Chapter 6 Section 3 Alexander the Great

Macedon Rising kingdom north of Greece Warlike people who lived in villages ruled by nobles King had to have support of nobles

Philip II of Macedon 359 B.C. – Philip II becomes king of Macedon Hostage in Thebes, Greece as a youth Admired the Greek Army

Philip II Recruited own army Organized army into Phalanx: Row of soldiers shoulder to shoulder carrying 18 foot spears. Restored order to Macedon Controlled northern Athenian colonies

Greece under Philip II Greek opinion of Philip: Unify vs. freedom Demosthenes – Athenian orator (public speaker) disliked Philip. 338 B.C. – Philip wins Battle of Chaeronea, defeats Athens.

Greece under Philip II Greece united under Philip II Wanted to conquer Persia 336 B.C. – assassinated

Alexander the Great Military education: Macedonian Army Classical Education: Aristotle Well prepared for leadership

Alexander the Great Skilled and respected military commander Leads troops from the front Brave: risked his life like he was a common soldier 331 B.C. – conquered Persia, Asia Minor, Syria, Egypt, Mesopotamia

Alexander the Great Goals Conquer the known world Spread Greek culture Rule an empire

Alexander Campaigns

Alexander the Great Gets as far as India Indus River 326 B.C. – Troops refuse to continue  return to Greece Split army at Indian Ocean ½ by sea – ½ through desert

Alexander the Great Desert: Many die from starvation/ exposure Discontent spreads through empire Alexander: dies of mysterious illness in Babylon Almost 33 yrs. old

Spread of Greek Culture Alexander’s armies: Spread Greek culture Various groups helped to rule empire  Greeks and Persians Fuse cultures: Marrying of Persian women by Alexander, Generals, Troops

Hellenistic Culture = Greek-like culture established by Alexander the Great Combined Asian and Mediterranean ideas The Hellenistic Age Existed from Alexander’s death through Rome’s conquest of Greece

Breakup of the Empire 301 B.C. – 3 generals divided the kingdom into 3 after his death Macedon, Egypt, Syria Constant fighting between kingdoms Roman Empire conquered all three kingdoms around 200 B.C.