Alexander enters EgyptAim: to understand Alexander’s conquest of Egypt and

assess it’s impact.

Starter: How have Persian cities responded to Alexander’s approaching army?

After the fall of Tyre• After Tyre falls,

Alexander marches south.

• He continues to seize coastal towns to cut off the Persian Navy.

• He captures Gaza after a short siege.

And into Egypt• Alexander is welcomed in

Egypt- The people are keen to get rid of the Persians.

• Alexander is accepted as the rightful Pharaoh of Egypt.

• He decides to visit an oracle.

Oracle of Ammon at Siwah• Ammon was an Egyptian God

dating back to 20th Century B.C.• The Greeks knew him as

Ammon Zeus.• The oracle at Siwah

acknowledges Alexander as the son of Ammon (Amun).

• This legitimises Alexander’s reign over Egypt.

Different perspectives• Alexander eagerly accepts this new title.• It makes him even more god like.• The acceptance of Egyptian custom however has

different reactions

Egyptians Macedonians

How do you think these 2 key groups view Alexander now?

Early Tensions• View 1: Politically savvy• Alexander is appealing to the newly

conquered Egyptians.• He also needs to replenish his army to

make up for casualties- He uses Egyptian troops.

• He is trying to unify/ absorb all elements of what will soon be his empire.

• View 2: Foolish Arrogance• His experienced and veteran troops do

not like this!• His public acceptance that he is the Son

of Ammon denies the paternity of Philip (who many served under).

• Alexander wants to be seen as a god, but his army want to see him as a king/ general.

• Integrating new soldiers into the army was very difficult.

Review: Patterns?

• Can we spot any patterns in Alexander’s behaviour?

• Can we predict his behaviour in the later stages of his campaigns?

Alexandria• In 331 B.C. Alexander

founds the city of Alexandria on the coast.

• He builds it on the site of a small Egyptian town called Rhakotis.

• Although Alexander never returns to it, it continues to thrive and becomes a major city.

Interpretation• How does the founding

of Alexandria show a change in Alexander’s attitude to his campaign?

Plenary

• How does the ‘Egyptian episode’ of Alexander’s campaign compare to what we have seen so far?