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Page 1: Alexander The Great

Alexander The GreatAlexander The Great

Presented by: Jacob, Will, Justin, Brad, Krisha

Page 2: Alexander The Great

Alexander the GreatAlexander the Great

““There is nothing impossible to him who will try.There is nothing impossible to him who will try.”” (quote from Alexander the Great)(quote from Alexander the Great)

Alexander the Great is arguably the greatest Alexander the Great is arguably the greatest military leader in history. military leader in history.

By never loosing a battle, by conquering nearly By never loosing a battle, by conquering nearly the known world in twelve years, and by the known world in twelve years, and by spreading his influence on the known world, spreading his influence on the known world, Alexander was the first person to receive the title Alexander was the first person to receive the title ““ The Great. The Great.””

Today we hope to inform you about the legendary Today we hope to inform you about the legendary life of Alexander the Great.life of Alexander the Great.

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BoyhoodBoyhood Born on July 26, 356 B.C. Born on July 26, 356 B.C.

in Pella, Macedoniain Pella, Macedonia Alexander was the son of Alexander was the son of

King Philip II of Macedon King Philip II of Macedon and the Princess and the Princess Olympias of EpiroteOlympias of Epirote

Philip II was a great Philip II was a great military leader and military leader and organizer and Olympias organizer and Olympias was passionate and hot-was passionate and hot-temperedtempered

Alexander inherited the Alexander inherited the best qualities from both best qualities from both of his parents, which of his parents, which later prove to be assets later prove to be assets to his legacyto his legacy

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BoyhoodBoyhood Alexander was more ambitious Alexander was more ambitious

than his father and wept bitterly than his father and wept bitterly when he heard of Philipwhen he heard of Philip’’s s conquests saying conquests saying ““My father will My father will get ahead of me in everything, get ahead of me in everything, and will leave nothing great for and will leave nothing great for me to do." me to do."

Alexander's mother taught him Alexander's mother taught him that Achilles was his ancestor, that Achilles was his ancestor, and that his father was and that his father was descended from Hercules descended from Hercules

Alexander was told by an oracle Alexander was told by an oracle that his true father was Zeus that his true father was Zeus and not Philip II.and not Philip II.

Achilles became AlexanderAchilles became Alexander’’s s role model.role model.

Alexander learned by heart the Alexander learned by heart the Illiad, a story that tells about the Illiad, a story that tells about the deeds of Achilles, and carried a deeds of Achilles, and carried a copy with him wherever he copy with him wherever he went.went.

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BoyhoodBoyhood As a Boy Alexander was As a Boy Alexander was

fearless and strong.fearless and strong. He tamed a beautiful and He tamed a beautiful and

spirited horse that no one spirited horse that no one would dare touch or ride would dare touch or ride and named it Bucephalus.and named it Bucephalus.

This horse would later This horse would later carry him to the far carry him to the far reaches of India.reaches of India.

Philip was so proud of Philip was so proud of Alexander's power over the Alexander's power over the horse that he said, "O my horse that he said, "O my son, seek out a kingdom son, seek out a kingdom worthy of thyself, for worthy of thyself, for Macedonia is too little for Macedonia is too little for thee." thee." 

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YouthYouth When Alexander was 13 When Alexander was 13

years old, he became the years old, he became the pupil of Aristotle. pupil of Aristotle.

Aristotle is considered one Aristotle is considered one of the greatest minds in of the greatest minds in history.history.

Alexander was eager to Alexander was eager to learn.learn.

Aristotle inspired in Aristotle inspired in Alexander the love for Alexander the love for literature, sciences, rhetoric, literature, sciences, rhetoric, philosophy, and sports.philosophy, and sports.

Alexander was always Alexander was always interested in foreign policy interested in foreign policy and would meet with and would meet with ambassadors from different ambassadors from different countries that came to his countries that came to his fatherfather’’s court.s court.

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Rise to PowerRise to Power At age 16, Alexander was At age 16, Alexander was

given command of given command of Macedonia while Philip II Macedonia while Philip II went to war against went to war against Byzantium.Byzantium.

