Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great ruled over the Greek province of Macedonia from 356 to 323 BC. King Philip II and Queen Olympia conceived him at Pella, the former capital of Macedonia.
Alexander is regarded as one of history’s greatest military leaders, and thanks to his conquests, the Macedonian Empire reached as far as India. One of the finest thinkers of ancient Greece, Aristotle, educated Alexander about philosophy, ethics, politics, and science.
At age 20, Alexander took over as king when his father was slain in 336 BC, and he quickly started to expand the Macedonian Empire.
Thebes, a city that had revolted against Macedon, was the target of his first expedition, which he used to destroy completely.
He then focused on the Persian Empire, which was the area’s major force at that time. He led an army of 35,000 warriors over the Hellespont (modern-day Dardanelles) in 334 BC in order to defeat the Persian army in the Battle of Granicus.
Alexander moved eastward during the next ten years, capturing areas of India, Egypt, and Persia. He established many towns, notably Alexandria in Egypt, which flourished as a significant hub of scholarship and culture in antiquity. The areas he conquered, which came to be known as the Hellenistic world, also acquired Greek culture and language.
Alexander passed away in Babylon in 323 BC at the age of 32, and the reason for his death is unknown. Although some historians believe that he was poisoned, others argue that he passed either naturally or from a disease.
His generals battled among themselves for control of the various parts of his dominion, his empire. Alexander’s victories and legacy continue to inspire people all across the globe, even if his reign did not endure very long.
Alexander the Great Father King Philip II
Alexander the Great’s father, King Philip II of Macedon (382–336 BC), was a formidable ruler in his own right.
In 359 BC, he succeeded his older brother Perdiccas III as king of Macedon. Throughout the first years of his rule, he focused on strengthening his position and expanding the Macedonian realm.
As a result of Philip’s transformation of Macedon into a potent military force, Alexander’s subsequent conquests were made possible.
In addition to the Companion Cavalry, an elite cavalry regiment that fought alongside the phalanx, he also instituted significant military changes, like the employment of the phalanx, a formation of troops equipped with long spears.
With his military advancements, Philip took control of most of Greece, including the significant city-state of Athens.
Moreover, Alexander founded the League of Corinth, a union of Greek city-states that aided in the unification of Greece under Macedonian control.
Philip was renowned not just for his military strength but also for his charm and diplomatic abilities. He was a skilled speaker and negotiator who often utilized diplomacy to avert pointless battles.
During his daughter Cleopatra’s wedding in 336 BC, Philip was killed. While the assassin’s identity is unclear, some historians suggest that it may have been a member of his court who was dissatisfied with his rising prominence.
Despite his premature death, Philip left behind a lasting legacy as a brilliant military commander and political sage, and his martial and diplomatic innovations had a considerable influence on his son Alexander’s subsequent victories.
The Macedonian Empire's growth.
Alexander the Great led several military wars in Asia and Africa to increase the size of the Macedonian Empire. His conquests are often called the (from 323 to 31 BC) Hellenistic phase of the Macedonian Empire.
Beginning with the Battle of Granicus in 334 BC, Alexander’s military adventures were launched when he crossed the Hellespont (today’s Dardanelles) with a force of 35,000. After that, he carried on eastward, capturing the Persian Empire and other surrounding nations.
Among Alexander's most notable conquests are:
- The Persian King Darius III was defeated by Alexander in the Battle of Issus (333 BC), and his mother, wife, and children were also taken prisoner.
- Tyre’s Siege (332 BC): Tyre, an island city, was under siege for seven months by Alexander until it was eventually taken by him, giving him control of the eastern Mediterranean coast.
- The Gaugamela Battle (331 BC): Alexander’s second victory against Darius III ended Persian opposition to his conquests.
- Egypt’s conquest (332–331 BC): The Egyptians hailed Alexander as a liberator and crowned him pharaoh. He laid the foundation for Alexandria, which grew to be a significant hub of scholarship and culture.
- India’s Conquest (327–325 BC): After crossing the Hindu Kush mountains and entering India, Alexander’s army routed various Indian armies.
Alexander was forced to turn around and go toward the west when his soldiers refused to continue the campaign.
His victories greatly impacted the areas Alexander conquered. He made Greek language and culture widely available across the areas which later came to be known as the Hellenistic world.
Alexandria, one of the towns he created, became a significant hub for study, commerce, and culture. His conquests also resulted in considerable cultural conflicts and changes, which had a long-lasting effect on the area.
