Introduction
Alexander the Great is one of the most influential figures in world history, and his legacy is still felt today. He was an ancient Macedonian ruler who conquered an empire that extended from Greece to India. He was a brilliant general and strategist, and his conquests opened up new trade routes and facilitated the spread of civilization. His empire ultimately fell apart, but his influence on world history was profound. Alexander’s legacy is evident in the way that he changed world civilizations. He introduced new technologies and practices, such as horseback riding and warfare, to countries that had never experienced them. He also helped to unify different cultures and forge new alliances. His legacy is undeniable, and his impact on world history will be remembered for generations.
Legacy
Alexander the Great lived up to his moniker as he was widely considered the most formidable political and military figure of his time. In 356 BC, Alexander the Great was born to King Phillip II of Macedon and Queen Olympias. Alexander rose to be king of Macedonia after the passing of his father in 336 BC. He was a master tactician who meticulously plotted his moves before each assault. Alexander’s use of strategic maneuvers was a key to his victory, and the phalanx was one of his most famous tactics, and for a good reason: it left very little room for enemy attack (Bearzot & Landucci, 2016). He was a master tactician who could switch strategies mid-battle and knew the value of using cavalry as an assault weapon. His education under Aristotle had primed him well for the role of monarch.
As a result of his extensive schooling, Alexander was able to act quickly and bravely and take extraordinary risks. His charismatic leadership was a key factor in his victories on the battlefield. Leading from the front, communicating with each soldier, and taking hits alongside them was key factor in his consistent victories. He was successful because he was an assertive leader with the resolve to triumph over any obstacles that stood in his way. The greatest accomplishment of his life was the victory over the Persians and Greeks, the invasion of Asia Minor, Egypt, and the protection of the Mediterranean Sea, a vital trade pathway.
Early in his reign, Alexander set his sights on one of the world’s most important kingdoms, Persia. He required Persia’s wealth to sustain the massive army he obtained from his dad, and Persia’s reach and wealth made it possible. Darius III, king of Persia then, had a significantly larger army of huge troops. However, Alexander’s army, utilizing their superior military prowess, annihilated the Persian defending force near the river Granicus in Turkey. The hetairoi (companion cavalry) were his armies’ most formidable weapon. He defeated the Persians in three crucial battles and seized their kingdom, which included Phoenician territories and Egypt.
What this meant was that every major city in the Mediterranean was now part of Alexander’s empire. A further military victory was the 7-month siege of the fortified harbor of Tyre in 332 BC. Alexander’s undersized force prevailed at the Battle of Issus because their superior quickness and the tight limits of the battlefield helped them overcome their numerical disadvantage (Burstein, 2015). After his conquest of Egypt, he assumed the title of Pharaoh and had numerous cities christened in his glory. Alexander the Great’s military campaigns impacted all aspects of world life in the third century. Business with Asia and the number of ways to transport products to Europe finally opened when his kingdom began to gain strength. The empire’s stability allowed merchants to conduct business without fear of invasion from other parts of the world.
The Silk Road and other big trade routes flourished due to government support and promotion. Chinese silk was in high price in the Mediterranean at the time. The expansion of trade along the Silk Road led to the prominence of both Palmyra and Petra as major economic hubs. In addition to the success of the caravan towns, the Egyptian metropolis of Alexandria also thrived under Alexander. Alexandria grew to become an important domestic & global trading center. Because of its proximity to the Mediterranean, Alexandria’s Imperial Harbor became a thriving hub for marine trade. Alexander the Great played a role in introducing a unified currency that facilitated commerce.
The Persian Empire was enormous, extending across the Caspian Seas to the Indus River and from Egypt to the Indus River. By setting fire to the Persian city, Alexander stole the gold mines from the Persian monarchs and used them to create a new currency. This windfall allowed him to establish additional settlements and expand his network of trade routes and commercial pursuits. Even with the advent of industrialization, Alexander’s economic model continued to exist as the gold standard. Alexander is remembered not just for establishing peace and prosperity in the economy via trade but also for helping to establish modern political institutions (Liberty, 2017). When he died without an heir, his generals split up his kingdom and anointed themselves as rulers over the various regions. This was the end of his dynasty.
Alexandria became a center of scholarship after its library was founded. The development of historical timekeeping followed. Religions also emerged and expanded due to shifts in the social climate. After numerous dynasties were annexed, Greek cities encompassed many territories. Many Jews got Hellenized and embraced everything about Greek culture as a result. They learnt the Greek alphabet and transcribed the Hebrew Bible into Greek. As a result of the severity of the situation, many people ceased using Hebrew in daily life. Buddhism flourished throughout Asia after a governmental shift in India and the introduction of Hellenism. Buddhist teachings were disseminated by monks who traveled the Silk Road as merchants. Even though Alexander the Great was only king for thirteen years, his legacy will live forever. He left an indelible mark on the western world by altering its economic, social, and political landscape.
Conclusion
Alexander the Great was one of the most influential figures in ancient history. His legacy has been felt throughout the world for centuries, and his accomplishments have impacted world civilizations. He spread Hellenism and Greek culture throughout the world, making it one of the most influential civilizations in history. He also created an effective military machine that allowed him to conquer vast territories. His conquests ultimately led to the development of many different civilizations. While Alexander’s legacy is difficult to measure, his influence on world history is undeniable. His conquests helped to shape the modern world and set a standard for future conquests. His legacy is one of the most important in history, and his impact on world civilizations will be felt for generations to come.
References
Bearzot, C. S., & Landucci, F. (2016). Alexander’s Legacy.
Burstein, S. M. (2015). Alexander’s Unintended Legacy: Borders. Greece, Macedon and Persia: Studies in Social, Political and Military History in Honour of Waldemar Heckel, 118-126.
Liberty, R. F. E. R. (2017). Macedonia Says It’s Ready to Give Up Claim as Sole Heir to Alexander the Great’s Legacy. Accessed on, 22, 2022.
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