Introduction
Alexander the Great is one of the most iconic and recognizable personalities in world history, and he has earned fame for his heroic actions and generosity skills. This conqueror expanded the known modernity of the world, making his conquests during military campaigns, to which territories can be included from Greece to India. One of the most striking events, which was a testament to the heroism of Alexander the Great, was the conquest of the Persian Empire, which in that era possessed enormous power. Alexander the Great created the authority of the Macedonian army, and his outstanding achievements exemplify one man’s influence over history.
The Conquests of Alexander the Great
Alexander had exceptional military skills, which became crucial to his ability to fight for vast territories against mighty armies. The commander deeply understood the conduct of the war and the features of using military tactics, which he acquired under the leadership of Aristotle (Thiessen 3). This philosopher brought the future commander a lot of knowledge and was able to change his thinking. These changes allowed Alexander to outmaneuver opponents on the battlefield and achieve his goals, passing through difficulties.
One of the strategic skills of Alexander the Great was the discipline of the Macedonian army. The men who were part of it were well disciplined and somewhat experienced in the conduct of the battle, as they were predominantly elite infantry (Thiessen 37). The army was trained at the highest level, becoming a formidable force for the opponents, who could defeat even the strongest army. A distinctive feature of the Macedonian army was the ability of soldiers to adapt to any conditions and adjust their further actions to combat scenarios, even if the battle proceeded not according to plan.
Aside from being well-trained physically, militarily, and intellectually, Alexander, with his helpful knowledge of battle tactics, could motivate his troops to succeed. Alexander the Great could command his forces and give them his own example, risking his life in battle. The commander could also provide timely psychological support to each soldier, sharing the hardships of each soldier (Thessen39). A distinctive feature of Alexander the Great was his empathy and devotion to people he could trust (Coffin 127). This relationship within the army encouraged the fighters to continue fighting and to follow their leader in all situations, even if they might seem incredibly difficult.
An essential aspect of Alexander the Great’s battle conduct was his mastery of siege warfare. This tactic allowed the Macedonian army to conquer all the cities that stood in the way, even if they were well fortified. Alexander’s tactics and special siege machines allowed breaking even the most reliable city walls (Coffin122). Thus, the Macedonian army occupied strategically essential areas and could control them without much difficulty or pressure from opponents.
Aside from the virtuosic conduct of the battles, Alexander the Great paid great attention to diplomacy, as he understood that one cannot rely only on military force in combat. For example, the warlord often saved conquered cities from destruction as he sought to gain subordination from strategically important regions and cities through diplomatic negotiations (Thiessen 7). In all his possessions, Alexander tried to establish a stable life and promote the integration of local residents into his empire’s customs. Thus, the commander’s humanity became another characteristic that enabled him to succeed on the battlefield.
Consequences of the Death of Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great died at the age of 32, and at that moment, all his marvelous conquests, which entered into history, ceased. The leader’s death was a surprise, as the empire was left without an heir. This fact was why Macedonia began an internal struggle for power among the generals in Alexander’s army (Thiessen 9). The empire was going through a period of internal division, which led to the emergence of several successor states, each of which had a separate general who wanted power.
The division of Alexander the Great’s empire can be characterized as periods filled with internal wars and conflicts. This process was far from peaceful and was accompanied by constant territorial disputes among the warlords claiming power. Some prominent successor states were the Seleucid Empire and the Kingdom of Antigonids. Due to the division of the empire, the state underwent a large-scale territorial reorganization, during which the borders were constantly changed. The new States have continuously sought to expand their possessions at the expense of existing ones, which has contributed to even more conflicts within the former powerful empire. Thus, the period after the death of Alexander the Great can be called difficult in the history of the Empire, and this event meant the end of the existence of the once invincible state.
The Origin of the Hellenistic Age
The death of Alexander the Great, with the subsequent division of the Empire and a power struggle, was the beginning of the Hellenistic era. This epoch can be described as a time of transformation in 30 B.C., lasting until the Romans conquered Egypt (Thiessen 26). This period is characterized by critical changes in the field of culture, scientific and cultural achievements, and politics.
First, the fusion of the then-existing cultures was clearly expressed in the Hellenistic era. Greek culture has become the basis. They were mixed with other cultures prevailing in conquered regions of the empire. In this context, a rich cultural landscape has been created in which different cultures could coexist and influence each other. The Hellenistic epoch was also a time of urbanization of cities throughout the former Empire of Alexander the Great. Many of the cities of the empire served as centers of culture and learning; for example, Alexandria in Egypt became virtually a metropolis by the standards of that era. She was characterized as a prosperous center of cultural and intellectual activity.
The Hellenistic era also witnessed many scientific advances in mathematics, science, and philosophy. For example, scientists such as Archimedes and Epicurus lived and worked in this period and contributed to mathematics and philosophy. Speaking of art, the Hellenistic era is characterized by a particular style that can be described as the aesthetics of Greece and the influence of individual territorial cultures. Sculptures made in this period are characterized by an extensive range of emotions transmitted in the work and a high degree of realism.
In the Hellenistic era, trade networks were extensive, and cultural and trade exchanges between regions were frequent (Thiessen 42). The Hellenistic world was connected to the East through the Silk Road, which enabled various technologies and goods to be moved. Speaking about the political component, it is impossible to say about the positive sides of the situation, as this epoch was characterized by instability and fragmentation within the former empire of Alexander the Great. Successor States have often fought for power, and new Powers have come and gone.
The Hellenistic era left an excellent legacy for humanity, which extended far beyond the historical boundaries of the former Empire of Alexander the Great. Later civilizations grew under the influence of this fusion of cultures that originated in that era, and Greek ideas and discoveries spread worldwide. Hellenistic influence was noticeable in the future in the existence of other empires, including the Roman and Byzantine empires, and this factor played a key role in the formation of modern Western culture in the general sense.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the figure of Alexander the Great can indeed be called one of the greatest and recognizable in history. The ruler’s conquests were large-scale and secured by Alexander’s knowledge, military talent, and ability to manage his powerful Macedonian army. In addition to having excellent warfare skills, the commander was a man of understanding and loyalty who his soldiers were ready to follow.
The sudden death of the ruler was a shock to the people of the empire and marked the beginning of a period of fragmentation and constant struggle for power and division of territory. These divisions led to the empire’s collapse and the Hellenistic era’s emergence, which can be described as a period of massive cultural transformation in science, art, economics, and politics. The heritage of Hellenism is firmly established in the world, and the echoes of this epoch can be seen today. The achievements of Alexander the Great are hard to overestimate, but his history proves that only one person can dramatically change the course of history forever.
Work Cited
Coffin, Judith. Western Civilizations: Brief v. 1. WW Norton, 2005.
Thessen, Katie. Alexander the Great and Achilles: The Origin of the Connection between the Homeric Hero and the King of Macedon. University of Northern Iowa, 2022.