Alexander the Great
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ALEXANDER THE ÐGREAT?
Was Alexander the Great so great after all? Its a question brought to the forefront in recent years of historical study. Historians are beginning to take a more in depth look at the life and accomplishments of Alexander, once considered one of the greatest leaders of all time. There are equally convincing opposing views to consider before you formulate your own opinion.
The debate begins with Alexanders father, Phillip II, King of Macedon. Phillip had a very strong influence on Alexanders life and beliefs. Much of Alexanders political background finds its roots in his father. Phillip was a very talented politician, and was known to play one faction off against another. Phillip was also talented militarily. Unlike most empires of the time, whose armies only served in wartime, Macedonias army was enlisted year round. When not at war, they were going through intense training and exercises. This gave Macedonias army a huge advantage.
In his youth, Alexander was tutored by the renowned Aristotle. Phillip had recruited Aristotle to train Alexander in Greek history and culture, and to enlighten Alexanders intellectual mind. Before Aristotle, Alexanders tutor had been Leonidas, an old disciplinarian who placed great emphasis on feats of physical endurance and strength. Once when Alexander was offering sacrifice, he took two handfuls of incense to cast into the altar fire. Leonidas struck him on the forehead, stating “When you conquer the spice-bearing regions, then you can throw away all the incense you like, until then, dont waste it.”
When Phillip died, he left to his son a wealth of gold that had just been discovered under Mt. Pangaeus. He also left all of Greece and an amazingly skillful and effective army. The tactful army was the most valuable asset that Alexander obtained. He would use it to conquer most of the known world and in essence give him his title, Alexander the Great.
Alexander proceeded to exceed everyones expectations and conquer all civilizations surrounding him. He defeated King Darius and the Persian army at the battle of Issus. Alexander was greatly outnumbered. 100,000 to 30,000, but he still managed to defeat the enormous Persian army. Darius panicked and fled the battle, causing the Persian army to collapse and admit defeat. This triumph marked the beginning of the end of Persian power in the Mediterranean.1 Alexander was conquering the world.
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