1. Alexander the Great

2. Born in 356 BCE – in Macedonia
Background
Born in 356 BCE – in Macedonia
Father, Philip II, began conquest of Greece in 359 BCE using 3 methods: bribery, war, & marriage
By 338 BCE, he controlled all of Greece except Sparta
Philip’s goal was to conquer Persia, but was assassinated
Alexander became king at age 20

3. Alexander avenged his father by conquering Persia
Moved on to conquer Syria, Phoenicia, Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Indus River Valley
His army refused to continue and at 33, Alexander dies under mysterious circumstances.
After his death, the empire was divided by his generals and ultimately fell apart.
Lasting effect of his rule: Hellenistic Culture (combination of Greek and Middle Eastern culture) and major advancements in Math and Science.

4. Alexander the Hero Conqueror and ruler of an enormous empire
Background
Conqueror and ruler of an enormous empire
Considered the greatest military leader of all time
Spread Greek culture and ideas throughout the ancient world
Showed an interest in the culture of people he conquered

5. Alexander the Villain
Background
Accomplishments were due to the powerful military his father King Philip II, left him
Ruthless and Cruel with a fierce temper
Mistreated his own loyal advisors and soldiers

6. Conquests of Alexander the Great

7. Alexander in Thebes

8. Alexander in Thebes Hero Villain
Unified all of Greece by putting down the rebellion in Thebes. Showed compassion toward some of the rebels.
Villain
Brutally put down the attempt of the people of Thebes to declare their independence and freedom
Killed more than 6,000 Thebans and sold more than 20,000 Thebans into slavery and destroyed the city.

9. Alexander in Egypt

10. Alexander in Egypt Hero Villain
Welcomed in Egypt more as a savior than as an invader and enthroned as king.
Founded the city of Alexandria which became a great center for learning and Greek and Near Eastern culture
Villain
Only founded the site for the City of Alexandria. Emphasis on Greek culture and scholarship excluded the Egyptians form any key role in the city’s development.

11. Alexander in Persepolis

12. Alexander in Persepolis
Hero
Defeated the mighty Persian army at the Battle of Issus. Then conquered the Persian Empire.
Showed respect for the native people by appointing Persian governors in conquered territories and allowed people to continue to practice their religious traditions.
Villain
Military campaign against Persia was brutal and relentless, without regard for the casualties of either the Persians or the his own troops.
Plundered the riches of Persepolis and burned it to the ground destroying the culture.

13. Alexander in India

14. Alexander in India Hero Villain
Defeated the army of the Indian king Porus, overcoming heavy rains and the army’s use of elephants.
Interested in Indian culture and religion
Questioned Indian holy men to learn more about Hinduism
Villain
Forces spent three years ruthlessly putting down any resistance, slaughtering males and selling females and children into slavery.
His own troops finally demanded that he turn around and go home.