The Life and Times of Alexander the Great (356–323 BCE)-Looking back to the past series 1
By Dave Ikiedei Asei
October 1, 2024
Introduction
Alexander the Great, born in 356 BCE in Pella, the ancient capital of Macedonia, is one of history’s most iconic and influential figures. His life and achievements have fascinated historians, scholars, and military strategists for centuries. Rising to power at the young age of 20 and becoming one of the most successful military commanders in history, Alexander transformed the ancient world through his campaigns, creating an empire that stretched from Greece to Egypt and into northwest India.
Early Life and Education
Alexander was the son of King Philip II of Macedonia and Queen Olympias, and from an early age, he was destined for greatness. His father, Philip, was a shrewd ruler and military leader who transformed Macedonia into a powerful kingdom. Recognizing his son’s potential, Philip ensured that Alexander received a comprehensive education. One of Alexander's most influential tutors was the great philosopher Aristotle, who instilled in him a love for knowledge, philosophy, and the arts. Aristotle’s teachings had a lasting impact on Alexander, shaping his worldview and approach to leadership.
Despite his royal upbringing, Alexander’s early years were not without challenges. He witnessed his father’s relentless military campaigns and the political intrigue of the Macedonian court, experiences that hardened him and prepared him for the responsibilities that would come later.
Ascending to the Throne at Age 20
In 336 BCE, when Alexander was just 20 years old, his father, King Philip II, was assassinated. This sudden event thrust Alexander onto the throne of Macedonia. While young, he was no stranger to leadership. Philip had involved Alexander in military campaigns from an early age, and Alexander had already demonstrated his prowess in battle at the age of 18 by leading a cavalry charge at the Battle of Chaeronea, where the Macedonian army decisively defeated the combined forces of Greek city-states.
After becoming king, Alexander quickly consolidated his power, eliminating potential rivals and securing his position within Macedonia. He inherited a strong kingdom and an experienced army, but his ambitions extended far beyond Macedonia’s borders.
Conquest of the Persian Empire
One of Alexander’s most significant accomplishments was his conquest of the Persian Empire, the largest and most powerful empire of its time. In 334 BCE, Alexander crossed into Asia Minor with a force of around 35,000 troops, marking the beginning of his legendary campaign against Persia.
The first major battle of this campaign was the Battle of Granicus, where Alexander achieved a decisive victory over the Persian forces. This victory paved the way for his subsequent conquest of the western part of the Persian Empire. In 333 BCE, Alexander faced King Darius III of Persia at the Battle of Issus, where despite being outnumbered, Alexander’s brilliant tactics and leadership led to another stunning victory.
Alexander's most iconic victory came in 331 BCE at the Battle of Gaugamela, where his forces decisively defeated Darius III, effectively ending the Persian Empire. Following this victory, Alexander was hailed as the "King of Asia," and he marched further east, continuing to expand his empire.
The Founding of Alexandria and Influence on Egypt
During his conquests, Alexander also left a lasting cultural and political legacy. In 332 BCE, he arrived in Egypt, which was then under Persian control. The Egyptians, who had long resented Persian rule, welcomed Alexander as a liberator. In Alexandria, he founded the city of Alexandria, which would go on to become one of the most significant cultural and intellectual centers of the ancient world.
In Egypt, Alexander was declared the son of the god Amun and was recognized as a pharaoh. His influence in Egypt laid the foundation for the Hellenistic culture that would flourish long after his death. Alexandria, in particular, became a symbol of the blending of Greek and Egyptian cultures, attracting scholars, scientists, and artists from across the ancient world.
Campaign into India
After securing his hold over the Persian Empire and Egypt, Alexander set his sights on India, which represented the eastern edge of the known world at the time. In 326 BCE, he crossed the Hindu Kush mountains and entered the Indian subcontinent. His most famous battle in this region was the Battle of Hydaspes, where he defeated the Indian king Porus. Despite the victory, Alexander was impressed by Porus’s bravery and leadership, and instead of deposing him, Alexander appointed him as a regional governor.
However, Alexander’s campaigns in India were met with growing resistance from his own troops, who were exhausted after years of continuous warfare. By 324 BCE, after facing internal dissent, Alexander was forced to turn back, marking the end of his eastward expansion.
The Legacy of Alexander the Great
By the time of his death in 323 BCE, at the age of 32, Alexander had created one of the largest empires in history, stretching from Greece in the west to Egypt in the south and into northwest India in the east. His military accomplishments remain unparalleled, and he is often regarded as one of the greatest commanders in history.
But Alexander’s legacy extends far beyond his military conquests. His campaigns facilitated the spread of Greek culture throughout the ancient world, a period known as the Hellenistic Era. Greek language, art, architecture, and philosophy became influential across the regions he conquered, blending with local cultures and creating a rich cultural tapestry that endured for centuries.
The cities he founded, particularly Alexandria, became centers of learning and culture. The Library of Alexandria, one of the most famous institutions of the ancient world, was established in the city and became a repository of knowledge and scholarship.
Alexander’s death in 323 BCE left a power vacuum in the vast empire he had created. His generals, known as the Diadochi, fought for control of different parts of his empire, leading to its eventual fragmentation. Despite this, the influence of Alexander’s conquests continued to shape the political, cultural, and social landscape of the ancient world for generations.
Conclusion
Alexander the Great's life was one of extraordinary achievement. By the age of 30, he had created one of the largest empires in history, extending from Greece to the edges of India. His conquests not only reshaped the ancient world politically but also left a lasting cultural legacy that bridged the East and the West. While his empire eventually fractured after his death, the influence of his life and times endures in the annals of history, making him one of the most remarkable figures ever to walk the earth
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