Lesson 1: Alexander the Great (The Hellenistic World)

🛡️ Macedonia Conquers Greece

A long time ago, Greece was full of many small cities like Athens and Sparta. These cities often fought each other. Far to the north, in a place called Macedonia, lived a powerful king named Philip II.

Philip had a big dream. He wanted to unite all the Greek cities. He made a new army formation called the phalanx. Soldiers stood in long lines, side by side, holding long spears. It looked like a wall of spikes!

The Greeks had never seen anything like it. Philip’s army was strong and smart. After some battles, Philip took control of most of Greece.

But before he could attack Persia, Philip was killed. Some say a guard killed him at a wedding! After that, his son Alexander became king... at just 20 years old!

🏇 Alexander Builds an Empire

Alexander wanted to finish his father’s dream. He said, “I will go farther. I will be the greatest king in the world!”

First, he went to a city called Gordium. There was a famous knot there. The legend said, “Whoever unties this knot will rule Asia.”

Alexander looked at it. He tried to untie it, but it was too hard. So, he took his sword and cut it in half! “Problem solved!” he said. That story became famous: “cutting the Gordian Knot.”

Alexander and his army marched for years—across deserts, mountains, and rivers. They fought battles in Persia, Egypt, and even all the way to India!

People called him Alexander the Great because he never lost a battle.

But finally, his tired soldiers said, “We want to go home.” Alexander turned back. Sadly, he died young—only 32 years old. Many think he got sick.

🏛️ Spreading Greek Culture (The Hellenistic World)

Even after Alexander died, his empire changed the world. His generals took control of different parts of it. They started new kingdoms in Egypt, Asia, and Greece. This time in history is called the Hellenistic period.

Hellenistic means “Greek-like.” People in these new kingdoms still spoke Greek. They built Greek-style buildings and studied Greek ideas. But they also mixed Greek culture with local traditions.

In Alexandria, Egypt, a giant library was built with books from all over the world! There was even a huge lighthouse—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World!

Greek culture spread from Greece to Africa to India. This was Alexander’s greatest victory—not just winning battles, but spreading knowledge, art, and ideas.