THE LEGACY OF ALEXANDER

I can explain the legacy of Alexander the Great and understand what the

Hellenistic culture was.

ALEXANDER’S EMPIREAlexander and his armies carried their

culture and customs everywhere they went. As Alexander conquered one land after another, he set up colonies. He also built cities based on Greek culture. He named many of them Alexandria, after himself. It is thought that there were 70 different Alexandria’s established during his conquests.

The most famous of his Alexandria’s was in Egypt. The city was an important center of learning. A library there contained major collections of Greek, Persian, Egyptian, Hebrew, and other texts. Scholars from the Mediterranean area and from Asia came to Alexandria to study. Also located in Alexandria was the Tempe of the Muses. Many examples of arts and sciences were stored there. Today we call such a place a museum. Alexandria also had an enormous lighthouse that could be seen 35 miles away. It is considered one of the seven wonders of the world.

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Alexandria, Egypt has a current population of just over 4 million people making it the 2nd most populated city in Egypt. There are currently more than 40 cities around the world named Alexandria.

A BLEND OF CULTURESAlexander left Greeks behind to rule his lands. Greek

became the common language in the lands he controlled. At the same time, Alexander adopted Persian clothing styles and Persian customs. He urged his armies to do the same. Some of the Greek settlers married Persian women and adopted Persian ways. In Egypt, the Greek rulers accepted Egyptian culture and blended it with Greek styles. In India, the same blending occurred.

This blend of Greek, Persian, Egyptian, and Indian styles and customs became known as HELLENISTIC culture. This Hellenistic culture influenced the lands of the empire for hundreds of years. Learning was especially effected by the blending of cultures. The combined knowledge made new discoveries possible in science and medicine.

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The Empire Splits

One area in particular that began to adopt Hellenistic ways were the people of Rome. Rome’s military leaders especially admired what Alexander the Great had accomplished. In time, Rome would become the greatest empire of the world. It’s roots can be traced back to the Hellenistic cultures that had spread throughout the world.

YOUR ASSIGNMENTALEXANDER THE GREAT

Acrostic Poem

• Along the top of your paper will be the name ALEXANDER

• Going down the left side of the paper will be your choice:

• GREAT or • A Different ADJECTIVE that you feel best

describes him.

• For each letter going down the left side, you must create a phrase or sentence

describing Alexander’s life. BE CREATIVE!!