alexander the great ruler of the world. why “the great”? created world’s largest empire took...
TRANSCRIPT
Alexander the Great
Ruler of the World
Why “the Great”?
Created world’s largest empireTook only 10 yearsSpread Greek culture throughout known world
Alexander’s Empire
Alexander’s originsBorn in Pella, MacedoniaTutored by the Greek
philosopher, Aristotle
His father, Philip, was king of Macedonia
United MacedoniaConquered Greece
OlympiaAlexander’s mother
OlympiaAlexander’s mother
PhilipAlexander’s fatherPhilipAlexander’s father
Alexander Rules
336BC Phillip murderedMaybe by his wife, maybe by Alexander…Alexander became King at
only 20.
Securing his father’s empireRebellions started after Phillips murderThis included GreeceReally harsh on ThebesMassacred the entire
population of the city
From Pompeii mosaic
Expanding the EmpireAlexander decided to expand into Asia.Said he would conquer it all by the spear.
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
Defeating Dariusof Persia
Fought three major battles w/DariusWon them allDarius was beaten so badly, some of his own men murdered himAlexander executed those men, and gave Darius a royal funeral
The limits of expansion327 BC moved into IndiaLet conquered rulers stay in powerHad to pay tributeAt Indus River soldiers refused to go further. Had to turn around.
Securing a legacyAlexander made Babylonia the capital of his EmpireHe married one of Darius’ daughters and “encouraged” 10,000 of his soldiers to take Persian wivesHe died the following year at 33 before he could produce an heir and his kingdom was divided among 3 of his generals
Antigonus
Ptolemy
Seleucus
Alexander’s divinityWhile 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 worldConflicts arose with his Greek soldiers as he adopted Persian dress & demanded to be recognized as a god