Alexander fighting Darius III of Persia

In the previous topic, you learned that Macedonian King Philip II began to conquer the Greek city-states and expand his territory. After Philip II's assassination, his son, Alexander the Great, took the throne and continued to fulfill his father's goals of conquest. His triumphs exported Greek culture to other parts of the present and future world. In this topic, you will examine Alexander the Great's campaigns to conquer Greece and overcome the Persian Empire. You will also discover how Western Civilization's standards of beauty and philosophy bear a striking resemblance to those of the Hellenistic Greeks.

Essential Questions

• What role did Alexander the Great play in the Hellenistic Age and with the spread of Greek culture?
• How is Greek culture a foundation for Western civilization?

 

Warm-Up

In this topic, you will examine a leader who was so powerful that the phrase "the Great" was added to the end of his name. In your opinion, what makes someone a good leader? What characteristics should he or she possess?

Post your responses to these questions in the discussion area. Then, return to the topic discussion several times over the next few days to read your coursemates' posts. Reply to at least two of them, making sure to offer new insights, ask questions, and encourage further conversation.