Alexander the Great

Ruler of the World

Why “the Great”?

Created world’s largest empireTook only 10 yearsSpread Greek culture throughout known world

Alexander’s Empire

Alexander’s originsBorn in Pella, MacedoniaTutored by the Greek

philosopher, Aristotle

His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia

United MacedoniaConquered Greece

                                                                               

OlympiaAlexander’s mother

OlympiaAlexander’s mother

PhilipAlexander’s fatherPhilipAlexander’s father

Alexander Rules

336BC Phillip murderedMaybe by his wife, maybe by Alexander…Alexander became King at

only 20.

Securing his father’s empireRebellions started after Phillips murderThis included GreeceReally harsh on ThebesMassacred the entire

population of the city

From Pompeii mosaic

Expanding the EmpireAlexander decided to expand into Asia.Said he would conquer it all by the spear.

The Gordian Knot: the legend behind the ancient knot was that the man who could untie it was destined to rule the entire world.

Alexander simply slashed the knot with his sword and unraveled it.

The Gordian Knot

Defeating Dariusof Persia

Fought three major battles w/DariusWon them allDarius was beaten so badly, some of his own men murdered himAlexander executed those men, and gave Darius a royal funeral

                 

The limits of expansion327 BC moved into IndiaLet conquered rulers stay in powerHad to pay tributeAt Indus River soldiers refused to go further. Had to turn around.

Securing a legacyAlexander made Babylonia the capital of his EmpireHe married one of Darius’ daughters and “encouraged” 10,000 of his soldiers to take Persian wivesHe died the following year at 33 before he could produce an heir and his kingdom was divided among 3 of his generals

Antigonus

Ptolemy

Seleucus

Alexander’s divinityWhile in Egypt, Alexander

had visited the temple of Amon-Ra(Zeus)

The oracle proclaimed that Alexander was the divine son of Amon-Ra and destined to rule the worldConflicts arose with his Greek soldiers as he adopted Persian dress & demanded to be recognized as a god