Age of Alexander Day 1

Age of Alexander Essential Question: How did the conquests of Alexander the Great and the spread of Hellenistic culture, impact connections among regions in Africa, Europe and Asia?

Questions Notes Title: Key Dates Question: 336 B.C. Philip II is assassinated before he can begin his campaign to conquer Persia. It is unknown why Pausanias kills Philip, but Alexander’s mother implicated in the death of Philip II. 336 B.C. Alexander the Great declares himself King of Macedonia, kills his younger brother and all potential rivals. At age 20 he is King of a powerful nation. 336-331B.C. Alexander the Great conquers the Persian Empire using his intelligence and ability to lead men. 330-326 B.C. Alexander leads an expedition into India, defeating armies and laying a tribute on the Indian people. Forced to turn back because his army doesn’t want to fight anymore. 323 B.C. Alexander the Great dies suddenly after attending a party, probably poisoned or due to liver failure. Before he dies, he states he leaves his empire to the strongest.

Questions Notes Title: Geography Question: Macedonia is located North of Greece, and was considered barbaric by the Greek Polis’. Macedonia, had a large population with no slavery, making it have the potential for a great civilization. Macedonia, unlike Greece, had a large population of horses, and as a result had a much larger cavalry. Macedonia also had vast forests, Iron, Gold, and Silver as resources. It was also located by the Sea and was the in between point for Persia and Greece.

Questions Notes Title: Culture Question: Macedonia had a Monarchy ruled by various different monarchs. The Macedonian monarchy was different in the fact that, anyone related to the King could become King. Nobles and commoners did not have to bow or grovel to the king, instead anyone was allowed to speak their mind. Freedom of Speech was considered very important to the Macedonians. Macedonian Women were limited in rights like other Greek women, however some noblewomen gained prominence within the Macedonian court. Alcoholism was common, and culturally Macedonians were encouraged to do so. Many Macedonians drank until they passed out at parties.

Age of Alexander Day 2

Macedonian Battle Formation Questions Notes Title: Warfare Question: Macedonian Battle Formation The military system used by the Macedonians was the Phalanx, with the difference that they used 18 foot spears and could field more cavalry on the wings than the Greeks. The Macedonian infantry was called the “Foot Companions” (pezhetairoi), Macedonian Kings paid to arm their troops through their vast resources and trained the army. The cavalry was known as the “King’s Companions” (hetairoi) or companions. The nobility and those who could afford a horse made up the companions. Macedonian Kings were expected to lead their armies from the front and fight in the most dangerous parts of the battlefield, much like the kings from the Iliad that they admired. Alexander and later Macedonian kings would incorporate Elephants into their army. C Phalanx C

Questions Notes Title: Philip and Alexander the Great Question: In 338 B.C. the Greeks and Macedonians fought at Chaeronea, in the Battle the Greeks were soundly defeated by Philip’s tactics and the ability of his son Alexander the Great. After the Battle Philip II set up the Corinthian League with himself in charge. Greek City-States were allowed to govern their own affairs, but were not allowed to fight each other and were required to contribute money, ships, and soldiers to the great war of revenge against the Persians. At his daughter’s wedding, Philip was assassinated in 336 B.C., it is unknown why his assassin killed him, but many believed it was on the behalf of either the Greeks, or the Persians. After the death of his father, Alexander claimed the throne, and killed every male relative, minus his mentally disabled brother.

Questions Notes Title: Campaigns of Alexander Question: After Phillip’s death the Greeks revolted against Alexander’s rule, Alexander crushed the revolt and destroyed the city of Thebes in retribution (All fighting men were killed, everyone else was sold into slavery). After defeating the Greeks, Alexander led a campaign against Persia with his Macedonian and Greek army in retribution for the Greco-Persian Wars. Alexander fought the Persians at three key battles (Battle of Granicus, Battle of Issus, and the Battle of Guagamela) and defeated them each time, in the process conquering and making himself king of Greece, Macedonia, and Persia. In the Persian Campaign, Alexander destroyed the city Tyre for resisting him, killing most and selling the rest into slavery. Alexander started a campaign in India, were he conquered and defeated Northern India before returning to Persia to rule.

Questions Notes Title: Hellenism Question: Upon returning to Persia, Alexander fell ill at a party and later died; due to either, illness, alcohol poisoning, poisoning, or injuries from battle. Upon his death, Alexander’s friends and generals fought and created 3 Hellenistic Kingdoms (Ptolemaic Egypt, Macedonia, and the Seleucid Empire). Alexander and his father Philip revolutionized Greek military, and as a result they defeated and destroyed many places. This military would only be defeated by the Roman Legions. Alexander founded over 20 cities, and inspired many generals to attempt to repeat his accomplishments. The Hellenistic kingdoms lasted for over 300 years and allowed for the spread of science and literature from Europe to Africa to Asia.