The History Of Ancient Greece

Unlike other nations that are unified under one ruler Ancient Greece was separated into a variety of governments that made it function poorly. In 900 B.C.E the Greeks ‘civilization began to emerge. The little towns slowly became cities, and the city prospered. Especially in 800 B.C.E when the Greeks created the Greek alphabet (O’Connell 20-21). Ancient Greece has multiple cities that each have its own government system. These cities are known as city-states or polis’ and each city-state acted as its own country. Ancient Greece had city-states due to people disagreeing on many issues. Some people wanted a democracy, but others wanted a monarchy, or aristocracy (Mavommatis). The city-states were at odds with each other because they would abuse
With the city-states quarreling among each other it made it easier for Philip the second, king of Macedonia, to take over the northern Greek territory and expand (Guisepi). The battle of Chaeronea, in 338 B.C.E, was the battle that much of brought Ancient Greece under Macedonian rule. The battle of Chaeronea is also where Alexander, son of Philip the second, led a cavalry attack and showed himself to be a strong, adept leader in the military. Philip the second had decided to attack the Persian Empire, but before he could advance further in his plan Philip the second was assassinated in a theatre at Aegaea (McGill). Before Alexander seized the throne, he had to deal with a competitor, who had made an accusation about him murdering his father and to establish a relationship with the people (Randall 24-26). An author named Bernard Randall wrote that “having come to the throne, Alexander had to secure his own position first” (Randall 29). Indicating that Alexander would not be able to rule over his kingdom until he settled all of the rebellions. To establish his rule and dominance over the people Alexander went out to the rebels, like Thebes, and destroyed the city. Once the rebels were dealt with Alexander was able to take control of the army, he began his plans of conquering more lands to expand his empire. In an article written by Sarah Ann McGill, she notes that “Alexander the Great amassed an impressive empire that stretched from Greece to the Indus Valley” (McGill). Greece fought for Alexander to seek revenge against the Persians. “The Macedonian army as well as a number of Greek mercenaries were eager to fight the Persians (McGill). Alexander gave the Greeks the opportunity of revenge against their enemy, the Persians (Guisepi). Every time Alexander conquered a land he would