Alexander’s Empire and
Hellenistic Culture
Global I * HSLPS * Mr. McEntarfer
Aim: What is the legacy of
Alexander the Great?
• Do Now: Terms –
• Hellenistic Civilization: The combination
of Greek, Egyptian, Indian and Persian
cultures through the conquests of
Alexander the Great.
The Peloponnesian War
• Sparta and Athens declared outright war
on each other for domination of Greece and
national pride called the Peloponnesian War.
• Athens would be defeated in the end, but it
weakened all the Greek city-states allowing
for invasion by Philip the II of Macedonia.
Philip Builds Macedonian Power (142)
• Phillip’s Army – Used the phalanx and a
fast moving cavalry defeat Greek City
States.
• Assassination – Philip was assassinated
and Alexander becomes king of
Macedonia and Greece. He decides to
expand his empire.
Alexander Conquers
• Alexander’s outnumbered army defeats
Darius and his grand army at the Battle of
Gaugamela.
• Alexander conquers Persian controlled
Egypt and is crowned __________. After
that he turns to conquer India.
• Before his death Alexander the Great’s
Empire controls most of the known world
in 326 BCE
Alexander’s Legacy
• Even though Alexander died and his empire he left a
lasting legacy by spreading western civilization.
• Alexander united most of the known world and
started cultural diffusion and trade between
Greece, Egypt, India and Persia. This became
known as Hellenistic Civilization
• Alexander founded many cities in the Greek Style
• Alexander assimilated or adapted the cultures of the
areas he conquered, worshipped at their temples and
allowed them some self rule.
Quiz
The Phalanx
back
Greek Calvary
Back
Assassination
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Battle of
Gaugamela.
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Alexander the Great’s Empire
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The “Known” World – 326 B.C.E.
BACK
Pergamum:
A New
“Hellenistic”
City
Cosmopolitan
Culture
Back
Trade in the Hellenistic World
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Cultural Diffusion
Back
Quiz
• How did the Peloponnesian War lead to Greece being invaded by Philip of
Macedon?
• What military formation did Philips army and later Alexander’s use to defeat
Greece and the rest of the known world?
• What happened to Phillip of Macedon?
• What was the name of the battle in which Alexander the Great defeated
Darius’s Persian Army?
What concept is being shown
here?
Writing Assignment
• Forming and supporting opinions: Read
“Alexander’s Legacy on page 145.
• Do you think that Alexander was worthy
of the title “Great”? Explain using
information from class.