Alexander the Great Unit 6, Section 6 Macedonia Conquers Greece 359 BC Philip II becomes king of Macedonia His main target was Greece. After the Peloponnesian War, the city- states would not unite. As a result, Philip easily conquered Athens and Thebes. The Greeks agreed to accept Philip II as their new leader. Philips Military Strength PHALANX a group of warriors who stood close together in a square Like a human tank. As soldiers on the front lines were killed, another man was right behind him to take his place. Philip improved on this by giving soldiers long spears called pikessometimes 18 long. He also sent cavalry and archers to support the phalanx. Philips Military Strength After Greece, Philip set his sights on PERSIA. He was murdered in 336 BC while celebrating his daughters wedding. As a result, power shifted to his son, Alexander. Alexander Builds an Empire After the death of Philip, the city- state of Thebes rebelled again. They thought Philips death meant the end of strong leadership. They were wrong! Alexander defeated Thebes and enslaved the people as an example of what would happen if the Greeks decided to rebel again. He then focused East to expand his empire. Building an Empire - Alexanders troops were well-organized and well prepared. Defeated the Persians time after time. - Legend of the Gordian Knot he who untangles it will rule the world. Alexander sliced through it with his sword. - Alexander went to Egypt, where the Persian governor surrendered without a fight. - Gaugamela final battle to defeat the Persians. Marching Home Alexander wanted to cross the Indus River further into Central Asia, but his troops refused to go any further since they had been gone for 7 years. Disappointed, Alexander began to march home. In 323 BC, Alexander got sick in the city of Babylon and died at age 33. Spreading Greek Culture Alexander greatly admired Greek culture Modeled many of the cities he built after Greek cities Encouraged Greek settlers to move throughout the empire Greek language was spoken Art, literature, and science spread HOWEVER, Alexander also allowed conquered people to keep their own customs as well. Since these cultures are not PURELY Greek, we call them HELLENISTIC (Greek-like) Hellenistic Kingdoms MACEDONIASYRIAEGYPT Most Greek of the three Weakest government Put down many revolts by the Greeks, but it damaged them Romans conquer the Macedonians in 100 BC Included much of the former Persian Empire Home to many different cultures Rebelled against Hellenistic rule and slowly broke apart. Romans conquer the Syrians by 60 BC Encouraged continued spread of Greek culture Built largest library at Alexandria Center of culture and learning Romans conquer the Egyptians by 30 BC