Alexander the Great - Tactical Genius or Tyrant?

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ALEXANDER THE GREAT-TACTICAL GENIUS OR TYRANT?

Ancient Times Essay

By Anna Ellyard

Alexander the great was one of most brilliant military leaders the world has seen.  In his lifetime he conquered more than anyone before him, and nobody since has built an empire so big.  His effect on ancient society was huge.  His success has to be mostly attributed to his strategic if not somewhat ruthless style.  From the beginning he set out to unite the east and west in a “world brotherhood of all men”, and everything he did was part of a plan to achieve this.  He was undoubtedly a tactical and strategic genius.

When Alexander was first appointed King of Macedon, after his father Phillip II was assassinated, the first thing he did was get the Macedonian army on his side.  His father had had strong ties and a good relationship with the army, and Alexander realised the important part that they would have to play if he was going to achieve world domination.  For this reason he presented himself to the embassies and assured that the loyalties that they had show Phillip remained intact.  At this time Alexander also found himself surrounded by enemies and conspirators both at home and abroad.  He was only 20 at the time and thus was not uniformly respected as a king.  To combat any chance of interference he immediately disposed of anyone who threatened to halt or rival his rise to power, by ordering their execution.  

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Around this time some parts of Greece, who had been under Macedonian rule, were threatening to revolt.  It was obvious to Alexander that if he was going to extend his empire beyond its current boundaries he would first have to have the neighbouring countries under his control.  He marched south into Greece and restored Macedonian rule.  He was able to do this reasonably quickly and painlessly by employing a tactic that was present throughout his conquests.  When entering a new area, or facing a revolt Alexander would make an example of one city by storming and destroying.  While this ...

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