Answer:
Alexander the Great Document Analysis
Directions: Please read and annotate the “Alexander the Great Overview” as well as the “Alexander the Great Docs” and respond to the following questions in complete sentences accordingly. Once you have completed all of the document questions, please compose a thesis statement and provide supporting evidence from the documents.
Big Question: To what extent was Alexander the Great truly “great”?
Alexander the Great’s “greatness” was mostly based on everyone’s opinions of him, and not his actual actions or personality. Alexander the Great did conquer a lot of lands and established multiple libraries and cities, but his title of the “great” came from everyone’s thoughts of him.
Overview:
How old was Alexander when he launched his invasion of the Persian Empire?
Alexander was about 20 years old.
Why was the death of Darius important to Alexander’s conquest of Persia?
The death of Darius was important to Alexander’s conquest because Darius was the leader of Persia, so in his death, Persia was unstable and easy to take.
After eight years on the march, what caused Alexander to turn back?
After eights years of marching and conquering land Alexander turned back because of his soldiers, and he was tired and there was no need anymore.
What is the problem of a king not leaving an heir?
The problem of a king not leaving an heir is that then people will fight for who should be king and a monarchy system would be overthrown by a different government, perhaps a democracy.
Why, 300 years after Alexander’s death, was Julius Caesar in tears?
Julius Caesar cried 300 years after Alexander’s death because he considered Alexander as an icon and wanted to do the same things that Alexander did at the same young age.
Doc A:
Where does Alexandria appear on the map? (Hint: Look carefully for this one.) What conclusions can you draw from this city’s location?
Alexandria is in Egypt, right next to the sea. It looks like it was an easy sail to get from Macedonia to Alexandria by going through the Mediterranean Sea.
Using this document, argue that Alexander was “great”.
Alexander was “great” because he easily conquered a lot of lands and established prominent societies, like Alexandria.
Using this document, argue that Alexander was not “great”.
Alexander wasn’t “great” because he was egotistical in naming a city after him and conquering land just for greed.
Doc B:
Describe the location of the Hydaspes River?
The Hydaspes River was located in India
Describe how Alexander’s army was able to cross the Hydaspes River before Porus was able to react?
Alexander had his troops move in different directions of the river and then he would have one troop make a lot of noise so that Porus would move his troops directly across from Alexander’s troops. Then the rest of the troops were able to move across the river where Porus’ troops weren’t there.
How was Alexander able to turn Porus’s elephants into a kind of war weapon?
During the battle, the elephants became boxed in and any damage that was inflicted on the elephants would make them turn and write around which in turn trampled a lot of Porus’ men.
Using this document, argue that Alexander was “great”.
Alexander was “great” because he was smart enough to cross the river and use Porus’ own elephants against him. Alexander also was noble because he was so impressed by Porus’ bravery that he let him continue ruling after his defeat.
Using this document, argue that Alexander was not “great”.
Alexander was not “great” because he tricked a ruler and killed many men in war only because he was greedy and wanted more land.
Doc C:
Explain Alexander’s feelings about Tyre’s ability to hold him off for several months. How do you know?
Alexander’s feelings of Tyre’s ability to hold him off were that of anger and frustration. I can safely assume this because of Alexander’s actions, which were not pleasant or merciful.
Explain Alexander’s decision not to kill anyone who took sanctuary in the temple.
Alexander was most likely very religious, and it seems that in Ancient Greek anyone seeking refuge in a temple should be shown mercy. Also, if Alexander had killed everyone in the city then there would have been no point in conquering the city except for land.
What can you infer about Alexander from his decision to crucify 2,000 men?
I think that Alexander was very prideful, rash, and wanted to maintain his reputation. These traits are shown through his actions of