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Why Alexander is called 'The Great'
I can explain why Alexander has been called 'The Great'.
Lesson 6 of 6
New
New
- Year 4
Why Alexander is called 'The Great'
I can explain why Alexander has been called 'The Great'.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- 'The Great' is not a title that Alexander had during his lifetime; it is an epithet, given to him after his death.
- The Ancient Romans, who grew in power some time after Alexander, admired his achievements and used this epithet for him.
- Alexander is remembered as 'Great' due to his military prowess: never losing a battle and personally leading his men.
- He has also been named 'The Great' for managing to keep his vast empire united, although it fragmented after his death.
- In founding Alexandria, which went on to become a hugely important centre of learning, he has also been seen as 'Great'.
Keywords
Epithet - a word or phrase that is attached to someone's name is called an epithet
Ancient Romans - the Ancient Romans were a powerful ancient civilisation that began in Italy
Prowess - great skill, talent or ability is called prowess
Common misconception
Alexander 'The Great' was the title that Alexander had when he was a living ruler.
'The Great' is not a title. It is a type of nickname called an epithet. Epithets are only used to refer to people that have died and they tell us more about something significant the person did or what the person was like.
Many historical figures, especially rulers, have epithets that pupils could investigate; for example, Richard The Lionheart, Edward The Confessor, Ethelred the Unready, William the Conqueror. There are also several other historical figures called 'The Great', what did they do to make them 'Great'?
Teacher tip
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Who did Alexander want to defeat?
Who did Alexander want to defeat?
the Greeks
the Ancient Egyptians
Q2.Complete the sentence. Alexander created the largest ever to exist in the ancient world.
Complete the sentence. Alexander created the largest ever to exist in the ancient world.
Q3.What did Alexander use to undo the Gordian knot and fulfil the legend?
What did Alexander use to undo the Gordian knot and fulfil the legend?
his fingers
a pair of scissors
Q4.Where did Alexander order a new city, called Alexandria, to be built?
Where did Alexander order a new city, called Alexandria, to be built?
Greece
Persia
Babylon
Q5.Who did Alexander leave to rule Egypt whilst he left to continue his military campaign in 331 BCE?
Who did Alexander leave to rule Egypt whilst he left to continue his military campaign in 331 BCE?
Caesar
Euclid
Galen
Q6.What did Ptolemy and his son build to attract visitors to Alexandria?
What did Ptolemy and his son build to attract visitors to Alexandria?
a museum
a temple
a university
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a word or phrase that is attached to someone's name called?
What is a word or phrase that is attached to someone's name called?
chronicle
biography
obiturary
Q2.Complete the sentence. The Ancient first referred to Alexander using the epithet ‘The Great’.
Complete the sentence. The Ancient first referred to Alexander using the epithet ‘The Great’.
Q3.In what country did the powerful ancient civilisation, Ancient Rome, begin?
In what country did the powerful ancient civilisation, Ancient Rome, begin?
Q4.True or false? One of the things that the Ancient Romans admired most about Alexander was his military prowess.
True or false? One of the things that the Ancient Romans admired most about Alexander was his military prowess.
False
Q5.What happened to the lands that Alexander had conquered during his lifetime?
What happened to the lands that Alexander had conquered during his lifetime?
They began to fracture and fight.
They were invaded by the Persians.
Q6.Which impressive buildings could be found in the ancient city of Alexandria in Egypt?
Which impressive buildings could be found in the ancient city of Alexandria in Egypt?
a museum
a cathedral