India during the rule of Alexander the Great
India was conquered by Alexander the Great between 327 and 325 BC. Alexander shifted his attention to India, renowned for its richness and resources, after taking control of Persia and extending his kingdom across Asia.
Alexander marched his army into the Indian subcontinent after crossing the Hindu Kush mountains, where he ran across numerous strong Indian kings who fought his approach.
During the Battle of Hydaspes in 326 BC, King Porus of the Paurava kingdom was the target of one of the most important wars. Alexander was outnumbered, yet he managed to overpower Porus and capture him.
Alexander kept moving eastward after the fight, but his men were more pessimistic and homesick.
They encountered a lot of opposition from Indian soldiers as well, who preferred to fight covertly instead of openly.
When Alexander’s soldiers finally arrived at the Beas River, they rebelled and halted their advance. Alexander had to give up his aspirations to take over the remainder of India and head back toward the west.
Alexander conquered India, and the result was felt for centuries. It resulted in the dissemination of Greek culture and ideas and the introduction of Greek philosophy, art, and architecture.
Ancient Indian places like the Gandhara area, famous for its Greco-Buddhist art, still display Greek influences in their architecture and art.
Alexander’s conquest, however, also brought about important cultural conflicts and alterations in the area, as well as more commerce and connection between India and the Mediterranean region.
Why Alexander the Great marched towards the Persian empire rather than into Europe is a crucial question.
For several reasons, Alexander the Great marched towards the Persian Empire rather than Europe.
- First, the Persian Empire was one of the most powerful and prosperous empires in the world during Alexander’s conquests. It ruled over a huge area encompassing portions of Central Asia, the Caucasus, modern-day Iran, and Iraq. The Macedonian monarchy, headed by Alexander’s father, King Philip II, and the Greek city-states were both in serious danger from the Persian Empire.
- Finally, also urged by Alexander to take Greek culture and ideals beyond the boundaries of the Greek city-states. Alexander thought he could establish a united Hellenistic world by capturing the Persian Empire and bringing the advantages of Greek civilization to the local populace.
- Second, Alexander’s quest for fame and personal ambition motivated him to conquer the Persian Empire. He was anxious to make a name for himself in history and considered himself the heir apparent to the famous heroes of Greek mythology.
- Lastly, practical considerations may have motivated Alexander’s choice to march eastward rather than westward.
Alexander may have found it challenging to bring the Greek city-states together for a common cause, given how often they were at odds with one another at the time. His new military tactics and plans, such as the deployment of the phalanx and Companion Cavalry, were better adapted to the terrain and topography of the areas he conquered in Asia.
According to renowned historian Peter Frankopan:
There was no doubt about where Alexander the Great would turn his attention to pursuing greatness once his father was assassinated. He never once turned his gaze towards Europe, which had little to offer regarding cities, culture, status, or rewards. For instance, like with the ancient Greeks, the east was the source of both possibilities and challenges as well as culture and ideas. It was not surprising that his attention was drawn to the most potent force of antiquity: Persia.
Who was Alexander the Great's sister Cleopatra?
The well-known Cleopatra (of ancient Egypt) was not Alexander, the Great’s sister. Alexander died many centuries before Cleopatra was born.
The Ptolemaic dynasty, which governed Egypt from 305 BC to 30 BC, included Cleopatra. She was a descendant of Ptolemy I Soter, one of Alexander, the Great’s generals who established the Ptolemaic dynasty following Alexander’s death and was born in Alexandria, Egypt, around 69 BC. Cleopatra was crowned queen of Egypt after her father’s demise, Ptolemy XII, in 51 BC.
She shared the kingdom with her younger brother, Ptolemy XIII, but their relationship was strained, and they fought for control of the government. Ultimately, Cleopatra prevailed, and as the last pharaoh of the Ptolemaic dynasty, she governed Egypt alone.
The connection between Cleopatra and the Roman commander Julius Caesar, with whom she had a son called Caesarion, is likely the reason for her greatest fame. Cleopatra sided with Roman commander Mark Antony after Caesar was killed, eventually becoming his lover.
The two battled against Octavian, Caesar’s successor, but lost in the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. Shortly after, Cleopatra committed herself, bringing an end to the Ptolemaic dynasty and ancient Egypt’s freedom.
Why King Darius III was assassinated by Alexander the Great
King Darius III was not physically murdered by Alexander the Great; instead, one of his commanders, Bessus, did it. Bessus then proclaimed himself the new king of Persia following Darius’s death.
