Born in 336 BC to Philip II of Macedonia and Olympias. Descended from mythical heroes Heracles and Perseus. Received education with Aristotle while serving as military commander
Hellenistic Period began in 323 BC after Alexander the Great's death. Alexander conquered vast territories from Adriatic Sea to Himalayas. Empire divided into kingdoms ruled by Alexander's descendants. Period ended in 30 BC with Roman conquest of Egypt
Alexander's empire spanned ancient Greece to modern-day Afghanistan. His generals divided his territory after his death into Hellenistic kingdoms. Western world is saturated with images of Alexander through media
Only Miletus supported Persia against Lydia, others were forced into Persian rule. Miletus revolted against Persia in 499 BCE, losing at Lade in 495 BCE. Persian satraps of western Anatolia revolted in 362-359 BCE, gaining local autonomy. Caria became Persian satrapy under Mausolus, expanding Persian influence. Lycia remained nominally Persian but practically independent
Ancient Greeks created life-like statues and sculptures influenced Roman architecture. Three main materials: bronze, marble, and chryselephantine. Five major sculptors: Myron, Pheidias, Polykleitos, Praxiteles, and Lysippos
Bactria was located between Hindu Kush mountains and Oxus river. Country featured fertile plains, desert, and cold mountains. BMAC culture dates to c.2200-1700 BCE. Zarathustra founded Zoroastrianism in second half of second millennium BCE