And His Empire

A New League338BC – Philip of Macedon defeats the Greeks•Promises Greek city-states autonomy (self rule)

•League of Corinth

•Assassinated by captain of his bodyguard

•Alexander (20 yrs. old) left to finish the job

A Promising Future King

•10 years old: Legend of Bucephalus

•13 years old: Tutored by Aristotle•Fell in love with Greek culture

•16 years old: Regent of kingdom when Philip was away•Crushed revolts, saved father’s life

Even though he was young, Alexander was destined to be an incredible leader.

The Invasion of PersiaProbably not an attempt to conquer the whole Empire•Reliving father’s dreams•Found out that he was very good at warfare

Small, mobile cavalry units (250) formed main striking force

Military features:

The Invasion of Persia

Deeper Phalanx

The Invasion of PersiaWar Machines

Siege towers, catapults used effectively for first time

Could hurl huge arrows, boulders 180 meters

Four BattlesAlexander conquered the world in four decisive battles, in less than 10 years

1.Granicus

2.Issus

3.Gaugamela

4.Hydaspes

Four Battles1. Granicus (334 BC)

• Army of 35 000 invades Asia minor

at River Granicus

• Persians make their first stand

• Demolished by cavalry

• Near-death experience for Alexander

Four Battles2. Issus (333 BC)•Massive battle – Alexander faces King Darius for 1st time

•Equal forces but cavalry defeats Persians again

•Darius flees – Alexander realizes he can conquer whole empire

Four Battles3. Gaugamela (331 BC)•Instead of chasing Darius, Alexander crushes Persian fleet

•Conquers:• Phoenicia ,Damascus andEgypt

•Darius tries to bribe Alexander •to stop, no deal

Final showdown at Gaugamela: •Alexander commands 45 000 against larger Persian army

•Cavalry wins again, Darius flees, is murdered

Four Battles4. Hydspes (327BC)

•Wanted to conquer India!

•Greek army travels across Asia and fightsKing Porus at Hydspes

•Alexander’s superior strategy stillvictorious

•Wants to continue East, but men refuse – have already travelled over 17 000 km!

The End of AlexanderAlexander’s conquests took a toll on him

Died of Malaria at age 32

Legacy• Incredible military genius• Never lost a battle

• Huge cultural impact• Ensured Greek dominance by spreading Greek culture all over world• Contributed to the Greek science, made Athens

center of world

AftermathAfter his death, the Empire quickly fell apart and was divided among three powerful generals:

Egypt and fringe lands went to Ptolemy

Asia Minor and old Persian Empire went to Seleucus

Macedon and Greece went to Antigonus