Philip II of Macedon conquered Greece and established the League of Corinth, but was assassinated in 336 BC. His son Alexander the Great, then only 20 years old, took the throne and proved himself an exceptional military leader. Alexander led his army on a campaign to invade the massive Persian Empire, defeating King Darius III in four major battles between 334-327 BC at the Granicus River, Issus, Gaugamela, and the Hydaspes River. Through these decisive victories, Alexander was able to conquer the entire Persian Empire by the age of 32, spreading Greek culture widely before his death in 323 BC from illness. His vast empire was then divided among his generals after his death.

1. And His Empire

2. A New League 338BC – Philip of Macedon defeats the Greeks Promises Greek city-states autonomy (self rule) League of Corinth Assassinated by captain of his bodyguard Alexander (20 yrs. old) left to finish the job

3. A Promising Future King 10 years old: Legend of Bucephalus 13 years old: Tutored by Aristotle Fell in love with Greek culture 16 years old: Regent of kingdom when Philip was away Crushed revolts, saved father’s life Even though he was young, Alexander was destined to be an incredible leader.

4. The Invasion of Persia Probably not an attempt to conquer the whole Empire Reliving father’s dreams Found out that he was very good at warfare Small, mobile cavalry units (250) formed main striking force Military features :

5. The Invasion of Persia Deeper Phalanx

6. The Invasion of Persia War Machines Siege towers, catapults used effectively for first time Could hurl huge arrows, boulders 180 meters

7. Four Battles Alexander conquered the world in four decisive battles, in less than 10 years Granicus Issus Gaugamela Hydaspes

8. Four Battles Granicus (334 BC) Army of 35 000 invades Asia minor at River Granicus Persians make their first stand Demolished by cavalry Near-death experience for Alexander

9. Four Battles 2. Issus (333 BC) Massive battle – Alexander faces King Darius for 1 st time Equal forces but cavalry defeats Persians again Darius flees – Alexander realizes he can conquer whole empire

10. Four Battles 3. Gaugamela (331 BC) Instead of chasing Darius, Alexander crushes Persian fleet Conquers: Phoenicia ,Damascus and Egypt Darius tries to bribe Alexander to stop, no deal Final showdown at Gaugamela: Alexander commands 45 000 against larger Persian army Cavalry wins again, Darius flees, is murdered

11. Four Battles 4. Hydspes (327BC) Wanted to conquer India! Greek army travels across Asia and fights King Porus at Hydspes Alexander’s superior strategy still victorious Wants to continue East, but men refuse – have already travelled over 17 000 km!

12. The End of Alexander Alexander’s conquests took a toll on him Died of Malaria at age 32 Legacy Incredible military genius Never lost a battle Huge cultural impact Ensured Greek dominance by spreading Greek culture all over world Contributed to the Greek science, made Athens center of world

13. Aftermath After his death, the Empire quickly fell apart and was divided among three powerful generals: Egypt and fringe lands went to Ptolemy Asia Minor and old Persian Empire went to Seleucus Macedon and Greece went to Antigonus