Alexander the Great The Rise of Macedonia After

Alexander the Great

The Rise of Macedonia • After the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta the two city-states just tried to control each other. – While fighting continues amongst them a new empire called Macedonia is on the rise. • King Phillip II begins to establish his power by conquering Greece. – Phillip is an accomplished assassin and kills off other competitors for the throne – He is captured by the Thebans 369 -367, and learns Greek military tactics here. • King Phillip the II was the father of Alexander the Great. – Alexander’s mother Olympias dreams of an auspicious future for the child in her womb.

Greek World in 363 BC

Phillip’s Death • After Phillip’s death Alexander inherits the throne at the age of 20. – He was taught military tactics by Aristotle. • Greece revolts! They no longer want to be ruled by Macedonians. – Thebes was made example of: • Alexander crushed its army, and sold the people into slavery and burned the city to the ground.

Beginnings of an Empire! • Alexander wanted all of Persia, and started a campaign after he dealt with all Greek revolts. – He would find himself at odds with Darius III of Persia.

Alexander’s Army • Small • Well Trained • Fiercely Loyal to Alexander Persian Army • Large • Disorganized • No common language

Alexander’s Major Battles • Battle of the Granicus River, 334 BC. – Darius III didn’t take Alexander seriously, and sent a general in his stead. • Alexander came very close to dying in battle, but he overcame his injuries to be victorious. • Battle of Issus, 333 BC. – Darius III now is angered and will confront him at the Battle of Issus. However, he still doesn’t take Alexander seriously, and even brings his family to the battle site. • Darius loses the battle and flees without his family. Alexander captures them as prisoners of war, but treats them very well.

Battle of Issus Map

Alexander’s Famous Conquests • Siege at Tyre – Alexander wanted to sacrifice to the Gods for his victories, but Tyrians refuse to let him into the city. • They feared he would take over the city, so they would not let him sacrifice an offering at the temple. • This angers him, and he decides to conquer the island.

Alexander takes Persia • Alexander is able to take Persia, and begin his empire. – Alexander burns Persepolis “Persian capital” to the ground. • He pushes on into India where his campaign turns sour. – His soldiers are starting to doubt him.

Bucephalus • Alexander the Greats’ horse, and he tamed the wild stallion himself. – As the story goes the horse was afraid of its own shadow, Alexander realized this and made blinders for the horse. • It died at the Battle of Hydaspes, the last battle Alexander would ever fight in.

Army Revolts! • The soldiers are tired of fighting and want to return home to see family and friends. – Alexander tries to persuade the army to continue on, but the men are ready to return to Macedonia.

Alexander becomes sick and dies! • Many have debated whether his death was intentional or natural. – Poison is a possible answer because troops were ready to return home. – Malaria is another possibility because of the climate in India; misquotes are present in high numbers.

No Successor for Alexander The Breakup of Alexander’s Empire