Alexander the Great

Not your average Colin Farrell

Who is Alexander the Great?Alexander the great was born in Pella, Macedonia in 316 B.C.E. Alexander’s Father, King Philip, was king of Macedonia and would be assassinated in 336 B.C.E.Supposedly the assassin was sent by Alexander's mother. Alexander would become king of Macedonia at age 20.

What did Alexander DoAlexander started out by reconquering the Greek City-States.He then conquered: Thebes, Asia Minor, Persia, Syria, Palestine, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persepolis, Susa, and part of India

How did Alexander do it?Alexander was well versed in military tactics from his father, King Phillip.He became a master of the military maneuver known as “the hammer and anvil”

The “Anvil”The “Anvil” was the infantry or Hoplite. The Hoplite were well versed in a tactic known as the Phalanx.The Phalanx is a formation of infantry carrying overlapping shields and long spears.

The “Hammer”Alexander’s elite cavalry, and his elite guard comprised the Hammer component. They would be used in conjunction with the Hoplite soldiers after the Hoplite had deployed into the phalanx. The phalanx would fix the enemy in place, or “place them upon the Anvil” and then the cavalry would attack on the flank (sides) pounding the opposition like a “Hammer.”

The Death of Alexander the Great

Alexander's men mutiny while starting their march across India and demand that they return home to Macedonia. Alexander goes into a drunken stupor, becomes ill, and dies several days later.He dies at the age of 33 before he can produce an heir and his kingdom is divided between three generals.