When he was only 18, he When he was only 18, he commanded part of Philip's commanded part of Philip's cavalry at the battle of cavalry at the battle of Chaeronea. Chaeronea.

Alexander also acted as his Alexander also acted as his father's ambassador to father's ambassador to Athens. Athens.

After his fatherAfter his father’’s death in s death in 336 B.C., Alexander 336 B.C., Alexander became king at the age of became king at the age of 20.20.

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Rise to PowerRise to Power After Alexander became king, the After Alexander became king, the

surrounding territories revolted.surrounding territories revolted. The city of Thebes in Greece was The city of Thebes in Greece was

the first to start the revoltthe first to start the revolt AlexanderAlexander’’s advisors viewed that s advisors viewed that

he should give up the Greek he should give up the Greek territories and not take action.territories and not take action.

Alexander decided against this Alexander decided against this and subdued the territories with and subdued the territories with lightning speed starting with lightning speed starting with Thebes.Thebes.

Alexander and his army stormed Alexander and his army stormed the city of Thebes and destroyed the city of Thebes and destroyed every building except the temples every building except the temples and the house of the poet Pindar. and the house of the poet Pindar.

30,000 inhabitants were sold into 30,000 inhabitants were sold into slavery. slavery.

Seeing this, the rest of the Seeing this, the rest of the territories surrendered and territories surrendered and Alexander then had control of Alexander then had control of Macedonia and Greece. Macedonia and Greece.

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ConquestsConquests In May of 334 B.C., AlexanderIn May of 334 B.C., Alexander’’s Army marched s Army marched

across the Hellespont to invade the Persians across the Hellespont to invade the Persians under their King Darius III.under their King Darius III.

On the way Alexander visited the city of Troy to On the way Alexander visited the city of Troy to see the Tomb of Achilles and garland it.see the Tomb of Achilles and garland it.

From the Trojan Temple of Athena Alexander took From the Trojan Temple of Athena Alexander took a sacred Shield, said to date back to the Trojan a sacred Shield, said to date back to the Trojan War, to guard him on his mission.War, to guard him on his mission.

Soon after visiting Troy, Alexander struck the Soon after visiting Troy, Alexander struck the first Persian army to challenge him at the river first Persian army to challenge him at the river Granicus meeting its commanders and their Granicus meeting its commanders and their guards head on in person in a clash at the center guards head on in person in a clash at the center of the battle line.of the battle line.

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ConquestConquest Quote from Plutarch on the Battle of Granicus:Quote from Plutarch on the Battle of Granicus: ““For the enemy pressed upon him with loud and warlike outcries; For the enemy pressed upon him with loud and warlike outcries;

and charging horse against horse, with their lances, after they had and charging horse against horse, with their lances, after they had broken and spent these, they fell to it with their swords. And broken and spent these, they fell to it with their swords. And Alexander, being easily known by his buckler, and a large plume Alexander, being easily known by his buckler, and a large plume of white feathers on each side of his helmet, was attacked on all of white feathers on each side of his helmet, was attacked on all sides, yet escaped wounding, though his cuirass was pierced by a sides, yet escaped wounding, though his cuirass was pierced by a javelin in one of the joinings. And Rhoesaces and Spithridates, two javelin in one of the joinings. And Rhoesaces and Spithridates, two Persian commanders, falling upon him at once, he avoided one of Persian commanders, falling upon him at once, he avoided one of them, and struck at Rhoesaces, who had a good cuirass on, with them, and struck at Rhoesaces, who had a good cuirass on, with such force that, his spear breaking in his hand, he was glad to such force that, his spear breaking in his hand, he was glad to betake himself to his dagger. While they were thus engaged, betake himself to his dagger. While they were thus engaged, Spithridates came up on one side of him, and raising himself upon Spithridates came up on one side of him, and raising himself upon his horse, gave him such a blow with his battle-ax on the helmet his horse, gave him such a blow with his battle-ax on the helmet that he cut off the crest of it, with one of his plumes, and the that he cut off the crest of it, with one of his plumes, and the helmet was only just so far strong enough to save him, that the helmet was only just so far strong enough to save him, that the edge of the weapon touched the hair of his head. But as he was edge of the weapon touched the hair of his head. But as he was about to repeat his stroke, about to repeat his stroke, Clitus, called the black Clitus, , called the black Clitus, prevented him, by running him through the body with his spear. At prevented him, by running him through the body with his spear. At the same time Alexander dispatched Rhoesaces with his sword.the same time Alexander dispatched Rhoesaces with his sword.””

