1. Alexander & Hellenism I.Alexander’s Achievements II.Spread of Hellenism III.Creation of Silk Road IDs: Alexander of Macedonia (the Great) 356- 323 BCE, Hellenism, Graeco-Bactria

2. Big Themes of World History Was there a world-wide “Spiritual Age” from 600-400 BCE? Vedic religion  Hinduism (sacrifice  ethics) Judean tribal religion  Judaism Classical Greek Philosophy The Buddha (ca. 563-483 BCE) Confucius (551-479 BCE)

3. Major Shift from 336 BCE-50 CE: Afro-Eurasia becomes more connected

4. Historical Question: Does Alexander of Macedonia deserve to be called “the Great”? Was he that important to world history?

5. I. Alexander’s Achievements A. Background: Classical Greek culture around Mediterranean Sea

6. born 356 BCE reigned from 336 to 323 BCE Philip II of Macedonia Aristotle

7. B. Achievements Conquered huge territory

9. C. Projects Purposeful Policy of Multi-Ethnic Cultural Exchange Persians Bactrians

10. Sets up foundation for trade institutions connecting Mediterranean to India a. Coins b. Greek language c. Product exchange d. Caravan routes e. Cities as commercial hubs

11. Alexandria(s)

12. Plantations & Slavery

13. D. Spreads Hellenistic Culture Result: Inter- connects Afro- Eurasian elites cosmopolitan

14. Elements of Hellenistic Culture Greek language Gymnasiums (education) Theaters Athletic games Art Politics Philosophy Dress/Style

16. But…Alexander died before it got going….

17. II. Spread of Hellenism & Interconnection

18. B. Successor States (323-75 BCE) Seleucid (Syria & Persia) Ptolemaic Egypt (Ptolemy) Graeco-Bactria Macedonia

19. 1. Cosmopolitanism Alexandria, Egypt Library 2. Learning & Science

20. Hellenism/Hellenistic Culture Influences elites from Spain to India

21. 2. Successor States Supported Trade Across Afro-Eurasia Governed large regions Money Common language Legal institutions/codes Armies

22. 3. Spread of Hellenistic Culture “Indo-Greek” states: Graeco-Bactria