The complicated series of events that led to Darius’s demise included a protracted conflict between Alexander’s army and the Persian Empire. With an army of around 40,000 soldiers, Alexander crossed the Hellespont in 334 BC to begin his war against Persia. The ruler of Persia at the time, Darius, organized his own army to protect his realm and fought multiple engagements with Alexander’s troops.
Alexander’s troops routed Darius in the Battle of Issus in 333 BC, forcing him to depart the scene of the conflict. After months of pursuit and retaliation, Alexander caught up with him, and the two forces clashed again at the Battle of Gaugamela in 331 BC.
Although Darius had a considerably bigger army under his command, Alexander routed him again, and his soldiers were dispersed. After the fight, Darius attempted to flee again, but one of his commanders, Bessus, turned on him, arrested him, and proclaimed himself the new king of Persia. Alexander eventually caught up to them, and Bessus escaped, leaving Darius behind. Bessus had thought he might use Darius as a negotiating chip.
According to ancient records, one of Bessus’s soldiers fatally stabbed Darius after leaving him unattended and alone in his tent. While the man’s motivation for killing Darius is unknown, some historians suggest that it may have been out of fear or a desire to win Bessus’ favor.
Alexander was shocked to learn of Darius’s death when he arrived at the site. He even went so far as to track down and punish those guilty for Darius’s death after ordering that he be given a dignified burial. Bessus was able to elude Alexander’s grip, nevertheless, and he could not conquer Persia.
Families of Alexander the Great's, his wives
During his life, Alexander the Great had many wives and mistresses.
- The most well-known of Alexander’s brides was Roxana, a princess of the Sogdian people from modern-day Uzbekistan. After conquering Roxana’s country, Alexander wed her in 327 BC.
- After Alexander the Great’s demise, they had a son called Alexander IV. Roxana was ultimately assassinated with her son after playing a significant part in the succession conflicts after Alexander’s death.
- Stateira, a Persian King Darius III descendant, was Alexander’s second known spouse. After defeating Darius in combat, Alexander wed her in 330 BC. Alexander’s troops seized Stateira and her sister, who he then married as a display of his political and military might.
But, one of Alexander’s generals murdered both ladies because he was envious of their power over the king.
Alexander had several mistresses besides his wives, one of which was Barsine (also known as Stateira II), a Persian nobleman’s daughter. In 324 BC, Alexander first encountered Barsine, who later became his mistress and gave birth to his son Heracles.
Thais, an Athens courtesan, was another famous mistress. Thais accompanied Alexander throughout his invasion of Persia and are credited with inspiring him to destroy Persepolis, the Persian capital.
It is important to note that Alexander’s connections with women were often loaded with military and political ramifications, and his marriages and affairs were frequently utilized as a method of forming alliances or establishing rule over conquests.
Relating to the ruler "Taxiles" of the Indus Valley during the invasion of India by Alexander the Great
Many kings and princes governed the area during Alexander the Great’s invasion of India, including a monarch named Taxiles or Ambhi, who reigned over the territory of Taxila in the northwest of the Indian subcontinent.
One of the few Indian monarchs, Taxiles, consented to back Alexander in his fight against the other Indian kings who resisted him. Arrian, an ancient Greek historian, claims that Taxiles presented Alexander with 500 horses as a welcome gift and then promised to provide him with troops, food, and other supplies for his expedition.
Alexander and Taxiles overcame several other Indian monarchs who stood in the way of Alexander’s march. Taxiles were critical in protecting Alexander’s supply routes and giving him the assistance he needed over the long winter.
There were disagreements between Alexander and Taxiles despite their cooperation. Alexander believed Taxiles was planning to harm him secretly and used force to scare him. Taxiles, though, continued to back Alexander’s campaign and to be loyal to him.
Ultimately, Taxiles played a significant role in Alexander’s war in India, and his backing was essential to the general’s victory there. Taxiles ruled the territory of Taxila after Alexander left and did so until his death.
What made King Porus such a significant figure in Indian history?
During Alexander the Great’s war in the area, King Porus, a powerful monarch in the Indian subcontinent, was in power. He ruled the Paurava kingdom, which was situated in the Punjab area of what is now Pakistan and India.
During the Battle of the Hydaspes River, Alexander came into contact with King Porus and his army in 326 BC. One of the hardest battles Alexander encountered throughout his war in India was against Porus, who fiercely resisted Alexander’s men despite being outnumbered.
Ancient Greek authors described Porus as an imposing presence who stood over six feet tall and had a reputation for courage and military skill. He engaged Alexander and his army in a violent duel while mounted on an elephant and armed with a sword and spear.
