How did the geography of Thermopylae help the Greek army? BELLWORK: October 4th Explain the role of the following men in the Persian Wars: Darius I, Xerxes I, Leonidas & Themistocles. Why did Sparta and Athens (traditional enemies) decide to fight together in the Persian Wars? How did the geography of Thermopylae help the Greek army? Describe the military training of Spartan boys. THINKER: Why would Leonidas, already expecting defeat at Thermopylae, send his army away but keep his strongest 300 soldiers to fight?

Persia was having difficulty controlling the Greek city states Third Persian War Persia was having difficulty controlling the Greek city states Internal rebellions against Persia continued In 479B.C., the Greek Navy attacked Persia Athens was reclaimed and the Greeks were successful!

The Athenian Empire After Persia’s defeat, Athens took over leadership of the Greek world (led by Pericles) Built defensive alliance with neighboring states Controlled the treasury Expanded their empire Democracy flourished Rebuilding = Athens is center of Greek culture

What was Athens’ strategy to defeat Sparta? After the Persian Wars, the Greek city states continued to distrust each other. Neither Sparta or Athens was able to tolerate the other’s way of life or government. This division will lead to the Peloponnesian War. Read about this war on pages 88-89  What was Athens’ strategy to defeat Sparta? What was Sparta’s strategy to defeat Athens? What was the outcome of the war? Who won – why? How did this conflict impact the (dis)unity of the Greek city-states?

The Peloponnesian War War between Sparta and Athens that lasted from 431BC to 404BC. Sparta allied with the Persians A plague struck Athens and killed 1/3 of their population Persian-financed Spartan navy destroyed Athens fleet. Athenians surrendered

Macedonia In the early 400s B.C., the Persians under both Darius I and Xerxes I tried to conquer the Greek city-states, but failed. 150 years later, the Macedonians made a similar attempt – and succeeded!

They were rural people with little political influence Making Connections…. The Greeks viewed their Northern neighbors, the Macedonians, as barbarians. They were rural people with little political influence This would change under King Phillip II and his son, Alexander

Macedonia was a separate empire (city- state) north of Greece. In 359BC, Philip II became king of Macedonia. Three goals: Create a strong army Unify the Greek city-states under Macedonian rule Destroy the Persian Empire

The Macedonians Philip organized his infantry into phalanxes. Each phalanx consisted of rows of soldiers carrying shields and swords – forming a solid wall. The Greek city-states, weakened by the Peloponnesian War, could not defend themselves. By 338BC, the Macedonians controlled almost all of Greece.

The Macedonians Next on Philip’s list was to wage war against Persia, until……. HE WAS MURDERED!!! He was killed by Pausanias, one of his bodyguards. His son Alexander, later known as Alexander the Great, took over the throne.

Alexander was a very ambitious leader who wanted to conquer the world! Alexander the Great Alexander was a very ambitious leader who wanted to conquer the world! His rule is still regarded as one of the most successful in all of world history! To learn more about Alexander’s legacy, read pgs. 95-97 and answer the five questions on the worksheet.

Accomplishments of Alexander the Great Conquered Persia Never lost a battle Hellenistic culture: combination of Greek and Middle Eastern cultures United 22M Sq. Miles of territory Set up a common currency Established commercial centers (Alexandria) Brought scientists on expeditions to gather data (biology) Set the stage for Rome & Christianity

What was Alexander’s main goal as king of Macedonia What was Alexander’s main goal as king of Macedonia? How did he accomplish this? What is Hellenistic? What happened to the land after Alexander’s death? In your opinion, what was Macedonia’s most important achievement? Why? Explain!

Alexander the Great (pgs.63-65) What happened when Alexander went to war with Persia? What other lands did Alexander conquer? What was Alexander’s main goal as king of Macedonia? How did Alexander try to combine Greek and Persian cultures? What happened to the land after Alexander’s death? What are the characteristics of Hellenistic culture? How is Hellenistic art different from ancient Greek art? What advances did scientists in the Hellenistic period make?