Alexander: Ruler of the World

Alexander tells the story of the brilliant general and statesman who conquered Greece, overthrew the Persian empire and invaded northern Indian in the third century BC. The son of Philip of Macedon, Alexander was tutored by Aristotle, founded the city of Alexandria in Egypt and died at age 33. Using actors to re-enact important battles, the documentary explores Alexander's military strategies and provides a vivid portrait of warfare in the ancient world. It is recommended for middle and high school students.

• Iliad
• Peloponnesian War
• astute
• charisma
• conquest
• conspicuous
• empire
• emulate
• exile
• insurrections
• meteoric
• obsessive
• pinnacle
• usurp

1. Why is Alexander described as complex and contradictory?

2. Why was Athens considered the most powerful of the Greek city-states?

3. Describe Alexander's education. In what ways was he influenced by Aristotle? How did his education differ from education provided to students today?

4. Do you see parallel between the lives of Alexander and Achilles? Why did Alexander attempt to model his life on that of Achilles?

5. What were Alexander's strengths as a general? What was his strategy in the battle of Gaugamela?

6. Who wrote the many legends about Alexander? What can we learn from these legends? How have these legends functioned to shape our views of ancient history?

7. Why did Alexander follow the religious protocol in the areas he conquered? Why did he work to cultivate decent relationships with local priests?

8. Why do scholars and artists still celebrate the memory of the ancient city of Alexandria? Which cities in the world today stir similar sentiments among artists and intellectuals?

1. Draw a map showing the world Alexander traveled through. Mark significant places in Alexander's life, including Thebes, Athens, Alexandria, and sites in the Persian empire. Trace Alexander's campaign across Persia, Egypt and into India.

2. Write an essay in which you detail the qualities that made Alexander a successful statesman. What qualities are needed in statesmen or world leaders today?

3. At the conclusion of the documentary a scholar comments, The making of war had become an art. What does he mean by that? Why do scholars say that Alexander founded a new world? What was Alexander's legacy?