Alexander's conquests
I can explain how Alexander created a great Macedonian Empire through military conquests.
Alexander's conquests
I can explain how Alexander created a great Macedonian Empire through military conquests.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In his first battle against the Persians, Alexander showed great bravery and won the respect of his soldiers.
- Alexander captured city after Persian city, showing the people great mercy before defeating Darius III at Issus.
- Alexander then marched into Egypt, where the people made him pharaoh as thanks for ridding them of their Persian rulers.
- Alexander then sought out Darius III, defeating him at Gaugamela with superior tactics against the Persian chariots.
- Alexander conquered Babylon before continuing east to the River Indus; he died whilst returning home with his army.
Keywords
Mercy - showing mercy is treating someone kindly when you have power over them
Pharaoh - the leaders of Ancient Egypt were called pharaohs
Tactics - tactics are the plans armies use in battle to defeat their enemies
Babylon - Babylon was an ancient city in the Persian Empire that was located on the Euphrates River
Common misconception
That only Egyptian people who were related by blood to the previous pharaoh could become a pharaoh.
Alexander was an ancient Greek. He was not Egyptian by birth or by blood but the Egyptian people still made him a pharaoh after Alexander drove the Persians out of Egypt.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), 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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