Alexander the Great: Empire Building - Interpretations

History
Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads

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This worksheet explores different historical interpretations of Alexander the Great's empire-building, encouraging students to compare viewpoints and evaluate their validity.

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Alexander the Great: Empire Building - Interpretations

Subject: HistoryGrade: Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
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Grade Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
A

Historical Interpretations of Alexander the Great's Empire Building

Historian A: Arrian – Political and Military Strategy "Arrian emphasizes Alexander's exceptional military genius and strategic mastery. He portrays Alexander as a visionary leader who skillfully expanded his empire through tactical brilliance, disciplined armies, and effective diplomacy. Arrian highlights how Alexander's ability to adapt to different cultures and his vision of uniting diverse peoples under a single empire were central to his success. This interpretation views Alexander primarily as a military innovator and political strategist whose empire was built on his leadership qualities and tactical prowess."

Historian B: Plutarch – Cultural and Social Impact "Plutarch focuses on the cultural and social dimensions of Alexander's conquests. He suggests that Alexander's empire was not just a military achievement but also a catalyst for cultural exchange, spreading Greek ideas, language, and customs across Asia. Plutarch argues that Alexander's policies fostered a blending of cultures, which had long-term social impacts. This perspective considers Alexander as a figure who initiated a cultural empire, emphasizing the significance of his influence on societies and traditions, rather than solely on military conquest.**

1.
Summarize each historian's view on Alexander the Great's empire-building. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Explain why these two historians have different views about Alexander's empire-building. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
3.
Which interpretation do you find more convincing and why? Support your answer with reasons. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
4.
Outline the main differences between the two historians' views. (3 marks)
[3 marks]
5.
Compare the evidence used by both historians to support their views. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
6.
Assess which interpretation gives a more complete picture of Alexander's empire-building. Explain your reasoning. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
7.
Describe one key similarity between the two historians' views. (3 marks)
[3 marks]
8.
Explain how understanding different historical interpretations helps us learn more about Alexander the Great. (4 marks)
[4 marks]

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Details

Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet