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Questions and Answers
What strategy did Alexander use to secure his home front before moving into Persia?
What strategy did Alexander use to secure his home front before moving into Persia?
- He established a peace treaty with the Illyrians.
- He engaged in political negotiations with Athens.
- He reinforced his army by recruiting more soldiers.
- He defeated the revolts in Thrace and Thebes. (correct)
Which event inspired the oracle's prophecy regarding the selection of a king for the Phrygians?
Which event inspired the oracle's prophecy regarding the selection of a king for the Phrygians?
- The arrival of a traveler with an ox-cart. (correct)
- A battle between rival tribes near Gordium.
- The discovery of an ancient artifact.
- The establishment of a local democracy.
What was the outcome of Alexander's first encounter with Persian forces?
What was the outcome of Alexander's first encounter with Persian forces?
- It ended in a stalemate.
- He retreated to secure reinforcements.
- He emerged victorious. (correct)
- He suffered a significant defeat.
How did Alexander attempt to undo the Gordian Knot?
How did Alexander attempt to undo the Gordian Knot?
What impact did Alexander's destruction of Thebes have on Athens?
What impact did Alexander's destruction of Thebes have on Athens?
What was significant about the number of soldiers and ships Alexander took to Persia?
What was significant about the number of soldiers and ships Alexander took to Persia?
What was the fate of the Greek cities along the eastern edge of the Aegean coast under Persian rule?
What was the fate of the Greek cities along the eastern edge of the Aegean coast under Persian rule?
What position did Antipater hold during Alexander's campaign in Persia?
What position did Antipater hold during Alexander's campaign in Persia?
What was the significance of Alexander's victory over Darius III?
What was the significance of Alexander's victory over Darius III?
How did Alexander the Great resolve the Gordian Knot?
How did Alexander the Great resolve the Gordian Knot?
What was a central objective of Alexander during his time in Egypt?
What was a central objective of Alexander during his time in Egypt?
What led to Alexander's decision to return to Greece from India?
What led to Alexander's decision to return to Greece from India?
What approach did Alexander take to promote unity in Egypt?
What approach did Alexander take to promote unity in Egypt?
What implications did Alexander's acquisition of war elephants have?
What implications did Alexander's acquisition of war elephants have?
What was the outcome of Alexander's campaigns in the Indus River Valley?
What was the outcome of Alexander's campaigns in the Indus River Valley?
Which of the following best describes Alexander's vision for the society he sought to create in Egypt?
Which of the following best describes Alexander's vision for the society he sought to create in Egypt?
What was one of Alexander the Great's significant military strategies that contributed to his successes in battles?
What was one of Alexander the Great's significant military strategies that contributed to his successes in battles?
What does the legend of the Gordian Knot symbolize in relation to Alexander's conquests?
What does the legend of the Gordian Knot symbolize in relation to Alexander's conquests?
How did Alexander the Great's education under Aristotle influence his military approach?
How did Alexander the Great's education under Aristotle influence his military approach?
What was a key outcome of the Hellenic League formed under Macedon’s leadership?
What was a key outcome of the Hellenic League formed under Macedon’s leadership?
What was the role of King Philip II in shaping Alexander’s future military endeavors?
What was the role of King Philip II in shaping Alexander’s future military endeavors?
Which of the following best describes Alexander's approach to warfare as a young king?
Which of the following best describes Alexander's approach to warfare as a young king?
In what way did Alexander the Great seek to emulate figures from Greek mythology?
In what way did Alexander the Great seek to emulate figures from Greek mythology?
What aspect of Alexander's character was significantly influenced by his schooling with Aristotle?
What aspect of Alexander's character was significantly influenced by his schooling with Aristotle?
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Study Notes
Alexander the Great's Rise to Power
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Alexander ascended to the throne of Macedon at the age of 20 after his father, Philip II, was assassinated in 336 BCE.
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He was well-versed in combat and governance due to his tutor, Aristotle.
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Immediately upon assuming the throne, Alexander quelled rebellions in Thrace and Thebes, securing his borders.
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This allowed him to focus on expanding his empire eastward.
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He solidified his rule over Macedon and the Hellenic League, leaving Antipater as regent.
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He led a force of 40,000 soldiers and 120 warships across the Aegean Sea into Persia.
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His initial victory against the Persians led him to liberate Greek cities along the Aegean coast, granting them democratic rights.
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Alexander's ambition and desire for legend led him to Gordium, a city where he sought to untangle the Gordian Knot.
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Legend prophesized that whoever untied the knot would rule all of Asia, thus validating Alexander's quest.
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He famously cut the knot with his sword instead of attempting to unravel it, showcasing his decisiveness and disregard for tradition.
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In 333 BCE, Alexander defeated Darius III, the Persian king, in a battle that resulted in Darius's flight and Alexander's conquest of Persia.
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He then expanded his dominion to Egypt, where he was welcomed by the Egyptians, who anointed him as their pharaoh.
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Alexander established Alexandria, a city that symbolized the synthesis of Greek and Egyptian cultures, and he spent six months in Egypt, laying the groundwork for its development.
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His cultural vision for Egypt focused on education, architectural beauty, and military prowess.
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His conquests continued as he captured Babylon and a significant portion of the Indus River Valley in India, adding war elephants to his military arsenal.
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His army's weariness and the formidable Nanda Empire in India forced him to retreat back to Greece.
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Alexander's ambition and leadership, combined with the established foundation of Philip II's Macedon, allowed for the rapid expansion of his empire.
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He's often compared to Greek leaders like Pericles as a figure who unified the Greek world and then expanded beyond it.
Aristotle's Influence on Alexander the Great
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Aristotle, Plato's student, played a pivotal role in shaping the young Alexander's education.
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Aristotle, having founded his own school in Athens called Lyceum, was commissioned by King Philip II to tutor his son Alexander.
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Aristotle's emphasis on knowledge and the importance of reason likely influenced Alexander's approach to ruling and leadership.
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