Yr9 CC (LT1): Alexander the Great (3): King of Persia

What happens at the oracle at Siwa?

Alexander is greeted with a mispronunciation of a word by the priest: 'son of a god' instead of 'my child'. Alexander takes advantage of this.

What was Alexander's reaction to the singer?

Alexander simply embraced the singer with laughter and enjoyment which further aggravated Cleitus.

What happened when some Macedonians plotted to kill Alexander?

Alexander took his anger out on Philotas, a trusted commander and son of the general Parmenion, for not telling him of the plot sooner. He executed Philotas as a punishment and then his father too (so no revenge would be possible).

What is the Policy of Fusion?

The fusion of Macedonian and Persian culture and kingship

What drunken comment by Cleitus was the breaking point of Alexander?

"Go and live with foreigners, slaves who will bow down before your Persian girdle and your white tunic." (references his ideology)

Why was Persepolis burnt down?

1) As a result of a drunken rage by Alexander. 2) Because he wanted Babylon to be the undisputed capital of his new Persian Empire. 3) Perhaps as revenge for the Persians burning down the Acropolis in Athens during the Persian invasions of Greece.

What 3 questions does Alexander ask the oracle?

1) Will I rule all the world? 2) Have my father's killers been brought to justice? 3) Am I the son of a god? (All 3 - Yes)

What is proskynesis?

Forcing those who address you to kneel and kiss your hand.

What triggered Cleitus's outburst at the feast?

A Persian singer began to mock Macedonians who had previously lost to Persians and natives. This angered Cleitus who believed all Macedonians were superior.

What was the Gordian Knot?

A knot tying that the cart of the legendary King Midas. Whoever untied the knot was prophesied to be Lord of all Persia.

Who did Alexander's ideological belief cause conflict with?

Cleitus and Callisthenes

What was Alexander and Cleitus's friendship like?

Cleitus was previously regarded as a close friend to Alexander and was a valued officer in the Macedonian army. Notably he had saved Alexander's life when he was about to be killed at the Battle of Granicus. He grew critical of him because he disagreed strongly about the policy of fusion.

When did Callisthenes protest against proskynesis?

Dinner one evening, he refused to perform proskynesis to Alexander, didn't get a kiss in return. This implied criticism led to his eventual death.

How does Alexander unravel the Gordian knot?

He cheats by cutting through the rope and sliding the rope off the yoke of the chariot. Possibly creative lateral thinking and problem solving.

How does Alexander begin to dress differently?

He embraced the diadem. He dressed in the white robe and sash of a Persian King. But he refused to wear Persian baggy trousers, as in Macedonian culture they marked the sign of a barbarian.

How does Darius III die?

He is ambushed and killed by one of his own generals and family member, Bessus.

How is Alexander received in Egypt?

He is treated like a hero and called a Pharaoh. He is worshipped as a god.

Why do some many cities and towns in Persia surrender and with allegiance to Alexander?

He promises to liberate them from Persian rule and to give them democracy. Financially there would be no need to pay King Darius an annual tribute/tax. They just need to accept him as ruler.

How did Alexander adopt spiritual, cultural and traditional Persian beliefs?

He showed respect for previous Persian Kings in the past, his rebuilding of the tomb of Cyrus, the introduction of Persian Lords within his elite companion cavalry, compulsory marriages for Macedonian men to Persian princesses and he introduced proskynesis.

How did Alexander react to Cleitus's comment?

He threw an apple at Cleitus, then finally murdered him with a spear.

What did Alexander decide to do next after the death of Cleitus?

He wanted to march to the end of the world overcoming the mountain range in Pakistan which Aristotle thought was impenetrable, over which not even eagles were able to fly. To march into India through the Khyber Pass.

Why does Alexander begin to behave in a more Persian manner?

He wants to be seen/accepted as the rightful ruler of the Persian Empire. It was his hope that they would not see the Greek rule as alien so they would not rebel against him.

Who was Callisthenes?

He was Alexander's personal historian on his campaigns. He was also the great nephew of his tutor Aristotle.

How did Alexander react to Darius' death?

He was disappointed and thought it was treacherous of Bessus. He hunted him down and had him killed: torn apart by 2 trees.

What did Alexander think of one of the Persian capital cities, Persepolis?

He was extremely impressed with its wealth, riches and architecture. He stayed there for 5 months of partying and enjoying the luxurious lifestyle. He allows his men to loot/rob the city.

Why does Alexander want to untie the knot?

It was a conundrum that had not been solved for centuries. He could prove himself to be exceptional and then make a claim about deserving to be King of Persia - good propoganda.

Who opposed Alexander at the battle of Hydaspes?

King Porus with a huge army with battle elephants.

How do the Persians and Macedonian cultures feel about proskynesis?

Persians: it is a normal mark or respect shown to an elder. Macedonians: It is something that you would only do when worshipping a god.

Why did Bessus turn on his own king?

Personal ambition and desire to benefit from a peace deal with Alexander. He hoped to rule the Eastern side of the Empire.

Who does Alexander unexpectedly marry?

Roxana - a Bactrian princess.

What had Aristotle told Alexander of Persepolis?

That it was a barbarian city and should be avoided. His prejudice may have stemmed from its vices and immoral love of luxury.

How did many Macedonians feel about Alexander's Policy of Fusion?

They resented being made to behave more Persian and many wanted to return home.

Why does Alexander marry?

This marriage seals a peace treaty and makes him a legitimate ruler of her kingdoms and ancestral lands.

Why does Alexander go to Egypt?

To liberate the country from Persian rule. The country is simply used/abused as a bread basket to provide grain for the Persian Empire.