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Alexander the Great

In this lesson, students will identify the contributions of Alexander the Great to world history. Students will be able to identify and/or define the following terms:

Alexander the GreatMacedoniaHellenism

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Greece’s neighbor to the north is

Macedonia.

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Philip II

• Philip II was a king of Macedonia. In 338 B.C., he conquered the Greek city-states.

• After his successful conquest of the Greeks, he planned to conquer Persia.

• However, he died before he could realize his plan.

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This ancient coin bears the image ofPhilip II of Macedonia.

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Alexander the Great• After the death of Philip II, his son,

Alexander, set out to conquer the world.

• Alexander quickly conquered Asia Minor, Egypt, and Babylon. By 330 B.C., he defeated all of the Persian armies.

• Alexander moved his army all the way to the Indus River.

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Alexander the Great conquered a vastempire.

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A Tired Army• When Alexander’s soldiers reached the

Indus River, they begged Alexander to turn back.

• The Indus River was the end of the known world for his soldiers.

• In 323 B.C., Alexander developed a fever in Babylon. He died within a few days.

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Alexander the Great was only 32 whenhe died. For 13 years, he had ruled

a vast empire.

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After the death of Alexander• Alexander’s empire fell apart after his

death.

• His three generals divided the empire into three kingdoms-Macedon, Egypt, and Syria.

• These kingdoms often fought each other but they were united by their common Greek culture.

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After the death of Alexander the Great,his vast empire was divided among his

generals.

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Hellenism• Alexander the Great spread Greek culture

throughout his empire.

• As Greek culture spread eastward, it blended with other cultures. This blend of eastern and western cultures is called Hellenism.

• Hellenism comes from the Greek word “Hellas”, which means “their own land.”

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Hellenism is a Greek like culture.

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Hellenistic Culture• Hellenistic culture shaped the

Mediterranean world for nearly 300 years.

• However, Alexander’s dream of creating an enduring empire with one government did not come true.

• After Alexander’s death, the Romans eventually realized this dream

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Alexander the Greatspread Greek

culture throughoutthe Mediterranean

world.

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Questions for Reflection:• Where is Macedonia located?• List two accomplishments of Alexander the

Great.• Why did Alexander’s soldiers want to

return home after invading the Indus River Valley?

• What happened to Alexander’s empire after his death? Why did this happen?

• Define Hellenism.