Alexander

Istanbul - Museo archeol. - Alessandro Magno (firmata Menas) - sec. III a.C. - da Magnesia - Foto G. Dall'Orto 28-5-2006 b-n

Alexander the Great (20/21 July 356 BC – 10/11 June 323 BC), also known as Alexander III of Macedon, was a King of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon and a member of the Aridaeus dynasty. He was born in Pella in 356 BC and succeeded his father, Philip II, to the throne at the age of twenty. He spent most of his ruling years on an unprecedented military campaign through Asia and northeast Africa, and by the age of thirty, he had created one of the largest empires of the ancient world, stretching from Greece to northwestern India. He was undefeated in battle and is widely considered one of history's most successful military commanders.

Early Life

Alexander was tutored by the philosopher Aristotle until the age of 16. His early life was marked by the ambition to prove his worthiness as a warrior and successor to his father, who had unified the Greek city-states and planned the invasion of the Persian Empire. Alexander's education under Aristotle ended when he began his military training and accompanying his father on campaigns.

Conquests

Alexander's conquests began with the invasion of the Persian Empire. After securing Macedon and the Greek city-states in the League of Corinth as hegemon, he crossed the Hellespont in 334 BC with approximately 40,000 Greek soldiers. His major battles against the Persian Empire included the Battle of Issus, the siege of Tyre, and the Battle of Gaugamela. After the death of Darius III and the fall of the Persian Empire, Alexander's empire stretched from the Adriatic Sea to the Indus River.

Administration and Cultural Policy

Alexander's policy of incorporating Persians into his army and the administration of his empire, as well as his efforts to blend Greek and Persian cultures, met with resistance from some of his Macedonian and Greek subjects. However, his establishment of Hellenistic cities, such as Alexandria in Egypt, was a lasting legacy that spread Greek culture throughout the empire.

Death and Legacy

Alexander died in Babylon in 323 BC at the age of 32. The cause of his death remains one of the great mysteries of antiquity. After his death, his empire quickly dissolved, divided among his generals, known as the Diadochi, leading to a series of conflicts known as the Wars of the Diadochi. Despite the short-lived nature of his empire, Alexander's conquests had a profound impact on the world, leading to the spread of Greek culture and influence throughout Asia and Egypt, and laying the foundations for the Hellenistic civilization.

Influence

Alexander the Great's military tactics and strategies are still studied in military academies around the world. The Hellenistic period, characterized by a blend of Greek and Middle Eastern cultures, lasted until the rise of the Roman Empire. His legacy includes the cultural diffusion and syncretism that his conquests engendered, such as the spread of Greek language and culture, the foundation of new cities, and the spread of Hellenistic kingdoms that survived long after his death.