1. Alexander the Great Ruler of the World

2. Why “the Great”? Created world’s largest empire Took only 10 years Spread Greek culture throughout known world

3. Alexander’s Empire

4. Alexander’s origins Born in Pella, Macedonia Tutored by the Greek philosopher, Aristotle His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia United Macedonia Conquered Greece

5. Olympia Alexander’s mother Olympia Alexander’s mother Philip Alexander’s father Philip Alexander’s father

6. Alexander Rules 336BC Phillip murdered Maybe by his wife, maybe by Alexander… Alexander became King at only 20.

7. Securing his father’s empire Rebellions started after Phillips murder This included Greece Really harsh on Thebes Massacred the entire population of the city

8. From Pompeii mosaic

9. Expanding the Empire Alexander decided to expand into Asia. Said he would conquer it all by the spear.

10. The Gordian Knot: the legend behind the ancient knot was that the man who could untie it was destined to rule the entire world. Alexander simply slashed the knot with his sword and unraveled it. The Gordian Knot

11. Defeating Darius of Persia Fought three major battles w/Darius Won them all Darius was beaten so badly, some of his own men murdered him Alexander executed those men, and gave Darius a royal funeral

12. The limits of expansion 327 BC moved into India Let conquered rulers stay in power Had to pay tribute At Indus River soldiers refused to go further. Had to turn around.

13. Securing a legacy Alexander made Babylonia the capital of his Empire He married one of Darius’ daughters and “encouraged” 10,000 of his soldiers to take Persian wives He died the following year at 33 before he could produce an heir and his kingdom was divided among 3 of his generals

14. Antigonus Ptolemy Seleucus

15. Alexander’s divinity While in Egypt, Alexander had visited the temple of Amon-Ra(Zeus) The oracle proclaimed that Alexander was the divine son of Amon-Ra and destined to rule the world Conflicts arose with his Greek soldiers as he adopted Persian dress & demanded to be recognized as a god