· Conquered Greek city-states after Peloponnesian War
· Takes over Egypt Persia, Near East, and Helena
· Saw himself as the embodiment of the classical hero
· Armies get tired – but divides armies and makes them build 12 monuments to the Greek gods, even though he was not Greek
o Altar, fake camp that made it look like giants were living there
o Studied Aristotle
§ Emphasis on not only power, but learning
o Interested in Persia where gods are not really god-like
§ Says he is semi-divine; creates images of himself as Zeus (Greek) and the sun (Egyptian)
§ Not a Greek concept – influence from outside
o Sculptures of his head – looking sideways (towards gods? Intellect?)
o “Lion-like” - hair
§ Claimed Herakles to be his ancestor
§ Even has lion shaped gold helmet
o *Ginormous and gigantic concepts
·
Theater of the state – meant to affirm his reign
· Death à
Hellenistic Greece
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