Alexander the Great

Aim: To have an overview understanding of the topic and Alexander himself

Course overview• Three broad themes:

• Life and character of Alexander

• Alexander’s campaigns

• The Macedonian Army

• And of course: Ancient authors and sources and reliability!

Assessment• Exam at the end of Year 11• 1 hour 15 mins• Same structure as the Kings of Rome• Same Assessment Objectives• A01- Factual detail/ knowledge• A02- Understanding/ importance• A03- Evaluation/ Interpretation

New writers• 3 writers to study:

• Plutarch- Life of Alexander• Arrian- Anabasis of Alexander• Diodorus Siculus- Library of History

• 3rd one is only very small!

Alexander: an Introduction

• Starting point:

• In pairs (on a new page) mind map what YOU ALREADY KNOW about Alexander the Great.

• You may know nothing• It may be wrong• It doesn’t matter- just write it down!

Alexander the Great

Silly video time

• Watch the clip

• In a different colour (or underlined etc.) add NEW INFORMATION to your mind map.

Overview and assessment

• On a new page• Draw a chart like this

• Write the following facts under one of the headings (there are 15!)

Fact Good Neutral Bad1234…

1) Born in 356 BC in Pella, Macedonia.

2) Son of King Philip II of Macedon.

3) He was believed to be ‘conceived’ by the gods.

4) His father and mother divorced.

5) Alexander was intelligent and educated by Artistotle (philosopher).6) He became king in 336BC at 20

7) He dealt with Greek revolts in 335 BC.

8) In 334 BC Alexander invaded the Persian Empire.

9) He defeated the Persian Army many times.10) Alexander is made Pharaoh (king) of Egypt.

11) Alexander captures Babylon (Persian Capital)

12) Alexander continues his campaign eastward toward India.10) He recruits former Persian troops.

11) Alexander ‘adopts eastern mannerisms’ which annoys some of his Greek troops.12) His troops become tired of endless fighting. Many desert and return to Greece.

13) Political and jealous rivalries plagued his close advisors and generals whilst in the east.

14) He established his ‘Capital’ in Babylon (Persia) not Greece.

15) He died in 323 BC in Babylon

Alexander “The Great”• It’s no surprise that

Alexander was a great Hero to Greeks AND Romans.

• Caligula (Roman Emperor/ Nutter) Alexander’s body exhumed so he could wear his armour!*

• What were his greatest achievements?

Plenary

• Can we spot any patterns?• Why might the Romans admire him?