Jack's Post

Alexander the Great

           Alexander deserves the name “great” because he was a tactical mastermind, and Alexander created a new culture which has influenced the course of history. Alexander was a pioneer, who, at a young age shook the ancient world to its very foundations. Over the course of history, the public opinion has labeled Alexander as the torchbearer of leadership, due to the fact that he revolutionized the ancient world.

In the short span of Alexander’s life he created an empire that was unparalleled in size, which was only possible through his ingenious battle tactics: “But let me remind you: through your courage and endurance you have gained possession of Ionia, the Hellespont, both Phrygias, Cappadocia, Paphlagonia, Lydia, Caria, Lycia, Pamphylia, Phoenicia, and Egypt. - Alexander” (To This Empire There Will Be No Boundaries). Alexander’s battle strategy was to “push forward” at all times, petal to the metal. As a diversion, Alexander used a phalanx, with long spears in the front with light archers behind him for support. While the opposing army was preoccupied with these men, the cavalry would attack the flanks and, or the rear. If this tactic didn’t work Alexander’s contingency plan was to have the infantry and cavalry maneuver to create a gap between both armies. When this gap occurred, the other army would create a flank. This backup maneuver also helped Alexander gain the high ground. With this tactic he defeated many armies. Despite all of Alexander’s accomplishes while he was alive, one of his greatest achievements was initiating a new culture, which has influenced the course of history. 

Hipparchus studying the stars.

The new culture Alexander created is known as the Hellenistic culture. The Hellenistic culture was a mix of Persian, Egyptian, Greek, and Indian culture. Many scientific, medical, and mathematical advances occurred in this time period. For example Aristarchus of Samos proposed the heliocentric theory; this theory is the Earth revolves around sun. Unfortunately the heliocentric theory was not accepted by his peers. Hipparchus of Bithynia proposed a different theory; the geocentric theory. This theory states the sun revolves around the Earth. His idea was accepted. This theory was accepted and unfortunately set humanity back by about 2,500 years, until the scientific revolution of the sixteenth century. Hipparchus also suggested that objects looked faster if they were closer, and slower if they were farther away. His most important work was determining when equinoxes where. He used the Babylon records, and was very close to what astronomers calculate today. Eratosthenes of Cyrene calculated circumference of earth, he was also fairly close to what astronomers calculate today. He also developed prime numbers and geometry, however he was never considered and expert in any field, he was good in many. “There is no royal road through Geometry” (Euclid). Euclid is considered the most prominent mathematician of his time, and he is also considered the father of geometry. He published a book called The Elements, this book covered plane geometry, number theory, and solid geometry. Euclid has continued to influence math since his death. During the Hellenistic age the library of Alexandria was created which helped many advancements in medical science. Erasistratus of Ceos and Herophilus were the two most well known medical scientists of the Hellenistic era. They learned more about human anatomy, discovered the difference between motor and sensor verbs, healthy and diseased organs, the digestive tract, circulatory system, growth, brain, liver, and eyes. They also developed the humor theory; this theory proposed that moods are triggered by a lack of one or more of these four substances: phlegm, blood, black bile, and yellow bile. These advancements in math, medicine, and science were all initiated by Alexander.

After Alexander died his accomplishments were taken into perspective. Many people, such as Plutarch recognized this: “For it is not Histories that I am writing, but Lives; and in the most illustrious deeds- Plutarch” (The Life of Alexander). Plutarch, a famous Greek writer wrote about Alexander over 400 years after his death. Plutarch didn’t just write about common men he wrote about the greatest men of their time. Alexander was recognized as “great” by Plutarch, and he was recognized as “great” by the rest of the world.

Math, medicine, and science advancements, as well as one of the most famous empires were created by one man, Alexander the Great. He deserves this great name for all the amazing accomplishments he had during and after his life. He has earned this great name for being one of the most influential people of all time, for being the frontrunner of revolution, for shaping the course of history. The world has and always will know him as, Alexander the Great.

Works Cited

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