Why Alexander is called 'The Great'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain why Alexander has been called 'The Great'.
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.
Teacher tip
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'?
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
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.Who did Alexander want to defeat?
Q2.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?
Q4.Where did Alexander order a new city, called Alexandria, to be built?
Q5.Who did Alexander leave to rule Egypt whilst he left to continue his military campaign in 331 BCE?
Q6.What did Ptolemy and his son build to attract visitors to Alexandria?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a word or phrase that is attached to someone's name called?
Q2.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?
Q4.True or false? One of the things that the Ancient Romans admired most about Alexander was his military prowess.
Q5.What happened to the lands that Alexander had conquered during his lifetime?
Q6.Which impressive buildings could be found in the ancient city of Alexandria in Egypt?
To help you plan your 4 history lesson on: Why Alexander is called 'The Great', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 history lesson on: Why Alexander is called 'The Great', 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.