Despite his best efforts, Porus was ultimately overpowered by Alexander’s advanced strategy and equipment. Porus led his country as a subordinate of the Macedonian Empire, but his valor and fortitude moved Alexander. As a result, he spared his life.
During the conflict, Porus became a devoted ally of Alexander, and the two fought together in his next wars in the area. He ultimately lost Alexander’s favor, however, and another king who was more committed to serving Alexander’s interests took over as the head of his realm.
Despite his conflicting legacy, King Porus is still regarded as a significant character in Indian history and is honored for his valor and resistance to the armies of Alexander the Great.
In India, Alexander the Great's campaign
A substantial area of the Indian subcontinent was eventually conquered during Alexander the Great’s expedition in India, which was highlighted by numerous pivotal conflicts. His war in India, nevertheless, was also characterized by the mounting dissatisfaction of his men, who were worn out and impatient to go home.
Alexander also encountered fierce resistance from several Indian kingdoms and tribes, resulting in his army suffering terrible casualties. Alexander’s men suffered heavy losses in the deadly Battle of Hydaspes against King Porus.
Alexander was also beginning to lose health and was acutely aware of the constraints imposed by his army’s strained supply lines in a new country. All these elements played a role in Alexander’s choice to end his campaign in India and start his return trip.
Alexander placed several garrisons in the area, but they proved ineffective over time, and the Macedonian presence in India steadily dwindled.
Although Alexander’s campaign in India lasted just a short time, it had a tremendous influence on Indian history, especially in the fields of commerce, culture, and religion.
The path "route" used by Alexander the Great on his way back from India
There are several tales of Alexander’s travels, and certain facts still need clarification:
Therefore it needs to be clarified exactly which path he traveled on his return trip. However, the following course of action is largely accepted by historians:
Alexander made his way down the Indus River to the Indian Ocean, where he established Alexandria on the Indus (modern-day Pakistan) as a base for his navy. He traveled westward from there to the Euphrates River mouth, which is in present-day Iraq.
The Persian Empire, which Alexander had previously conquered in his battles, was traversed by his army as it advanced into its centre.
He invaded Syria after leaving Mesopotamia and the Tigris River. He established several new cities along the route, notably Alexandretta (modern-day Iskenderun, Turkey).
Alexander entered Egypt through Syria, where he was greeted as a liberator and established the city of Alexandria. After that, he went to Siwa Oasis, where he went to the oracle of the deity Ammon and was formally recognized as Zeus’ son.
Alexander left Egypt and proceeded through Libya and Phoenicia before returning to Mesopotamia. When he arrived at Babylon in 323 BC, he became unwell and died shortly.
Alexander created various towns along the road as he traveled back from India, passing through modern-day Pakistan, Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Egypt, and Libya.
Alexander the Great died at an early age; what caused it?
There are many ideas regarding what may have caused Alexander the Great to pass away so suddenly at the young age of 32, and the reason of his death is still up for dispute among historians.
One idea holds that Alexander passed away naturally, maybe due to many things, including long-term sickness, extreme tiredness, and frequent drinking.
Alexander had a history of health issues, including episodes of malaria, typhoid fever, and wounds from combat. He was also reputedly a big drinker, and his extravagant lifestyle may have adversely affected his health. According to a different version, Alexander may have been poisoned by one of his troops or a political adversary.
Alexander was the target of several poisoning attempts, and some historians suspect he could have been poisoned with a deadly chemical like arsenic. Yet, this notion is not backed up by any solid data.
A third hypothesis holds that Alexander passed away from wounds acquired during combat. Alexander died without involvement in significant conflicts, although he had previously fought and suffered multiple wounds, which may have led to his final death.
Nonetheless, Alexander’s specific cause of death is likely to remain a mystery since there aren’t any trustworthy reports from his last days, and most of our knowledge about him comes from later sources.
About the alleged deity of Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great never claimed to be a deity during his lifetime, nor is there any evidence to support this.
On the other hand, Alexander was well known for having great respect for the myths and stories about the Greek gods and for often using them to his advantage in his political and military plans.
One instance of this is when Alexander went to the Ammon Oracle in Siwa Oasis in Egypt and was told that he was the son of Zeus. Instead of a true belief in Alexander’s divinity, this proclamation was a political ploy intended to increase his legitimacy and power as a king.
In addition, some of Alexander’s supporters started worshiping him after his death, and subsequent Greek and Roman literature sometimes called him a deity. These ideas, albeit not widely held, were not a part of ancient Greek or Macedonian official religious or cultural traditions.
