Mapping Alexander the Great’s Empire

Use different colors to complete each step.

Step 1:

~ Draw the boundaries of Macedonia during the time of Phillip II.

Step 2: By 338 BC Philip of Macedon had conquered Greece.

~ Outline the Empire of Philipp II including Greece.

Step 3: When Alexander became king, the Persian Empire still controlled most of the eastern Mediterranean region. In 334BC Alexander invaded the Persian Empire. He fought his first major battle against the Persians in Anatolia.

~ From Macedonia to the northwestern coast of Anatolia, draw an arrow.

~ As Alexander’s armies marched along the coast, the Persians confronted them at Issus. Find Issus and label it on your map.

~ The battle ended when the Persian emperor, Darius, abandoned his troops. Next to the name Issus designate your own symbol for “Alexander’s

Victory.”

Step 4: After the Battle of Issus, Alexander moved his troops to Egypt. Here he established the first of many cities he named after himself. The city of Alexandria has retained its name to the present-day.

~ Find Alexandria in Egypt and label it.

Step 5: Next Alexander’s troops began the long march to Persepolis. On route, they fought a battle against the Persians.

~ Find Gaugamela and label it, Gaugamela, 331 BC.

~ Make note using your symbol of Alexander’s victory.

Step 6: Now Alexander moved his troops towards the Persian capital of Persepolis. In Persepolis, Alexander declared himself King of Persia.

~ Draw an arrow from Gaugamela to Persepolis. Label Persepolis.

Step 7: Although Alexander had defeated the Persians, he continued his conquests and moved his soldiers toward India under harsh and dangerous terrain.

~ Draw and label the Zagros Mountains.

~ East of the mountains is a vast desert. Find and label the Plateau of Iran.

~ Continue East. Find and label the Hindu Kush on your map.

~ Find the route from Persepolis to the KhyberPass. On your map, draw this

route using an arrow.

Step 8: In 326 BC Alexander’s troops reached the western frontier of India. Weary from years of battle, they refused to march any further.

~ Continue mapping Alexander’s route, drawing an arrow from the Khyber pass

to the IndusRiver where he fought his last major battle. Label this battle on

your map.

~ Continue by drawing an arrow south west along the Indus river, stopping at the

Arabian Sea and continuing on to Babylon. Label Babylon and make a note of

what took place here.

Step 9: Before his death, Alexander ruled most of the world known to the ancient Greeks. His conquests made Greek culture an important influence in parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe.

~ On your map, draw the complete boundary using a DASHED line. Be careful

not to cover what you have already written.

------

Discussion and Short Answers: Answer on a separate sheet of paper.

  1. Homer’s The Iliad profoundly inspired Alexander. He carried a copy of The Iliad with him into every battle and tried to live by its theme of “might tempered by mercy.” Discuss what this theme means.
  1. The number of leaders in world history who have been called “the Great” is very small. What unique qualities in Alexander’s personality and heritage contributed to his “greatness” and popularity? Discuss the status of leadership in today’s world. Do we have a similar or different definition of “greatness” for today’s leaders?
  1. During his 20,000-mile campaign, Alexander spread Greek culture throughout his conquests. Explain the strategy and methods he used to accomplish this, and evaluate the lasting effect of his efforts.