Alexander the Great
The Rise of Macedonia
• After the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta the
two city-states just tried to control each other.
– While fighting continues amongst them a new empire called Macedonia
is on the rise.
• King Phillip II begins to establish his power by conquering Greece.
– Phillip is an accomplished assassin and kills off other
competitors for the throne
– He is captured by the Thebans 369-367, and learns Greek
military tactics here.
• King Phillip the II was the father of Alexander the Great.
– Alexander’s mother Olympias dreams of an auspicious future for the
child in her womb.
Greek World in 363 BC
Phillip’s Death
• After Phillip’s death Alexander inherits the throne
at the age of 20.
– He was taught military tactics by Aristotle.
• Greece revolts! They no longer want to be ruled
by Macedonians.
– Thebes was made example of:
• Alexander crushed its army, and sold the people into slavery
and burned the city to the ground.
Beginnings of an Empire!
• Alexander wanted all
of Persia, and started
a campaign after he
dealt with all Greek
revolts.
– He would find himself
at odds with Darius III
of Persia.
Alexander’s Army
• Small
• Well Trained
• Fiercely Loyal to
Alexander
Persian Army
• Large
• Disorganized
• No common
language
Alexander’s Major Battles
• Battle of the Granicus River, 334 BC.
– Darius III didn’t take Alexander seriously, and sent a
general in his stead.
• Alexander came very close to dying in battle, but he overcame
his injuries to be victorious.
• Battle of Issus, 333 BC.
– Darius III now is angered and will confront him at the
Battle of Issus. However, he still doesn’t take Alexander
seriously, and even brings his family to the battle site.
• Darius loses the battle and flees without his family. Alexander
captures them as prisoners of war, but treats them very well.
Battle of Issus Map
Alexander’s Famous Conquests
• Siege at Tyre
– Alexander wanted to
sacrifice to the Gods for his
victories, but Tyrians refuse
to let him into the city.
• They feared he would take
over the city, so they would
not let him sacrifice an
offering at the temple.
• This angers him, and he
decides to conquer the island.
Alexander takes Persia
• Alexander is able to take Persia, and begin
his empire.
– Alexander burns Persepolis “Persian capital” to
the ground.
• He pushes on into India where his
campaign turns sour.
– His soldiers are starting to doubt him.
Bucephalus
• Alexander the Greats’
horse, and he tamed the
wild stallion himself.
– As the story goes the horse
was afraid of its own
shadow, Alexander realized
this and made blinders for
the horse.
• It died at the Battle of
Hydaspes, the last battle
Alexander would ever
fight in.
Army Revolts!
• The soldiers are tired of fighting and want
to return home to see family and friends.
– Alexander tries to persuade the army to
continue on, but the men are ready to return
to Macedonia.
Alexander becomes sick and dies!
• Many have debated whether his death was
intentional or natural.
– Poison is a possible answer because troops
were ready to return home.
– Malaria is another possibility because of the
climate in India; misquotes are present in high
numbers.
No Successor for Alexander
The Breakup of Alexander’s Empire