Alexander the Great (Classical to Hellenistic Age) Flashcards
(18 cards)
Thebes
Revolted against Alexander when he succeeded Phillip. The city was destroyed as an example. Everyone killed except priests, those with hospitality connections to Macedonia, and descendants of the poet Pindar.
Macedonia
Northern Greek kingdom. Larger than any polis. Decentralized (weak kings, powerful aristocrats). Edge of the Greek world (constant battles with barbarians).
Companions
Aristocrats chosen to accompany the king. Young aristocrats now raised in court alongside Alexander.
Companion Cavalry
Composed of the kings companions. Much better than Greek cavalry.
Sarissa
13-20ft pike. Much longer reach than hoplites, phalanx formation.
Ruler cult
Worship of king as a God. Prominent in Egypt.
Philip
Father of Alexander, king of Macedon. Enacted centralizing reforms (formed companions), strengthened military.
Darius III
King of Persia during Alexanders invasion of the Persian Empire.
Cleitus the Black
Companion. Saved Alexander during The Battle of Granicus. Alexander killed him in drunken quarrel.
Hephaestion
Macedonian aristocrat. Very intimate relationship with Alexander. Alexander compared them to Achilles and Patroclus.
Battle of Chaeronea
Thebes and Athens unite against Philip. Alexander leads companion cavalry, Macedon victory.
Battle of Granicus
Alexander personally led charge across river against much larger Persian army. (Modern day Turkey)
Battle of Issus
Alexander led charge against larger Persian army personally led by Darius, Darius flees. (Modern day Syria).
Battle of Gaugamela
Prior to this battle Darius offers to split his empire, Alexander refuses. Alexander led charge against larger Persian army led by Darius, Darius flees. (Modern day Iran).
Wars of the Successors
Alexander’s generals fight to take over his kingdom after his death.
Antigonid Kingdom
Macedonia and (most of ) Greece.
The Seleucid Kingdom
Territory of the former Persian Empire
Ptolemaic Kingdom
Egypt.
