ALEXANDER THE
GREAT
THE LEAGUE OF CORINTH
Following his success at the battle of Chaeroneia at 338BC, Philip signed treaties of alliance with most of the defeated Greek states. Late in 338BC Philip carefully circulated the rumour that he wished to lead Greece in a Panhellenic campaign against Persia. This gained him the support of some Greek states. He then issued an invitation to all Greeks to attend a conference in Corinth for the purpose of discussing and ratifying Philip’s proposals for the formation of a League. The meeting began in 338BC and the discussions continued until the spring of 337BC.
Date when the League was formed:
Where was it signed?
After which battle?
Which state did not sign?
Why?
Name three member states:
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Mutual advantages enjoyed by member states and Macedonia:
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Hegemon of the League
LEAGUE OF CORINTH
- A FEDERAL SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT
THE FEDERAL LEADER(Greek word?)
Name the federal leader:
Before 336 BC______
After 336BC______
Why did Alexander wish to rule the Corinthian League?
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RESPONSIBILITIES / AREAS OF CONTROL OF THE FEDERAL LEADER:
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COMMANDER OF THE ALLIED FORCES(Give the Greek word):
Name the commander of the allied forces who fought against Persia: /
PERMANENT COUNCIL
(Greek word?)Where was it based?
Responsibilities of the Councillors?/ COUNCIL OF REPRESENTATIVES
(Greek word?)
How were the reps chosen?
Where / when did they meet?
Other responsibilities:
FIRST OF THE GREEK REBELLIONS
As soon as the Greek states heard of Philip's death they rebelled against Macedonia (335 BC)
ATHENS:Demosthenis celebrated Philip's death and urged rebellion.
The government of Athens was reluctant to fight Macedonia.
With Persian financial support Demosthenis organised a small armed group of Athenians who were ready to fight Alexander.
AETOLIA:
Voted to restore their exiled leaders (those who had refused to co-operate with Philip). Showed willingness to fight Macedonia.
THEBES:
Prepared to expel Macedonian troops stationed in Thebes.
SPARTA :
Prepared to rebel. Collaborated with Demosthenis and encouraged rebellion from other Peloponnesians.
HOW DID ALEXANDER DEAL WITH THE GREEK REBELS
Alexander was in the North when he heard about the rebellions of the Greeks.
Quick action was necessary as he was determined to avoid fighting if possible; like his father, he too wanted to befriend the Greeks.
THESSALY
Alexander had to go through Thessaly to get to the Greek States of the South. He aimed to avoid confrontation. So instead of taking the usual route, through the Vale of Tempe (where the famous Thessalian cavalry was waiting to do battle), he followed a narrow path up the slopes of Mt Ossa. When the Thessalians saw him marching into their city they had no choice but to welcome him. They recognised him as their Archon (leader) and placed their famous cavalry at his disposal.
NEIGHBOURING TRIBES
As soon as they heard about the surrender of Thessaly, they too submitted recognising him as the Hegemon of the Corinthian League.
THEBES
Rebels gave up as soon as they heard news.
ATHENS
Sent embassy to welcome him and apologise for not recognising him as their Hegemon earlier.
CORINTHIAN LEAGUE
Held synhedrion and declared Alexander their strategos autocrator.
SECOND REBELLION OF THE GREEK STATES
While fighting in the North Alexander heard that the Greeks were rebelling yet again. So he was forced to travel South at great speed to fight them.
When and why did the Greeks rebel for a second time?
In the spring of 335BC.
The new king of Persia Darius III (came to the throne at 336BC) sent agents to Greece with much gold to encourage Greeks to rebel against Macedonia. A rumour started that Alexander had been killed in the North
Thebes decided this was a good time to rise against Macedonian rule. Athens under Demosthenis promised help to the Thebans and so did a Peloponnesian army. Demosthenis and Sparta accepted Persian money.
THEBAN REBELLION 335 BC
Find your notes on the Theban Revolt / Sack of Thebes from the Introduction Booklet.
1. What happened to Thebes once Alexander had defeated them?
2. Why did Alexander choose to hand the matter over to the League of Corinth?
3. What does this show about Alexander?
4. What do these events show about Alexander’s relationship with the Greek States?
GREEK REBELLIONS OF 333-331 BC
While Alexander was fighting in Asia Minor he received news of two Greek rebellions against Macedonian rule – a rebellion in Thrace and another one in Sparta.
Rebellion in Thrace 333BC
Information regarding this rebellion is rather confusing!
Memnon was general of Thrace (not the same person as Memnon of Rhodes who fought at the battle of Granicus).
According to A. B. Bosworth:
Memnon encouraged the people of Thrace to rebel against Macedonian rule; but then he had a change of heart when the rebels got out of control.
Antipater, regent of Macedonia, came into Thrace to help Memnon suppress the rebellion.
At this stage, another rebellion was erupting in the Peloponnese led by the king of Sparta and Antipater was forced to conclude a quick treaty with Memnon so he could move south to deal with the rebels there.
They agreed that Memnon would remain general of Thrace and his territory was actually increased in size.
In 327-6 BC Memnon was sent east with reinforcements for Alexander.
According to J. R. Hamilton:
Memnon collaborated with the king of Sparta to start a rebellion in the north and in the south, to force Antipater to split his forces. When Antipater made Memnon an offer he could not refuse, Memnon decided to remain loyal to Macedonia.
THE REBELLION OF KING AGIS 333-331 BC
1. Who was King Agis?
2. Who did he choose as his ally? Why?
THE FIRST REBELLION AGAINST MACEDONIA:
1. Name the Macedonian general.
2. Who were the rebels?
3. Why did they rebel?
4. Outcome?
SECOND REBELLION:
· King Agis hired (8,000) mercenaries (who had escaped from the battle of Issus).
· With the help of Persian money and ships he was able to take over Crete and other islands of the Aegean.
1. Where did the battle take place?
2. Who was the Macedonian general?
3. Outcome?
4. In detail, outline events after the battle.
What do we learn from these events:
1. About the Greek states?
2. About Alexander the Great?
THE GREEK MERCENARIES ISSUE 334- 331BC
1. Who were the Greek mercenaries?
2. Who was their leader at the battle of Granicus?
3. What was their punishment when Alexander captured them?
4. Why did Alexander punish them so severely?
5. Releasing the Greek mercenaries:
When and where did embassies come to Alexander asking for the release of the mercenaries? / How did Alexander respond? / Why this response?DISBANDING THE ATHENIAN FLEET 334 BC
1. After which battle did Alexander disband the Athenian fleet?
2. Reasons for disbanding the fleet?
3. When and why did Alexander raise another fleet?
THE EXILES DECREE
What is an exile?What was the Exiles Decree?
How was the above announcement. received by the Greeks present?
Who objected to this and why? What approaches did they make to Alexander? Result?
Why did Alexander issue this decree?
(5+ reasons)
ALEXANDER AND ATHENS
1. What evidence is there that Alexander favoured Athens?
2. Why did Alexander favour Athens?
ALEXANDER AND SPARTA
What evidence is there that Alexander and the Spartans were not on good terms?
REVIEW TASK:
Place these events in chronological order and give the correct date for each:
1. Theban rebellion
2. Exiles decree
3. League of Corinth
4. King Agis rebellions
5. Greek mercenaries issue
6. Rebellion in Thrace
7. Disbanding the Athenian fleet