Reflecting on the Images of the Macedon Kings Philip and Alexander in Current History Textbooks

This research is based on images of famous figures of the antiquity era—the King of Macedonia, Philip II, and his son Alexander—and their reflections in the pages of fifth-grade textbooks on world history. Particular attention is paid to the correspondence of the information in school textbooks to historical sources and materials of historical research on these rulers. The completeness of the reflection of the images of the two most famous Macedonian kings is analyzed, as well as a system of tasks and questions that deepen knowledge directly about outstanding historical figures and the turning point of ancient history as a whole. The authors conclude that Philip's personality and activity are almost completely eclipsed by the vivid image of Alexander, which corresponds to general historiographical trends. Philip's era and transformations, which changed the course of Greek and world history, are briefly and casually discussed, or only one of the sides of his military reform is considered. This does not allow us to fully assess the significance of this figure in ancient history and analyze his contribution to the transformation of the Greek world. At the same time, Alexander is presented in textbooks not just as a talented commander but, in fact, as the greatest hero of antiquity. His personality's negative aspects have been smoothed out and are practically not mentioned. In the end, all that remains is a brilliant commander and a talented ruler. It seems that this can lead not only to a distorted perception of specific historical figures' activities but also to the formation of an inherently vicious belief that timely reforms and transformations are of incomparably less value than military campaigns and conquests.

ancient history, Philip II of Macedon, Alexander the Great, reception of antiquity, textbooks, history in school, education, History of Ancient Greece, Macedonia, History