alexander the great
DESCRIPTION
Alexander the GreatTRANSCRIPT
And His Empire
A New League338BC – Philip of Macedon defeats the Greeks•Promises Greek city-states autonomy (self rule)
•League of Corinth
•Assassinated by captain of his bodyguard
•Alexander (20 yrs. old) left to finish the job
A Promising Future King
•10 years old: Legend of Bucephalus
•13 years old: Tutored by Aristotle•Fell in love with Greek culture
•16 years old: Regent of kingdom when Philip was away•Crushed revolts, saved father’s life
Even though he was young, Alexander was destined to be an incredible leader.
The Invasion of PersiaProbably not an attempt to conquer the whole Empire•Reliving father’s dreams•Found out that he was very good at warfare
Small, mobile cavalry units (250) formed main striking force
Military features:
The Invasion of Persia
Deeper Phalanx
The Invasion of PersiaWar Machines
Siege towers, catapults used effectively for first time
Could hurl huge arrows, boulders 180 meters
Four BattlesAlexander conquered the world in four decisive battles, in less than 10 years
1.Granicus
2.Issus
3.Gaugamela
4.Hydaspes
Four Battles1. Granicus (334 BC)
• Army of 35 000 invades Asia minor
at River Granicus
• Persians make their first stand
• Demolished by cavalry
• Near-death experience for Alexander
Four Battles2. Issus (333 BC)•Massive battle – Alexander faces King Darius for 1st time
•Equal forces but cavalry defeats Persians again
•Darius flees – Alexander realizes he can conquer whole empire
Four Battles3. Gaugamela (331 BC)•Instead of chasing Darius, Alexander crushes Persian fleet
•Conquers:• Phoenicia ,Damascus andEgypt
•Darius tries to bribe Alexander •to stop, no deal
Final showdown at Gaugamela: •Alexander commands 45 000 against larger Persian army
•Cavalry wins again, Darius flees, is murdered
Four Battles4. Hydspes (327BC)
•Wanted to conquer India!
•Greek army travels across Asia and fightsKing Porus at Hydspes
•Alexander’s superior strategy stillvictorious
•Wants to continue East, but men refuse – have already travelled over 17 000 km!
The End of AlexanderAlexander’s conquests took a toll on him
Died of Malaria at age 32
Legacy• Incredible military genius• Never lost a battle
• Huge cultural impact• Ensured Greek dominance by spreading Greek culture all over world• Contributed to the Greek science, made Athens
center of world
AftermathAfter his death, the Empire quickly fell apart and was divided among three powerful generals:
Egypt and fringe lands went to Ptolemy
Asia Minor and old Persian Empire went to Seleucus
Macedon and Greece went to Antigonus