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ConquestConquest At the battle of Granicus, At the battle of Granicus,

AlexanderAlexander’’s army lost only 34 s army lost only 34 men while the Persian army men while the Persian army lost thousands.lost thousands.

After the battle of Granicus After the battle of Granicus the Persian army regrouped the Persian army regrouped and struck at Alexander again and struck at Alexander again at the battle of Issus. at the battle of Issus.

AlexanderAlexander’’s army consisted of s army consisted of 47,000 men where as the 47,000 men where as the Persian army numbered Persian army numbered between 80,000 and 100,000 between 80,000 and 100,000 men.men.

Outmaneuvering his opponent Outmaneuvering his opponent Alexander crushed the Persian Alexander crushed the Persian army again inflicting 10,000 army again inflicting 10,000 to 20,000 casualties. He to 20,000 casualties. He himself lost 450 men and himself lost 450 men and 4,000 wounded.4,000 wounded.

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ConquestsConquests Alexander continued to Alexander continued to

march throughout the march throughout the Persian empire conquering Persian empire conquering city after city and armies city after city and armies that stood in his way. that stood in his way.

He conquered the Persian He conquered the Persian Capital, Persepolis and Capital, Persepolis and from there the Persian from there the Persian empire fell before his feet.empire fell before his feet.

The Persian king, Darius III The Persian king, Darius III fled like a coward, but fled like a coward, but ended up being ended up being assassinated by his own assassinated by his own men. men.

Alexander hunted the Alexander hunted the assassins down and killed assassins down and killed them for committing such them for committing such a grave act. a grave act.

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ConquestsConquests During his march across the Persian Empire, During his march across the Persian Empire,

Alexander stopped at the city of Gordium Alexander stopped at the city of Gordium where legend says that the famous where legend says that the famous Gordium Knot was tied.Gordium Knot was tied.

Legends says that whoever unties this is Legends says that whoever unties this is reserved the empire of the world. reserved the empire of the world.

Historians mention two different stories on Historians mention two different stories on how Alexander untied the Knot.how Alexander untied the Knot.

The first story is that Alexander actually The first story is that Alexander actually figured out how to untie the knot, the figured out how to untie the knot, the second is that Alexander just cut the knot to second is that Alexander just cut the knot to pieces with his sword and untied it that pieces with his sword and untied it that way. way.

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ConquestsConquests Within the Persian Empire Within the Persian Empire

Alexander went on to Alexander went on to conquer the territories of conquer the territories of Mesopotamia, Phoenicia, Mesopotamia, Phoenicia, Anatolia, Syria, Gaza, Anatolia, Syria, Gaza, Bactria, and Egypt.Bactria, and Egypt.

In 331 while conquering In 331 while conquering Egypt Alexander Egypt Alexander established the famous established the famous city of Alexandria.city of Alexandria.

The priests of Egypt The priests of Egypt proclaimed Alexander proclaimed Alexander Pharaoh of their lands, the Pharaoh of their lands, the son of the sun god Ammon son of the sun god Ammon Ra.Ra.

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ConquestsConquests After conquering the territories of the Persian After conquering the territories of the Persian

Empire, Alexander turned his eyes toward Empire, Alexander turned his eyes toward India.India.

He had heard many stories of vast riches He had heard many stories of vast riches found there and that beyond India was the found there and that beyond India was the end of the world.end of the world.

The glory of war was drawing Alexander on.The glory of war was drawing Alexander on. In 326 B.C. Alexander marched his army into In 326 B.C. Alexander marched his army into

the Indus Valley also called the Punjab.the Indus Valley also called the Punjab. It was here in the Indus Valley that Alexander It was here in the Indus Valley that Alexander

and his army would face something they and his army would face something they have never encountered before in battle, the have never encountered before in battle, the Indian war elephant. Indian war elephant.

