Important Greeks

Alexander The Great (356 B.C.-323 B.C.) Alexander The Great was born September 20, 343 B.C. in Pella, Macedonia. His Parents were King Phillip II of Macedonia and his mother was Queen Olympia. King Phillip II hired philosopher Aristotle to tutor Alexander at the Temple of Nymphs at Mezia. At age 16, Alexander led a group of troops against the Athenians. Alexander the Great passed away at the age of thirty-two. Bust of Alexander the Great

Alexander The Great After Alexander’s father passed away, Alexander immediately started working on spreading Greek culture throughout the world. As little as 12 years he had ruled over the massive Persian Empire and brought Asia Minor, the Middle East, Mesopotamia, and a part of India and Egypt. Alexander the great was one of the best conquerors. He was the first leader to use the technique of colonization, developing new cities based on Greek ideals in conquered land. He brought engineers, architects, scientists, and philosophers to these new lands, spreading Greek culture across the world. Alexander Commands His Troops

Alexander The Great’s Death Alexander the Great passed away June 323 BC, Babylon. At his death he was thirty-two years old. He fell ill at one of his celebrations and afterwards died. There was thought to be foul play the night of Alexander the Greats death. Poisoning of the drink, but most assumed it was a case of malaria. Alexander the Great after a victory.

King Phillip II of Macedonia (Father) Queen Olympia (mother) Athenian Philosopher (tutor) Alexander The Great

Herodotus (484 B.C-425 B.C.) Herodotus was born 484 B.C., perhaps a few years earlier in Halicarnassus, Asia Minor. His death and birth dates are not precise. He was often known as the “father of history.” Herodotus was the first historian. His family was wealthy and perhaps aristocratic, while still young his family was driven from the city by a tyrant. He had lived a few years on the island of Samos. Herodotus' early adult years consisted of extensive traveling. Herodotus’ death is uncertain. Believed he died soon after a writing that took place in 430 B.C.

Herodotus’ Trips Herodotus was a child when the Greeks fought their legendary war against the Persian Empire and won. When he became an adult he went back to investigate how the ragtag alliance of Athens and Sparta was able to defeat the most powerful force on earth. One of his first trips was to the Black Sea, where he sailed along the south and west coast. By sea he traveled to the coast of Syria, then overland to the ancient city of Babylon. Herodotus also visited exotic places, such as Egypt, Africa and India. He wrote about cultures he found in these places. Battle of Marathon

Higher Level Questions Why did Herodotus have such a big impact in Greek Culture? Why did Alexander the Great decide to mix various cultures? What would the Greek world be like if Alexander the Great hadn’t spread the greek culture as far as he had?

The End. Thank you for listening.