Alexander the Great's army crossed the Hellespont in 334 BC with approximately 48,100 soldiers, from Macedon and various Greek city-states, mercenaries, and feudally raised soldiers. He showed his intent to conquer the entirety of the Persian Empire by throwing a spear into Asian soil and saying he accepted Asia as a gift from the gods. This also showed Alexander's eagerness to fight opposite to his father's preference for diplomacy.
The Battle of Granicus was one of the first battles he fought on his conquest to rule Asia. His naivety could be seen through his actions as he was ‘closest to failure and death’ in this battle. It was here that he was learning how to implement the strategies Aristotle had taught him during childhood. Alexander was a wise leader who could see the flaws in military strategy better than even his own military generals, ‘Alexander…rejected Parmenion’s advice… to capitalize on the Persians’ error in tactical deployment’. Alexander the Great demonstrated confidence in this battle, though he was not experienced. Due to his royal nature, others believed he was superior to others.
After an initial victory against Persian forces at the Battle of the Granicus, Alexander accepted the surrender of the Persian provincial capital and treasury of Sardis and proceeded along the Ionian coast. Though Alexander believed in his divine power to fight with the lives of men he did experience sorry as those who died were rewarded generously. ‘To the relatives of his fallen, Alexander granted immunity from taxation and public service’. Whether it was his own warriors of the Persian forces opposing him, Alexander chose to respect those who died. He even went so far to set up statues to honor and respect these people. Though this did not directly influence the culture of the Persians they did not feel the need to begin a rebellion as their men and rulers were treated with proper respect.
At the ancient Phrygian capital of Gordium, Alexander "undid" the hitherto unsolvable Gordian Knot, a feat said to await the future "king of Asia". According to the story, Alexander proclaimed that it did not matter how the knot was undone and hacked it apart with his sword.
I believe that the most suitable word for Alexander is : genius. Only a genius could manage to do what Alexander did. His achievements were considered unreachable during this time. No one else couldn't conquer the places that Alexander conquered because none could have the courage to face so many difficulties on his way. Moreover, he was the only one who left culture behind him and not disaster.
ReplyDeleteI also think that the world genius justifies his strange, dark (how else can I say it?) side of character. He had passions (explosions of anger etc)like every genius has or had in the past. He was thinking with another way than the other people. This video was just another conformation of Alexander's Intelligence and ability to conquer.
It's interesting that Alexander is always considered "Greek" when he is technically Macedonian. The Greeks regarded the Macedonians as barbaric due to their monarchical form of government. He was taught Greek values and was a cavalry commander at 16, raised to be a warrior. Alexander liked to fight instead of diplomacy and was able to unite Greece under the Macedonian flag and became one of the most successful conquerors in history
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