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ConquestsConquests At the river Jhelum, King Porus awaited Alexander with a At the river Jhelum, King Porus awaited Alexander with a

great army and over 200 war elephants.great army and over 200 war elephants. No Greek soldier had ever faced elephants in such sufficient No Greek soldier had ever faced elephants in such sufficient

numbers during battle.numbers during battle. What followed was a battle unique in the annals of war.What followed was a battle unique in the annals of war. Alexander found enough boats to ferry 15,000 of his best Alexander found enough boats to ferry 15,000 of his best

men 16 miles down river. He then marched back 16 miles men 16 miles down river. He then marched back 16 miles and engaged King Porus from behind. Alexander drew the and engaged King Porus from behind. Alexander drew the Indian cavalry to one flank away from the protection of Indian cavalry to one flank away from the protection of their elephants and then surrounded them while his foot their elephants and then surrounded them while his foot soldiers came up with spears to attack the elephants. By soldiers came up with spears to attack the elephants. By wounding the elephants, the animals became wild and wounding the elephants, the animals became wild and turned on their own men causing chaos for their army. King turned on their own men causing chaos for their army. King Porus was taken captive and the battle was over. Porus was taken captive and the battle was over.

AlexanderAlexander’’s horse Bucephalus died during the battle and in s horse Bucephalus died during the battle and in his honor Alexander established a city and named it his honor Alexander established a city and named it Bucephalus. Bucephalus.

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ConquestsConquests History tells us that fifty years History tells us that fifty years

later two Roman Legions later two Roman Legions faced a similar Indian army faced a similar Indian army with a much smaller amount with a much smaller amount of war elephants and were of war elephants and were defeated.defeated.

This shows us that Alexander This shows us that Alexander was a more brilliant military was a more brilliant military leader than the Romans. leader than the Romans.

After Alexander conquered After Alexander conquered the western half of India, he the western half of India, he decided to move toward the decided to move toward the eastern half, but his men, eastern half, but his men, tired of fighting, decided tired of fighting, decided against this.against this.

Alexander was forced to halt Alexander was forced to halt his pursuit for ultimate glory.his pursuit for ultimate glory.

He then marched back to He then marched back to Babylon where he settled till Babylon where he settled till his death. his death.

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AlexanderAlexander’’s Empires Empire

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Military TacticsMilitary Tactics Alexander had a great Alexander had a great

military mind.military mind. An expert at organizing his An expert at organizing his

units for complex battle units for complex battle maneuvers. maneuvers.

Hiding his true numbers Hiding his true numbers and managing his army and managing his army during the flow of battle. during the flow of battle. That was the key. That was the key.

Develop of the PhalanxDevelop of the Phalanx Box formation Box formation 8 to 36 men deep8 to 36 men deep Men in front carried spears Men in front carried spears

4 to 6 meters (12 to 18 4 to 6 meters (12 to 18 feet)feet)

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AlexanderAlexander’’s Marchs March

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Phalanx Phalanx

Held vertically the wall of spears would Held vertically the wall of spears would hide the units behind the formation. hide the units behind the formation.

Held horizontally enemies could be Held horizontally enemies could be killed at a safe range from the killed at a safe range from the formation. formation.

Phalanx was revolutionary for its time Phalanx was revolutionary for its time and was a very potent weapon. and was a very potent weapon.

Spears, bows, cavalry, chariots, and Spears, bows, cavalry, chariots, and some light and heavy armor. some light and heavy armor.

