Alexander the Great

I.Macedonia—kingdom located north of Greece

1. King Philip II—359 B.C., formed Macedonians into formidable army, attacked and defeated Greece

2.Alexander the Great—336 B.C., after his father’s death, Alexander proclaimed himself king of Macedonia

A. Conquered Persian Empire and much of Eastern Asia with any army that was at war for 11 years and marched 11,000 miles

The Battle of Alexander at Issus

Detail of The Battle of Alexander at Issus

B. He died one year after his return to Macedonia from a fever just short of his 33 rd birthday

C. Alexander spread Greek culture to all the regions he conquered despite having their own unique culture.

II. Hellenistic Culture: Greek culture mixed with Egyptian, Persian and Indian influences

1. Alexandria—the city located at the western side of the Nile delta was the center of Hellenistic culture

2. Alexandria was at the crossroads of three continents: 1. Europe 1. Europe 2. Asia 2. Asia 3. Africa 3. Africa

2. It was an international city with a rich mixture of cultures, customs and traditions

3. Alexandria contained statues, palaces, lighthouses, museums, libraries and temples

III.Science and Technology– until the 16 th and 17 th centuries, Alexandria provided most of the scientific know- ledge available to the west

1.Astronomy—Alexandria contained a small observatory in which astronomers could study the planets and stars

2. Math and Physics: A. Euclid—mathematician who opened a school in Alexandria and whose works are still the basis for courses in geometry

B.Archimedes—estimated the value of π (pi) and invented the lever and the pulley

3. Philosophy and Art: A. Stoicism—founded by Zeno ( B.C.) -believed a divine power controlled the universe

-believed people should lead a virtuous life and avoid desire, power and wealth -believed people should lead a virtuous life and avoid desire, power and wealth

B.Epicureans—founded by Epicurus -claimed the universe was made up of atoms and ruled by gods who had no interest in humans

-Goal-pursue human pleasure -Goal-pursue human pleasure

By 150 B.C., the Hellenistic world was declining and a new city, Rome, was growing and gaining strength.

Your review packet must include the following: *Vocabulary Sheet *Athens vs. Sparta Chart *Contributions Mind-Map