Essay Sample on the Conquest of Alexander the Great, His Legacy and Impact on Persia, India and Egypt

Introduction

Alexander the Great was born to King Philip II and Olympians his wife in 356 BC. Alexander was one of the greatest leaders of his times, he had exceptional leadership expertise, and he could carefully plan his strategies before going to any battle. He had utmost tactics like the phalanx technique which made him the most significant military leader since he never left any chance for his enemies to attack. Having been taught by Aristotle, he could quickly change his tactics during the battle, and this enabled him to ascent to the throne. It was after his father who was the king of Macedonia was assassinated in 336 BC. His greatest achievement was the defeat of the Greek and Persians, his conquest of Asia Minor and Egypt and control of the Mediterranean Sea the most important trade route of his time (James,2018). This essay discusses the conquest of Alexander the Great, his legacy, and his impact on Persia, India and Egypt and the cultural implication of his conquests.

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James (2018) argues that in twelve years, Alexander conquered many countries and he took control of the Nile East and West lands of the Indus. Alexander conquered very many countries, for instance, the Middle East, Palestine and Egypt. Having been prepared and educated well in philosophy, medicine and science, he was able to lead many battles at a young age like the Chaeronea battle. He defeated the Greek country and turned his focus to the other parts of the world. He entered Minor Asia with 37,000 men of which 5,000 of the men were from Calvary. Since the Beginning of his reign, Alexander was set to conquer Persia. His first confrontation and victory against the Persian Empire at Granicus River almost caused his life. During the Issus battle, Alexander troops were greatly outnumbered by the Persian forces, however, the battlefield was narrow, and the Persian troops' great number did not matter at all since Alexander ended up succeeding Macedonia.

After the Issus battle, Alexander the Great headed to the south and by 332 BC winter time, he had taken control of the Syria, Palestine and Egypt. Alexander acquired the honourable title of the Egyptian Pharaoh, and he started to establish the first cities which were named after him in honour of his greatness. Afterwards, Alexander moved to the Mesopotamian archaic in 331 BC. His troop was contented with the Irani of the Persian at the Gaugamela battle in the northwest of Babylon. Alexanders troop progressed to the Persian capital of Persepolis and Susa, at this place, Alexander obtained an immense amount of the Persian treasures like silver and gold. Alexander got the office and title of the Great King of Persia after Darius II was deceived and killed by one of his men in 330 BC(Foster, Scholar & Munn,2017).

However, Alexander was not satisfied by the Great title of the Persian King which he had acquired at the Persian Empire. He, therefore, decided to move to the northeast and east of Pakistan and by 327 BC summer time, Alexander moved to India which by then had different belligerent states separated from each other. Alexanders troop won the fierce battle fought at the Hydaspes river at the northwestern of India in 326 BC (Foster et al. 2017). Alexander the Great still wanted to move forward. However, his army men denied and mutinied this idea of moving forward since they were weary and tired of fighting. Alexander led his troop back across the Parched Southern lands of Persia. During this period, Alexander troop suffered a lot due to the much heat and lack of water leading to very many casualties before they even reached Babylon (James, 2018).

Alexander continued to campaign more despite the many casualties he had among his army men. His liquidation of the monarch of Persia created very many opportunities for the Greek soldiers, engineers and merchants. Alexanders followers were able to attend the newly established political unity which was based on the monarchy principles. Autocratic energy was a significant resource for the Hellenistic monarchies which was a substantial political endowment of Alexander. In 323 BC, Alexander the Great died at the age of 32 due to excessive alcohol consumption, severe wounds and fever which weakened him (Foster et al., 2017).

Cultural Implications of Alexander the Great Conquests

The conquest of Alexander the Great had a substantial impact on the Western and Eastern cultures. The Greek-influenced Hellenism culture extended to Asia from the Mediterranean as a result of the expansion of Alexander's empire. Trade routes between Asia and Europe expanded because his armies passed through the Tibet and modern-day Afghanistan mountains. Development of these routes not only promoted trade but also encouraged religious and cultural exchange between the west and the east. The expansion of the Greek language was one of the critical elements of Hellenistic culture (Foster et al.,2017). The Greek word benefited many people during commerce and trade since it became the primary language used during the trade. It promoted understanding of different people despite individual language and culture.

The frequent use of the Greek language led to the appreciation of Greek drama, philosophy and art. It also led to the development of new schools of philosophy which focused on Epicureanism and stoicism individuals. The newly established cosmopolitan world by the conquest of Alexander helped stop competition among Greek city-states hence individuals were not recognised through their city-states, this was a significant part of the Greek culture. Alexander's Caravan cities were not the only cities which emerged in the newly established cosmopolitans.Another city was Egypt, the Alexandria city of Egyptians was the centre of commerce and culture. , and it became a central point for sea trade in the area. The fusion of Egyptian and Greek religion was as a result of the emergence of anthropomorphic god Separis by Ptolemy I. The living Apis bull, Osiris and Egyptian god of death were all combined by Separis. The transformation of the Greek-influenced religion happened in the Mediterranean (James, 2018).

The Mediterranean unification by Alexander had some adverse effects since it promoted the chattel slave trade since some elite citizens decided to use the acquired wealth for the slave trade. Alexander promoted trade by laying the ground for new political systems which led to the division of the empire after his death. The Greek culture was also passed to all the surrounding people as the Kingdom enlarged. The spread of Hellenism led to a change of political change in India as the Buddhism spread from Empire Mauryan into central Asia, China and India. Monks who spread Buddhism established less success at Persia since Zoroastrianism religion was fully developed in the area. Although Alexander ruled for a short period, he had a significant influence on the western and eastern cultures (Foster et al., 2017).

Conclusion

Its Evident that Alexander vision and greatness in the Empire had some positive influence on the Romans who were the faithful followers of his legacy. Alexander left a new political system as well as a legacy of Greek-influenced culture which spread to different parts of the world and lasted even after his death. The emergence of new Empires and Hellenism fusion were some of the principal outstanding civilisations of the ancient world.

References

Foster II, T. W., Scholar, M., & Munn, M. (2017). Imitation of Greatness: Alexander of Macedon and His Influence on Leading Romans. The Penn State McNair Journal, 29.

James, G. H. (2018). The Legacy of Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic World. Metamorphosis.