Was Alexander really great?

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Nicola Phillips Classical civilisations summer 2003

Was Alexander really great?

        The death of Alexander in 323BC, greatly affected many people throughout Greece and Macedonia.  He had gained a lot of respect during his reign, which had earned him the title ‘Alexander the Great’, however it is important to consider to what extent was this due to the use of propaganda.  All of the sources, which are available to us, portray Alexander as a heroic and victorious leader; nevertheless we must remember that the writers of these sources are probably extremely biased towards him.  

        

        Alexander was only 31years old when he died and had achieved much more than many other leaders in his short lifetime.  When he was just 20 years old Alexander invaded Persia and his first battle was at River Granicus in 334BC.  Arrian reports on this battle “His infantry was massed in two groups, both wings protected by cavalry, while all transport had orders to follow in the rear”, this suggests that Alexander was very well prepared and had organised his troops so that they performed as efficiently as possible.  Also in his description of the battle Arrian indicates Alexander’s popularity:-

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“They could see Alexander himself, an unmistakeable figure, attended by his suite with an almost ecstatic reverence.”

Alex was very young at this point in his rein but already had established himself as a great leader among the Greeks and greatly feared by the Persians.  “Things soon turned in favour of Alexander’s men; their experience and the weight of their attack began to tell, added to advantage of the long cornel-wood spear over the light lances of the Persians.”  This also describes the equipment that Alexander and his troops were using which gave them an immediate advantage ...

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