
overthrows Persians, spreads
Hellenism (Greek culture & way
of life) through Europe and Asia
Alexander’s rule (starting in 336
BCE) = beginning of Hellenistic
era of Ancient Greece (and end
of Hellenic era)
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wanted to complete dad’s plan to unite
Macedonians & Greeks against the Persians
 “a great crusade”
 revenge for Persian invasions of Greek land
334 BCE: Alexander leads Macedonian/Greek
army into Asia Minor
 Included philosophers, poets, scientists,
historians  document & spread Greek
culture!
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in Egypt: took
control, honored
priests, named
pharoah
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consulted oracle
of Zeus-Amon,
began considering
himself the son of
Zeus
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in Persia:
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defeated Persian
army at Battle of
Gaugamela
captured capital
city (Persepolis)
and burned
Xerxes’ buildings
in revenge for
attacking Greece
captured last
Persian capital
(Ecbatana) in 330
BCE, killed
Persian king
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Persian empire
defeated, but
Alexander not
done yet
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determined to
explore and
conquer all of Asia
326 BCE: crossed
the Indus River
into India
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323 BCE:
Alexander the
Great dies in
Babylon at the age
of 32
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demise of Persian empire
(200 year rule)
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established Macedonian
monarchy instead
founded new colonies,
cities across the East
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connection between East
and West  spread of
Greek culture, ideas
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return of monarchies
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historical concept for Greeks,
but came back into fashion to
unite disparate groups of
people
kingship was hereditary
(even for women, in some
cases)
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Greeks were used to being
sovereign: independent, free,
autonomous
Greek immigration encouraged
to provide people to run new
Greek monarchies
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offered land, money
built cities to resemble polis life
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cities had assemblies, etc. 
but could not make treaties,
wage wars, pursue foreign
relations, etc.
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appearance of democracy, but
the king was ultimately in
charge
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inequality in Hellenistic
cities
natives/non-Greeks did not
have same rights as Greeks
 did not spark the same unity
& togetherness that the polis
had
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Hellenistic cities similar to
today’s cities
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cultural centers (temples,
theaters)
educational centers (libraries,
schools)
economic centers
(marketplaces, trade)
political centers (rule of the
king)
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“Greekness”
(Hellenism) spread
throughout the “East”
big advantage to
adopting Hellenism:
the pervasiveness of
Greek ideas
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ex. Greek became
language of Egypt, East,
etc. (commerce, trade,
politics)
began giving
citizenship to
“Hellenized” citizens
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Complete all questions and activities in the
DBQ packet.
Write a paragraph whether or not Alexander
the Great should be considered “great.”
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Use at least two documents from the Mini-Q packet
to support your answer.
Due Monday, Feb. 26th
Also due Monday: Ch. 3 Key Terms &
Summary Questions