Alexander’s Empire and Hellenistic Culture CHW3MI – Mrs. Helmer

About Alexander… 20 years old Studied in Athens, Greece under the great philosopher, Aristotle Great warrior His father was Philip II of Macedonia, who was a great leader, but made many enemies. He was murdered by a young noble.

BUT WHERE? Alexander the Great’s conquests took place in the Macedonian Empire in 334 – 323 BC The areas of Mesopotamia and Persia were invaded and conquered by Alexander The city of Gaugamela where the epic Battle took place! LINK

Aim: What is the legacy of Alexander the Great? Do Now: Terms!!! Hellenistic Civilization: The combination of Greek, Egyptian, Indian and Persian cultures through the conquests of Alexander the Great.

The Hellenistic Age During this time, new Greek cities were founded in all parts of the empire. These cities became centers of Greek culture. Trade grew between the Hellenistic cities and far- off parts of the world. One of the cities Alexander founded, Alexandria in Egypt, became the greatest center of trade and learning.

Discovery and Invention Greek science and math Doctors made many discoveries about how the human body works. Hippocrates is the father of medicine. Archimedes = famous inventor of his time. Pythagoras and Euclid = mathematicians.

The Peloponnesian War Sparta and Athens declared outright war on each other for domination of Greece and national pride called the Peloponnesian War. Athens would be defeated in the end, but it weakened all the Greek city-states allowing for invasion by Philip the II of Macedonia.

Philip Builds Macedonian Power Phillip’s Army – Used the phalanx and a fast moving cavalry defeat Greek City States. Assassination – Philip was assassinated and Alexander becomes king of Macedonia and Greece. He decides to expand his empire.

Alexander Conquers Alexander’s outnumbered army defeats Darius and his grand army at the Battle of Gaugamela. Alexander conquers Persian controlled Egypt and is crowned King. After that he turns to conquer India. Before his death Alexander the Great’s Empire controls most of the known world in 326 BCE

Alexander’s Legacy Even though Alexander died and his empire he left a lasting legacy by spreading western civilization. Alexander united most of the known world and started cultural diffusion and trade between Greece, Egypt, India and Persia. This became known as Hellenistic Civilization (Asian/Greek Influence) Alexander founded many cities in the Greek Style Alexander assimilated or adapted the cultures of the areas he conquered, worshipped at their temples and allowed them some self rule.

The Phalanx back

Greek Calvary Back

Battle of Gaugamela.

THE BATTLE OF GAUGAMELA – 331 BC VIDEO Back - The Persian Army fell to Alexander… The war might have been different if the High King Darius was a bit more determined… He simply “gave up”. Alexander pushed onward to conquer Egypt.. He became the High King of Persia He planned to move onto Rome and stop the ever powerful and growing society, but he died of a fever in 323 BC

Alexander the Great’s Empire Back

The “Known” World – 326 B.C.E. BACK

Pergamum: A New “Hellenistic” City Cosmopolitan Culture Back

Trade in the Hellenistic World Back

Cultural Diffusion Back

What concept is being shown here?

Journal Writing Assignment Forming and supporting opinions: Read “Alexander the Great” Handout. Do you think that Alexander was worthy of the title “Great”? Explain using information from class.