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Military TacticsMilitary Tactics One of AlexanderOne of Alexander’’s best known military tactics was that he would s best known military tactics was that he would

fight right along side his men. fight right along side his men. By showing courage in the face of death, he would set an example By showing courage in the face of death, he would set an example

to his soldiers.to his soldiers. The following passage from Dr. Warren H. Carroll is an example of The following passage from Dr. Warren H. Carroll is an example of

AlexanderAlexander’’s courage:s courage: ““He prepared to storm its citadel with ladders, but the ladders He prepared to storm its citadel with ladders, but the ladders

broke under the weight of his men. Standing alone on the broke under the weight of his men. Standing alone on the rampart, Alexander leaped down inside the enemy fortress. Just rampart, Alexander leaped down inside the enemy fortress. Just three of his men followed. Alexander slew the Mallian chieftain three of his men followed. Alexander slew the Mallian chieftain and beat off all his attackers, his back to the wall, until he fainted and beat off all his attackers, his back to the wall, until he fainted from a lack of blood from a severe wound in his chest. One of his from a lack of blood from a severe wound in his chest. One of his men held the sacred shield of Troy over him saving his life until men held the sacred shield of Troy over him saving his life until the rest of his army broke through the gates and rescued him. the rest of his army broke through the gates and rescued him. Every defender of the citadel was put to the sword. AlexanderEvery defender of the citadel was put to the sword. Alexander ’’s s wound came from a yard long arrow that pierced his lungs and wound came from a yard long arrow that pierced his lungs and supposedly he never fully recovered.supposedly he never fully recovered.””

Situations like this are the reasons why AlexanderSituations like this are the reasons why Alexander ’’s men s men respected him and had a high morale. respected him and had a high morale.

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Death of Alexander Death of Alexander Still a Mystery to this day. Still a Mystery to this day. In BabylonIn Babylon 33-year-old man 33-year-old man Some believe it to be conspiracy involving Iollas, Some believe it to be conspiracy involving Iollas,

Cassander, and others who were unhappy with Cassander, and others who were unhappy with Alexander. Alexander.

Poisoned wine Poisoned wine He succumbed to illness. Thus, on June 10, 323 He succumbed to illness. Thus, on June 10, 323

BC, Alexander the Great die. In the Palace of BC, Alexander the Great die. In the Palace of NabukodonossorNabukodonossor

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The Death of Alexander The Death of Alexander In BabylonIn Babylon Busy with plans to improve the irrigation of the Euphrates Busy with plans to improve the irrigation of the Euphrates

and to settle the Arabic coast of the Persian Gulf.and to settle the Arabic coast of the Persian Gulf. Splendid entertainment in honor of Nearchus departure for Splendid entertainment in honor of Nearchus departure for

Arabia. (it was also commemoration of the death of Arabia. (it was also commemoration of the death of Heracles)Heracles)

Drank much unmixed wineDrank much unmixed wine His Friends asked: His Friends asked: "To whom do you leave the kingdom?"To whom do you leave the kingdom?““ and he replied: and he replied: "To the best (the strongest)."To the best (the strongest).““ Historians disagree with the death. Historians disagree with the death. The Alexander Romances reports 4 th of Pharmouthi as the day of the The Alexander Romances reports 4 th of Pharmouthi as the day of the

death, which corresponds to 13th of June; but according to contemporary death, which corresponds to 13th of June; but according to contemporary Babylonian Astronomic Diary, which is most credible and accurate source, Babylonian Astronomic Diary, which is most credible and accurate source, Alexander has died on 29th Aiaru (10th of June)Alexander has died on 29th Aiaru (10th of June)

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DeathDeath

They embalmed him and placed his body in They embalmed him and placed his body in a gold sarcophagus which was taken to a gold sarcophagus which was taken to Memphis, Egypt. Later it was transported to Memphis, Egypt. Later it was transported to it's final destination, Alexandria. it's final destination, Alexandria. Unfortunately, the tomb was not left Unfortunately, the tomb was not left untouched. In 89 B.C., Ptolemy IX needed untouched. In 89 B.C., Ptolemy IX needed money, so he opened the tomb and melted money, so he opened the tomb and melted down Alexander's sarcophagus to make down Alexander's sarcophagus to make gold coins. People were so enraged that gold coins. People were so enraged that Ptolemy would do such a thing to a legend, Ptolemy would do such a thing to a legend, that Ptolemy was killed soon after. that Ptolemy was killed soon after.

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Division of EmpireDivision of Empire After the death of Alexander the Great, his After the death of Alexander the Great, his

generals, scrambling to gain power, broke out generals, scrambling to gain power, broke out into civil war against each other.into civil war against each other.

