Summary of “Alexander the Great” from the Ancient History Encyclopedia

Alexander’s Youth Alexander was taught to ride and fight, to read and write, and to play the lyre. His father, Philip II (King of Macedonia), wanted him to have a classical education. Alexander had a number of tutors, including Aristotle in his adolescence. He tamed a wild horse named Bucephalus, who later accompanied him in battle. He loved Homer’s epic poems and modelled himself after Herakles and Achilles (both of which, like Alexander, are said to be sons of Zeus or demi- gods).

Charonea and the Early Campaigns At the age of 18, Alexander first distinguished himself militarily at the Battle of Charonea as Philip II expanded Macedonian power into the rest of Greece. After his father’s death, he brought over 30,000 troops into the Persian Empire. He was curious about the areas he conquered and asked scientists to catalogue each area’s geography and natural environment (more likely inspired by Aristotle). He conquered Egypt and founded the city of Alexandria, which he helped design. He did not impose his own ideas and religion as long as those who were conquered allowed free supply lines to his troops. He ruthlessly suppressed revolts and resistance, however. For example, after conquering the island of Tyre, its inhabitants were slaughtered or sold into slavery.

The Persian Campaigns He fought against the Persian armies of Darius III even though the Persian army was much larger. Alexander expanded east into Persian Empire He ordered the burning of the palace of the Persian capital, Persepolis, to avenge Xerxes’ burning of the Acropolis. He defeated the Persian army and proclaimed himself the king of Asia and adopted many Persian customs for which he was criticized by his own troops (e.g., proskynesis = kneeling and kissing the hand of the king). He founded many cities bearing his name. He executed those who opposed or conspired against him, even if they were close advisers. He drank often and made military decisions while drunk, often leading to brutal acts such as the burning and killing of places and people.

India and Mutiny Alexander attempted to conquer India. Some tribes relented while others openly resisted. He promoted fierce rulers who fought bravely against him. Bucephalus died in one of the battles, and Alexander named a city after the horse. Some rulers appointed by Alexander abused their power and were thus executed. He attempted to integrate the cultures of Persia and India into his own (e.g., gave Persians important roles and titles, married Persian women). Alexander stopped at the River Ganges when his troops who were tired of fighting mutinied. He slaughtered inhabitants of a town as sacrifice when his second in command died.

Alexander’s Death Alexander died in Babylon at the age of 32 as a result of a high fever. Some theories about his death include poisoning and disease. He appointed “the strongest” as his successor, so his kingdom was split four parts (each ruled by one of his generals). Successors were known as Diadochi. One of his successors, Cassander, ordered the execution of Alexander’s wife, son and mother. His successors generally held their territory until the expansion of the Roman Empire. The spread of Greek culture and ideas during the rule of Diadochi is referred to as the Hellenistic Period.