PP Notes Alexander

Alexander the Great


Under Philip II, Macedon took advantage of the Sparta/Athens issue
Using the Macedon hegemony, he unified Greek city-states
This was called the‘League of Corinth’


His son, Alexander the Great (aka Alexander III of Macedon), defeated the Persians (about 333 BCE)
Started his campaign Archaemenid Persian Empire
The went on to aquire Anatolia, Syria, Judea, Gaza, Egypt, Phoenicia, Syria, Bactria and Mesopotamia
Considered one of the most successful military leaders of all time
Undefeated
Dominated Egypt to Persia and India (Punjab) but was halted by military mutiny

Intended to move into Arabian Peninsula
Left men behind in conquered areas
Incorporated foreigners into his army
‘Policy of fusion’
Aristotle had been his tutor – rhetoric, literature, science, math, philosophy
Alexander had the skills of great diplomacy when it served him


Would adopt some local customs and make them his own
He had a life long companion: Hephaestion
Three wives: Roxana of a Bactrian nobleman, Statiera a Persian Princess and Parysatis also Persian


Founded cities, centers of scholarship, and encouraged intermarriage
In this period, Hellenistic culture spread across the known world, ensuring the survival of Greek thought and theory.

“Hellenization” – “Making Greek”
Alexandria – City established in Egypt holding the greatest modern library, intellectual center
Doric, Ionic, Corinthian – Hellenic architecture

Executed those regents over conquered lands who did not behave - loyalty
For twelve straight years he campaigned and expanded his Empire
Died young (323 BCE) in the palace of Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon
thus could not merge Greece with the East (“Multinational Empire”)
Many theories regarding his death, but no set heir
Empire is divided up
Poltemaic Egypt
Took on the role of Pharaoh
Cultural preservation, imbued with Hellinisim (upper levels of society)
Gap between rich and poor increased
Enjoyed peace until internal rebellion
Alexandria would thrive
Seleucid Asia
Would not hold the boarders
Allowed some autonomy, again imparting Hellenic culture
Persian dynastic rule
Continued planting cities: Antioch
Large tax collectin
Antigonid Macedon /Greece
Instability
Strong military and dominated Aegean
Stoic approach
Dealt with uprisings: Aetolian League and Achaean League
Greek Culture
Arts: idealistic, romantic, tolerant
Drama: tragedy, passion, satire, steeped in social and political commentary
Literature: Epics, great drama
Greek Culture
Philosophy: involved in politics, relative to experience, forms and virtuous life
Science:
War: strong dependence on hopelite tactics, naval strength