Alexander the Great

Gastraphetes

Oxybeles

Siege Towers

Weapons

Before leaving for PersiaPut down rebellions

Illyrians, Thracians and Greeks Show Greeks you mean business

The slaughter at Thebes – 6,000 civilians killed – 30,000 sold into slavery

Clean up before you leave!

25,000 Macedonians, 7,600 Greeks, and 7,000 Thracians and Illyrians - chief officers were all Macedonians

The Campaign

GranicusPersian and Greek forces (20,000 each)Alexander slaughtered the Greek forces

punitively – 18,000 killed – the rest slaves

GordiumThe knot

The Campaign - Battles

IssusLeading the charge!A sizable force or Darius III’s is destroyedDarius himself at the battle escapes leaving

wife and children

The Campaign - Battles

Egypt satrap (Persian governor) surrendered without a fight

Alexander at the templeWanted to be named son of Ahmon-ra (sun god)Got his wishRe-enforced his belief that he was a god

Alexander in Egypt (331 BCE)

Guagemela en-route to BabylonHonorable battle planDarius III driven off… againBabylon captured and Persia officially done

The Campaign Continues

To win support in new landsWore Persian dress to ceremonyAllowed Persian Governors in new landsEncouraged his men to marry Persian women

Caused unrest among some officials – Alexander heard of plots to kill himHas senior officer Parmenio and his son killed for

alleged involvement in a conspiracy – caused further unrest

Other famous murders – including his good friend Cleitus!

Orientalization

326 BCE – Hydaspes Sneak landing – encirclement– panicking cornered (200)Elephants!Thank goodness for sarisas!

Campaign Continues - India

wounded in battle – army to return home

Return was a disaster March through the desert in mid summerThousands of troops die from heat and exhaustion

Campaign Turns Back

During the trip home, Alexander dies (33) after spiking a high fever – exact cause is unknownLeft no designated successorAnarchy as various regions rebelled and

sought power within the new empire

Alexander’s Death and Legacy