The Rise of Macedon and Alexander the Great
As Greece weakened from internal conflicts, Philip II of Macedon saw an opportunity to expand his kingdom's influence. What influence did the Minoans have on the development of Greek culture? While not directly related to Macedon's rise, the Minoans had earlier influenced Greek culture through trade and artistic styles.
Philip II implemented military innovations, including longer spears and heavy cavalry, which proved decisive in conquering the Greek city-states. His son, Alexander the Great, educated by Aristotle, would build upon his father's successes to create one of the ancient world's largest empires.
Vocabulary: Regent - A person appointed to administer a country because the monarch is a minor or is absent or incapacitated.
Alexander's conquests began with swift victories against the Persian Empire. Who won the Persian war? While the earlier Persian Wars were won by the Greeks, Alexander's campaign against Persia resulted in the complete conquest of the Persian Empire.
Example: The Battle of Issus in 333 BCE saw Alexander defeat a numerically superior Persian force led by Darius III.
Alexander's empire stretched from Greece to India, incorporating diverse cultures and spreading Hellenistic civilization. His military genius was demonstrated in battles like Gaugamela, where he defeated a much larger Persian army through superior tactics and leadership.
Highlight: Alexander's conquests spread Greek culture across a vast area, leading to the Hellenistic period and long-lasting cultural exchange between East and West.
