Suma's Alexander Post

Evidence shows that Alexander the Great was indeed great. He used his versatility to create one of the best empires in the world. Alexander wanted to spread Greek culture and liberate all of the Greek cities under Persian rule. Alexander took over his father’s empire at the age of 20 and accomplished more than any other leader could do at that age. He conquered over thousands miles of land in almost 12 years, creating one of the largest empires of all time. Alexander influenced the beginning of the Hellenistic culture to the world, and also pushed other empires to do the same. He integrated three cultures together to provide a universal language for people to use. Alexander had a great ability to use his youth, intellect, and vision while leading his empire. His clever mind was an integral part in the success of the army. Alexander’s military success, the upbringing of the Hellenistic culture, and determination were very big factors to why Alexander was great.

 
Alexander is one of the most well- known leaders of the world. He was worshipped for his military success by leading his undefeated army to conquer thousands of miles of land. King Philip II was assassinated at his daughter’s wedding and immediately, the empire of Macedonia went under the control of Alexander, his son. Alexander had three goals while he was king. They were to go

through with his father’s plans, spread Greek culture, and unify the world and brotherhood. King Philip II wanted to invade Persia and free all the Greek cities in their control, but he passed away before being able to execute that plan. Invading Persia was one of Alexander’s first tasks before beginning his conquest. Alexander began his expedition with an army that consists of both Macedonian and Greek soldiers. As shown in the picture to the right, Macedonia was a fairly small city, compared to what Alexander accomplished throughout his career. Alexander conquered almost 3,000 miles of land in approximately 12 years, with the army was brought together by Philip II.  The victory in Persia showed the troops the dedication that Alexander had to Macedonia. Before taking off for his expedition, he confirmed that all the soldiers approved with his journey and let go of any objections. "I will go further than the mere satisfaction of our ambitions: the utmost hopes of riches or power which each one of you cherishes will be far surpassed, and whoever wishes to return home will be allowed to go, either with me or without me. I will make those who stay the envy of those who return." ("Arrian: Speech of Alexander the Great, from The Campaigns of Alexander") Alexander wanted each and every soldier to start of with a good, fresh start, before leaving for their expedition. "I observe, gentlemen, that when I would lead you on a new venture you no longer follow me with your old spirit. I have asked you to meet me that we may come to a decision together: are we, upon my advice, to go forward, or, upon yours, to turn back?" ("Arrian: Speech of Alexander the Great, from The Campaigns of Alexander") Alexander valued the soldiers opinions and ideas that they had, for the better of Macedonia. "[1.4.9.3] And so Alexander, not disregarding his advisers, but rather accepting their opinion, did what was consistent with, not contrary to, their advice; for he had regard to the real intent of those who gave him counsel."(Eratosthenes on Alexander) Alexander took notice of anything his soldiers suggested, he wanted to improve. Any significant leader should value anything that their people have to say, their voice matters also. Alexander is great because of what he brought for his country and people, he fought alongside his soldiers in almost every battle. Alexander took huge risks like that, something many former leaders have not done. Alexander was not only known for his military accomplishments, but also his promise to spread Greek culture and unify the Greek world.

While spreading Greek culture to the cities that Alexander conquered, he did not know that he would create a whole culture by bringing different cultures together. Even though Hellenistic culture really started after Alexander’s death, he laid the foundation for the upbringing of the culture. Alexander wanted to integrate Greek, Persian, Egyptian and Indian cultures together and create a common language between all people. Alexander himself married a Persian women, and encouraged the other soldiers to follow, to begin the mixture of both cultures. Hellenistic art was a major part of this culture. “He brought civilization to Asia.” (Plutarch). He not only brought a civilization, but he also brought a new perspective of the empire, by valuing each culture. He brought many components of their virtues to pursue his goal of uniting the world together. The influence of art spread to many other cities and countries. Eventually the art traveled all the way to Rome, and it is now the center of all Hellenistic art. The beginning of this culture was the start of the people representing their gods. As seen in the picture of Zeus to the right, this was just an example of one of the ways that people started to create various representations. The Hellenistic art was very diverse and stylish. Hellenistic ruling was the most dominant form of government for the following three centuries after Alexander’s death. Even after the defined end of the Hellenistic age, the culture remained steady during the time after it. Many artists continued to produce artwork that was influenced by this time period. Without Alexander’s urge to spreading culture and integrating the cultures together, art would not be the same as it is today. The generals that took over the empire after Alexander’s death developed the ideas of uniting the cultures together. Those generals helped Alexander accomplish two of goals, to spread Greek culture to the countries around and also uniting the world and brotherhood.

Although many people thought that Alexander the Great was, in fact, great, many people disagreed about the idea. There are many people who believe that Alexander the Great was not great, and that he was not one of the best leaders of the world. Alexander did have many flaws such as being an alcoholic and not developing any of the land he conquered. Yes, these may be downsides to Alexander, but he would not get his title as "Alexander the Great" if he was not actually great. Although Alexander seemed to have used alcohol as his support system, that was not what he spent most of his remaining life on.“To the use of wine also he was less addicted than was generally believed.” (Plutarch). Plutarch mentioned that Alexander used alcohol less than people actually say he is. It is true that Alexander did not develop any of the land that he conquered, and he made plans to return back to the land after he returned back to Macedonia, but he passed away from unknown causes before being able to execute that plan. Every leader has their own weaknesses and imperfections, and Alexander should not be defined any differently.

Alexander left a huge impact on the world that convinced many people that he is great. Evidence shows that Alexander was great because of his many accomplishments. He successfully created one of the greatest empires of all time, in just 12 years. Alexander did not just go on the empire to create one of the best empires of all time, but to spread the value of Greek culture around him. The affect of Hellenistic culture changed the future of many European countries. Alexander was able to achieve his goals as king. He took many risks a leader that pushed many leaders to do the same. He left an impact on many people around the world. Alexander’s title as “the Great” would not just be given to any king. “The rewards are for us all.” (“Arrian: Speech of Alexander the Great, from The Campaigns of Alexander”) Everything that Alexander achieved during his time as the king, it was not only for him, but also the people. Alexander’s title as the “the Great” is truly deserving. Nobody knows the real Alexander, most of everything the researchers know is secondary information, so what is Alexander even really like?

Gadde 1

Works Cited

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Marble Head of Zeus Ammon. The Met, www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/2012.22/.