All of AlexanderAll of Alexander’’s relatives were secretly s relatives were secretly murdered.murdered.

Battles raged across the empire until finally Battles raged across the empire until finally around 305 B.C. four men emerged each gaining around 305 B.C. four men emerged each gaining large portions of the empire.large portions of the empire.

The empire was split into four sections, Seleucus The empire was split into four sections, Seleucus ruling the territories of Babylon, Ptolemy ruling ruling the territories of Babylon, Ptolemy ruling the territories of Egypt, Cassander ruling the the territories of Egypt, Cassander ruling the territories of Macedon, and Lysimachus ruling the territories of Macedon, and Lysimachus ruling the territories of Thrace. territories of Thrace.

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LegacyLegacy Not only is Alexander known for conquering practically the Not only is Alexander known for conquering practically the

known civilized world, he is also known for issuing in the known civilized world, he is also known for issuing in the Hellenistic age.Hellenistic age.

The Hellenistic age was the age of Greek influence and the The Hellenistic age was the age of Greek influence and the spread of Greek culture across the world.spread of Greek culture across the world.

Alexander was known for issuing in this age because he Alexander was known for issuing in this age because he brought together so many different civilizations. brought together so many different civilizations.

Everywhere he conquered, Alexander would build new Everywhere he conquered, Alexander would build new cities and establish schools, museums, and libraries within cities and establish schools, museums, and libraries within these cities. these cities.

In Alexandria, Egypt Alexander built a famous museum In Alexandria, Egypt Alexander built a famous museum where the works of art and evidence of manwhere the works of art and evidence of man’’s creativity s creativity could be studied and collected. could be studied and collected.

By doing such deeds as these, Greek culture was taught, By doing such deeds as these, Greek culture was taught, learned, and preserved for over a thousand years with the learned, and preserved for over a thousand years with the help of Rome and Christianity. help of Rome and Christianity.

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Library of AlexandriaLibrary of Alexandria

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ConclusionConclusion In conclusion, many historians In conclusion, many historians

believe that Alexander the Great believe that Alexander the Great would have conquered the entire would have conquered the entire world had he lived to a normal old world had he lived to a normal old age.age.

Alexander was able to achieve Alexander was able to achieve what no other man dreamed what no other man dreamed possible.possible.

Not only did he conquered almost Not only did he conquered almost the known civilized world in 12 the known civilized world in 12 years, but Alexander also brought years, but Alexander also brought about a spread of Greek culture about a spread of Greek culture into the vast reaches of the world.into the vast reaches of the world.

Alexander was destined for glory Alexander was destined for glory and he achieved it.and he achieved it.

And we end with a quote from And we end with a quote from Alexander the Great, "I would Alexander the Great, "I would rather live a short life of glory rather live a short life of glory than a long one of obscurity"….or than a long one of obscurity"….or "Its better to burn out than fade "Its better to burn out than fade away" . away" .

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Works CitedWorks Cited Mechin, Jacques B. Mechin, Jacques B. Alexander the GreatAlexander the Great. 1st . 1st

ed. New York: Hawthorn Books Inc., 1966. ed. New York: Hawthorn Books Inc., 1966. Robinson, Charles A. Robinson, Charles A. Alexander the GreatAlexander the Great. 1st . 1st

ed. New York: Franklin Watts Inc., 1963. ed. New York: Franklin Watts Inc., 1963. Carroll, Warren H. Carroll, Warren H. The Founding of The Founding of

ChristendomChristendom. 1st ed. Front Royal: . 1st ed. Front Royal: Christendom College Press, 1985. Christendom College Press, 1985.

Alexander the GreatAlexander the Great. 01 2001. Wikipedia. 8 . 01 2001. Wikipedia. 8 Nov. 2005 <www.wikipedia.org>. Nov. 2005 <www.wikipedia.org>.

Ten Horned BeastTen Horned Beast. 01 1996. Livius.org. 8 Nov. . 01 1996. Livius.org. 8 Nov. 2005 2005 <http://www.livius.org/aj-al/alexander/alexand<http://www.livius.org/aj-al/alexander/alexander00a.html>. er00a.html>.