Ancient Greek civilisation: why is Alexander called 'The Great'?

Subject: history

Key stage: ks2

Year: year-4

Description: In this unit, pupils learn about the historical conflict between the Greek city-states and Persia. They then broaden their knowledge of this rivalry by learning about Alexander the Great's life. They end the unit by considering the reasons why Alexander has been called 'The Great'.

Why this, why now: This unit uses and builds on pupils' knowledge of ancient Greece that they developed in the previous two units. It deepens and enriches pupils' understanding of ancient Greek culture and society, and extends this with the introduction of the parallel civilisation of Persia. This unit prepares pupils for units on Islamic civilisation in year 5, especially with reference to the knowledge collected in the Library of Alexandria. It also prepares pupils for their study of how Islam spread into the fragmenting Persian world in the seventh century.

Prior knowledge requirements: Pupils should be familiar with the city-states of Ancient Greece. Pupils should be familiar with the geographical regions of Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean. Pupils should be familiar with Ancient Greek culture and society.

National curriculum content: Develop a chronologically secure knowledge and understanding of British, local and world history, establishing clear narratives within and across the periods they study Note connections, contrasts and trends over time and develop the appropriate use of historical terms Regularly address and sometimes devise historically valid questions about change, cause, similarity and difference, and significance Construct informed responses that involve thoughtful selection and organisation of relevant historical information Ancient Greece – a study of Greek life and achievements and their influence on the western world

Unit lessons: