Why Alexander is called 'The Great'
I can explain why Alexander has been called 'The Great'.
Why Alexander is called 'The Great'
I can explain why Alexander has been called 'The Great'.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
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.
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 (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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