Alexander’s Empire Chapter 5 Section 4

Philip II King of Macedonia (359-336 B.C.) Developed new style of Phalanx formation using 18 foot long spears (sarissas) & lightning cavalry attacks. Conquers the Greek city states in 338 B.C., making them part of a new Kingdom. Dies in 336 B.C. by his own bodyguard at his daughter’s wedding. Alexander, philip’s oldest son, declares himself king immediately after his father’s death.

Olympias Philip’s third wife but mother of Alexander, thought to have had a hand in the Assassination of her husband so that Alex would be king.

Macedonia A Greek kingdom north of the Greece Peninsula. Mountainous and cold region, people looked down upon by southern Greeks.

Alexander the Great Became king of Macedonia at just 20 years old after the death of his father in 336 B.C. Consolidated his power over Greece and invaded and conquered the Persian Empire in a series of battles where he consistently won even though outnumbered. Died in 323 B.C. at just 32 years old (of a fever). WHY GREAT? Winning in spite of the odds & his ruling style was tolerant – which helped Cultural Diffusion & the creation of Hellenistic Culture

Alexander’s Major Battles Granicus: 334 B.C. Alex crossed the Hellespont and fights a Provincial Persian army of 40,000. Issus: 333 B.C. – Alex’s 2nd major battle with the Persians, this time led by Emperor Darius III himself with over 50,000 troops.  Alex wins and takes control of Anatolia and Egypt Gaugamela: 331 B.C. Facing the largest Persian army yet, 250,000 to his 50,000, Alexander uses his superior tactics to win.

Darius III The last Emperor of Persia, conquered by Alexander the Great in 331 B.C.

3. How was Philip II able to conquer Greece? Philip II was able to conquer Greece for several reasons: 1) New Army: Macedonian Phalanx & Cavalry (horse soldiers) well trained professional forces. 2) Greek Arrogance: Greek City-states failed to recognize the threat (they looked down on the Macedonians as Barbarians) and did not unite - Philip took Greece on in pieces and defeated all of Greece (yes - even Sparta).

4. Philip II’s Goal was to conquer all of Persia 4. Philip II’s Goal was to conquer all of Persia. Why did Alexander continue his campaign of conquest after this goal had been achieved? Possible Answer: Alexander may have continued even after conquering Persia because his “easy” victories fueled his dreams of more conquest – he wanted all of Asia.

5. What happened to Alex’s Empire after his death? Alexander’s death caused his empire to be divided up among his Generals who fought each other for control.

6. Do you think Alex was Great? Yes … No…

7. Would Alex have made a good ruler? Yes … No…