Year 4 - History
Alexander's conquests
Ancient Greek civilisation: why is Alexander called 'The Great'?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils learn about the historical conflict between the Greek city-states and Persia. They then broaden their knowledge of this rivalry by learning about Alexander the Great's life. They end the unit by considering the reasons why Alexander has been called 'The Great'.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain how Alexander created a great Macedonian Empire through military conquests.
Key Notes
- In his first battle against the Persians, Alexander showed great bravery and won the respect of his soldiers.
- Alexander captured city after Persian city, showing the people great mercy before defeating Darius III at Issus.
- Alexander then marched into Egypt, where the people made him pharaoh as thanks for ridding them of their Persian rulers.
- Alexander then sought out Darius III, defeating him at Gaugamela with superior tactics against the Persian chariots.
- Alexander conquered Babylon before continuing east to the River Indus; he died whilst returning home with his army.
Vocabulary To Learn
- mercy: showing mercy is treating someone kindly when you have power over them
- pharaoh: the leaders of Ancient Egypt were called pharaohs
- tactics: tactics are the plans armies use in battle to defeat their enemies
- Babylon: Babylon was an ancient city in the Persian Empire that was located on the Euphrates River
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- That only Egyptian people who were related by blood to the previous pharaoh could become a pharaoh.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
In his first battle against the Persians, Alexander showed great bravery and won the respect of his soldiers. Alexander captured city after Persian city, showing the people great mercy before defeating Darius III at Issus.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'mercy'
showing mercy is treating someone kindly when you have power over them.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: That only Egyptian people who were related by blood to the previous pharaoh could become a pharaoh. Correction: Alexander was an ancient Greek. He was not Egyptian by birth or by blood but the Egyptian people still made him a pharaoh after Alexander drove the Persians out of Egypt.
More Lessons In This Unit
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