CRAIG JOSEPH

AC1900736

World Civilizations 1 HS150

ASSIGNMENT #4

DATE; September 29, 2021

Alexander the Great

In October of 336, King Phillip of Macedon was stabbed in theatre at Aegae, the ancient

city, whilst attending the wedding of Cleopatra of Macedon. The crime was committed

by Pausanias of Orestis, one of his seven bodyguards. This event led to the succussion

and claim to the throne by a 20-year-old, energetic, virile, young man, Alexander.

Alexander the Great as he would be known later, was tutored by Aristotle and from very

early on already displayed skill in military and political areas. the epithet “the Great” was

earned by his unprecedented success as a commander as he never lost a battle, despite the

odds. The loyalty of his armies also ensured instructions were executed completely. His

other traits were a violent temper and impulsive nature but he was perceptive, logical and

had a great desire for knowledge and an avid reader.

His first great feat was conquering the city of Thebes, which garnered the respect and

recognition of the Greeks, as he was then awarded generalship. He also eliminated some

other figures who he deemed were threats to his rule, such as his cousin Amyntas the

fourth and two princes.

The now upcoming fierce warrior king was now gaining popularity and was eager to

spread the kingdom, as Persia was now in his sights. This was a project which was
initially kicked off by his father, who favored diplomacy over fighting. Alexander was

able to orate and inspire with his charisma, which drew men to his fighting cause. He

boldly stated that Asia is a gift from the gods and placed his spear into the soil in as a

sign of receivership. Triumphs in Persia include the Battle of Granicus and a large-scale

siege which resulted in Memnon of Rhodes and Orontobates, who was a satrap, to leave

the battle by sea. Alexander implemented democracy along the Ionian coast. His exploits

also include control of most coastal cities, and as a result, this stifled Persian efforts by

sea. In an unorthodox method, he undid the Gordian Knot, by cutting it with a sword,

which according to legend would be undone by the Asia’s true king.

Spring 333 BC, saw Alexander arrive at Cilicia, he took a long pause because of illness

before going to Syria. There, at Issus he defeated Darius. Darius fled from combat, and

without rule his army collapsed. In this cowardly act, he left behind his family.

Due to a show sheer of power by destroying the city of Tyre, most of the towns on the

way to Egypt surrendered. The only difference was at Gaza, where resistance was met in

a stronghold, which was advantageously set on a hill. After a few attempts, it was

conquered at the cost of a serious shoulder wound. As the great liberator moved through

Egypt, he continued to liberate and influence. He made changes to the tax system

modeled similar to the one in Greece. The military of that region also saw reform under

his rule, as well as new monuments were dedicated to the gods and building restored to

their former glory. In the temple of Ptah at Memphis, Alexander was crowned, and later

was pronounced as the son of a god named Amun. The prosperous bustling city of

Alexandria was established during his time in Egypt. The Bride of the Mediterranean as it

is still know today, is a great city to this date.