Alexander's conquests
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how Alexander created a great Macedonian Empire through military conquests.
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.
Teacher tip
Pupils could investigate how we show respect for people that show great bravery today, or in modern history, by looking at people who have obtained royal honours or medals for their part in a significant event such as a war or conflict, or for helping during catastrophe.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the correct definition of a 'kingdom'?
Q2.What Greek kingdom had ended up under Persian control during the wars between the two countries?
Q3.Which statements are correct about King Phillip II and his ruling of the Kingdom of Macedon?
Q4.Complete the sentence. King Phillip II created the League of in about 338 BCE to defend Ancient Greece and defeat the Persians completely.
Q5.What happened two years after forming the League of Corinth?
Q6.Order the events, starting with the earliest.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Choose the correct word to complete the sentence. Alexander became known for the he showed to the Persian people he conquered.
Q2.Which statements about the battle at Issus are correct?
Q3.After Issus, where did Alexander and his army then head to?
Q4.How did the Ancient Egyptians show their gratitude to Alexander for ridding them of their Persian rulers?
Q5.Which statements about the expansion of Alexander's empire are correct?
Q6.What did Alexander become known as?
To help you plan your 4 history lesson on: Alexander's conquests, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 history lesson on: Alexander's conquests, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 history lessons from the Ancient Greek civilisation: why is Alexander called 'The Great'? unit, dive into the full primary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.