In conclusion, while not a deity, Alexander the Great was a charismatic and powerful leader who gained a lot of respect and adoration from both his supporters and succeeding generations
Alexander the Great's favorite spouse
During his life, Alexander the Great had several spouses and partners, and it is unclear which of them was his favorite. Nonetheless, there are a few women who are often mentioned in historical texts and who had key roles in Alexander’s life:
- Roxana: In 327 BC, Alexander wed Roxana, a princess from Bactria, present-day Afghanistan. She married Alexander for the first time and gave birth to a son who shared his name. Following Alexander’s demise, Roxana and her son were detained and subsequently murdered by Alexander’s heirs.
- Stateira II: Darius III of Persia was defeated by Alexander in a battle, and Stateira II was his daughter. Alexander fell madly in love with her before taking her as his bride. Alexander married Drypetis, Stateira’s sister, when Darius III passed away. But once Alexander passed away, Cassander, his regent, executed both ladies.
- Barsine was a Persian princess who, under the name Barsine-Eurydice, accompanied Alexander in his conquest of Persia. Heracles is said to be Alexander’s son with Barsine; however, the child’s paternity is in question.
The most notable women in Alexander’s life are sometimes referred to as Roxana and Stateira II because of their importance as political allies and their links to Alexander’s conquests in Asia, even if it is impossible to say who of the two was his favorite wife.
Roxana, the Bactrian princess, was the name of the princess whom Alexander the Great wed in 327 BC. She was from Bactria, an area that is now known as Afghanistan.
Oxyartes, a Bactrian aristocrat who worked as a provincial governor for the Persian Empire was the father of Roxana.
Ancient legends claim that after meeting Roxana at a dinner, Alexander fell in love with her and made it his mission to marry her. A few of Alexander’s advisors opposed the union because of concern that it would alienate his Macedonian warriors and undermine his claim to the throne. Therefore the marriage was not without controversy.
Notwithstanding these concerns, Alexander went forward with the marriage and allegedly staged a grandiose Persian-style wedding ceremony featuring customary gift- and dowry-exchanging rituals. In 326 BC, Roxana, who later became Alexander’s first wife, gave birth to a boy who shared his name.
Roxana and her son were involved in the power battles after Alexander’s death in 323 BC as several groups fought for control of Alexander’s kingdom. One of Alexander’s generals, Cassander, finally imprisoned Roxana and her son out of concern that they may endanger his own goals.
Afterward, Roxana was assassinated, maybe by Cassander or one of his spies, and her son was put to death in 310 BC by another general, Seleucus I Nicator.
About kids of Alexander, the great
Alexander IV, sometimes known as Alexander Aegus, was the only child that Alexander the Great had. He was born around 323 BCE, not long after the passing of his father. Roxana, one of Alexander the Great’s wives, was the mother of Alexander IV. Alexander, the Great’s empire, was split among his generals after his death, and Alexander IV was used as a pawn in the ensuing power conflicts. Around the age of 13 or 14, one of Alexander’s former generals finally killed him in 310 BCE.
After Alexander the Great
The Wars of the Diadochi were a time after Alexander the Great’s death in 323 BCE when his great kingdom was split among his generals (Successors). These generals’ most notable members were:
- The Seleucid Empire, which included a large portion of modern-day Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Central Asia, was ruled by Seleucus I Nicator.
- Ptolemy I Soter: He established the Ptolemaic dynasty and became Egypt’s first king.
- Antigonus I Monophthalmus: Initially in charge of most of Asia Minor and the eastern Mediterranean, Antigonus I Monophthalmus was ultimately overthrown and slain by a coalition of his enemies.
- Cassander: He took control of both Greece and Macedonia.
The so-called “Successor Kingdoms,” which arose following Alexander’s death, comprised these four generals, the most powerful of his successors.
Ref, Books on Alexander the Great:
- Alexander the Great by Robin Lane Fox
- The Campaigns of Alexander by Arrian
- Alexander the Great and the Logistics of the Macedonian Army by Donald W. Engels
- Alexander the Great: A New History by Waldemar Heckel
- The Age of Alexander by Plutarch
- The Landmark Arrian: The Campaigns of Alexander by James Romm
- Alexander the Great: The Hunt for a New Past by Paul Cartledge
- The Life and Times of Alexander the Great by Jim Whiting
- Alexander the Great: His Life and His Mysterious Death by Anthony Everitt
- In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great: A Journey from Greece to Asia by Michael Wood
