This lesson explains how Macedon became a major power and how Alexander the Great expanded its influence by conquering the Persian Empire. It also considers the different accounts of why Alexander’s forces burned Persepolis.
The Kingdom of Macedon lay across parts of modern Greece and northern Macedonia. Although the Macedonians did not speak Greek, they had adopted Greek culture during the Archaic period. Their royal family claimed descent from the Greek hero Heracles.
All flashcards
What does Hellenistic culture refer to?
The spread of Greek culture and its blending with traditions across the former Persian Empire and the wider Mediterranean and Near East.
What did Stoicism teach about achieving happiness?
Accept what cannot be controlled, follow reason, and avoid extreme emotions.
What did Epicureanism teach about pleasure?
Happiness comes from avoiding physical and mental pain and seeking a life free from distress.
What is a mystery religion?
A religion involving rites whose details are kept secret from non-initiates.
What does “Pyrrhic victory” mean?
A victory so costly that it is effectively a defeat.
Quiz questions
What happened at the Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BCE?Answer: Philip II defeated the allied forces of Athens and Thebes.
Who founded Alexandria in Egypt in 331 BCE?Answer: Alexander the Great
What did Alexander do after the death of Darius III?Answer: He claimed the Persian throne and adopted some Persian court practices.
Why do accounts of the burning of Persepolis differ?Answer: Some describe a drunken celebration urged on by Thaïs, while Arrian describes deliberate revenge.
How did the Ptolemies present their rule in Egypt?Answer: They adopted the title of pharaoh and supported temples to Egyptian gods.
Based on World History Volume 1, to 1500 by Ann Kordas, Ryan J. Lynch, Brooke Nelson, Julie Tatlock (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.