Alexander the Great 356 B.C. – 323 B.C.

Following the Peloponnesian War, Greece was weaker Following the Peloponnesian War, Greece was weaker. Athens thought little of war now. Phillip II (king of Macedonia) conquered Greece in 338 BCE with the help of his son, Alexander. Phillip II was the first to unite the Greek city-states under the same rule.

Phillip II was assassinated and his son, Alexander the Great, took his place. He became king of Macedonia at the age of 20. Alexander was educated by Aristotle and was extremely intelligent.

After Phillip II’s death, certain Greek city- states revolted After Phillip II’s death, certain Greek city- states revolted. Alexander attacked the cities and killed or sold into slavery every inhabitant.

Alexander wanted to liberate the Greeks living in Asia Minor under Persian rule. He began his attacks in 334 BCE. He conquered Asia Minor, Syria, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Iran, and Afghanistan.

Alexander led his troops into India but, they insisted on returning home. The army returned to Mesopotamia in 324 BCE, and Alexander died in Babylon in 323 BCE at the age of 33.

His generals partitioned his empire into three states: Macedonia, Asia, and Egypt. The Greek language was common in all states and Greek culture spread throughout Alexander’s empire. This period would be called the Hellenistic Age. Hellenistic civilization brought together eastern and western influences.

The Romans conquered Macedonia in 146 BCE and Greece became a Roman province. Romans would take many ideas and innovations from the Greeks.

Some character traits of Alexander the Great: He was violent, clear- minded, and he had an unbreakable spirit. He make quick decisions and quickly executed plans.

Famous examples of his character: Alexander tamed a wild horse in his youth.

Famous examples of his character: The Gordian Knot – a huge, complicated knot in the city of Gordia. An oracle predicted that whoever untied the knot would become king of the Earth. Alexander simply cut it open with his sword.