Alexander’s Empire

Philip Builds Macedonian Power Macedonia—Kingdom of mountain villages north of Greece King Philip II—ruler, brilliant general; dreams of controlling Greece Macedonians call themselves Greek; rest of Greece does not Philip’s Army Philip creates well-trained professional army; plans to invade Greece

Philip Builds Macedonian Power Conquest of Greece It was easy because more than one Greek city felt hesitant about fighting back Some Greek cities invited Philip to invade Athens asked Sparta for help against invasion, but Sparta declined At the Battle of Chaeronea one thousand Athenians were killed. 338 B.C. Macedonians defeat Greece

Murder of King Philip Philip married again, for a fifth time, a Macedonian woman. His son Alexander was half Greek. Greek historian Diodorus tells us that Philip was killed by his bodyguard, but some suspect, that Alexander was behind the murder. His son became king of Macedonia and becomes Alexander the Great

Alexander The Great Alexander’s Early Life Tutored by Aristotle Inspired by the Iliad Military training Becomes king when 20 years old

Alexander Defeats Persia Invasion of Persia 334 B.C. Alexander invades Persia with a quick victory at Granicus River. Darius III, King of Persia, assembles an army of 50,000-75,000 men. Alexander defeats Persians again, forces King of Persia to flee.

Alexander Defeats Persia Conquering the Persian Empire Alexander marches into Egypt and is crowned Pharaoh in 332 B.C. At Gaugamela in Mesopotamia, Alexander defeats the Persians again. Alexander captures cities of Babylon, Susa, and Persepolis Persepolis, the Persian capitol is burned to the ground which signals total destruction of the Persian Empire.

Alexander’s Other Conquests Alexander in India Alexander fights his way across the deserts of Central Asia to India Alexander conquers Indus Valley area in 326 B.C. Reluctantly returns to Babylon and dies in 323 B.C.

Map of Alexander’s Empire

Alexander’s Legacy Alexander blends Greek and Persian cultures. He takes a Persian wife. Empire becomes three kingdoms Macedonia, Greek city-states Egypt Persia Video