Alexander the Great

The Golden Age

Greece was united for the first time after the Persian War

Pericles, an important statesman from Athens, helped bring about a "Golden Age"

Golden Age of Pericles

• Extends democracy: most adult males had an equal voice
• Rebuilds Athens after Persian War (builds Parthenon to honor Athena)
• Athenian culture develops in drama, philosophy, mathematics, and science

Peloponnesian War

Sparta (the Peloponnesian League) wanted control of Greece, and declared war on Athens and its allies (the Delian League) in 431 B.C.

Sparta wins the war, but Greek city-states continue to fight

King Phillip II of Macedonia sees fighting as an opportunity to conquer most of Greece. His son, Alexander the Great, takes the rest

Alexander the Great

After uniting Greece under Macedonian rule, Alexander turns to conquer the Persians

Alexander eventually establishes an empire from Greece to Egypt and the margins of India

Alexander's 3-Part Plan

• Spread Greek culture and ideas
• Used religion to inspire loyalty
• Show respect for, and adopt, conquered culture

Alexander's Legacy

• One of the Largest Empires in the world
• Blends Asian and Greek cultures to form "Hellenistic" culture: spreads through trade
• Reason why Greek culture survives and blends into modern Western culture