Alexander's Military Genius Flashcards
What are the three areas that are attributed to Alexander’s military success?
1 - Strategy
2 - Personality
3 - Fortune
What examples of good strategy can we highlight, in particularly the Battle of Issus?
His flexibility and adaptability to different military situations were incredibly important to his successes. On seeing the Persian battle formation at Issus (333) he ordered the Thessalian Cavalry to switch side behind the Greek lines to extend the left wing and to pacify the Persian cavalry on its right wing.
How can we define Clausewitz’s theory of strategy?
Strategy was to destroy the enemy, not just on the field, but politically, economically and socially aswell.
How does Alexander’s theory of strategy compare to that of Clausewitz?
For Alexander the strategy was to bring Darius to terms, it was to appropriate his control of this new empire through homage. He had not only defeat the Persian army but win acceptance in the eyes of the people.
What does Justin say Alexander prevented his army from doing?
Justin: ‘When marching he kept his soldiers from ravaging the fields in Asia telling them ‘they ought to spare their own property’.
How does Polybius (18.3) talk of the campaign?
Polybius: ‘They had been prompt to war against each other in open fields and to do everything they could with open arms, but had spared the cities, that they might rule’.
How does Arrian (1.6) sum up the 13 years of war strategy?
Arrian: ‘his forces attack when no expected and in deep formation on the flank of the line, where they were likely to make the strongest onslaught on the enemy at his weakest point’.
What were the strategical and political objectives of Alexanders campaign?
Strategical - Defeat the Persian army
Political - Winning over of the people
At Gaugamela (331), how did Alexander change his battle tactics?
He introduced a reserve phalanx that was able to turn if outflanked. They were to concede attack if surrounded and the main body of the Macedonian would become a strong core.
How did Alexander’s personality have an impact on morale and cohesion?
The tradition of the Macedonian King fighting from the front instilled confidence and motivation. His Companions were easily recognisable.
Give two or three examples when Alexander was fortunate in battle?
Battle of Granicus (334), Arrian reports that he was lucky not to be killed in the river crossing
Battle of Issus (333) loses touch with his centre which opens up the phalanx to heavy casualties. Fortunately, his movement had penetrated the Persians and caused Darius to flight.
At the Battle of Granicus (334), how did Alexander show his daring nature prior to the engagement?
At the Battle of Granicus when Parmenio encourages waiting for the morning to cross unopposed Alexander says, ‘I should be ashamed of myself if a little trickle of water like this were to stop me from crossing, I had no difficulty crossing the Hellespont’.
What are the three major problems we have in understanding the Battle of Granicus (334)?
1 - Timing of the Battle
2 - Topography of the battle
3 - Alexander’s movements
According to Badian (1977), what are the difficulties we face in understanding the movements of Alexander at his major battles?
‘As is the nature of our sources the details of the battle on the front - where Alexander was no personally involved - can’t be disengaged. As so often, the heroization of Alexander has made it impossible for us to make a proper assessment of his plan - It is difficult to realise the real greatness, and impossible to do him full justice in human terms’.
According to Foss (2004), how can we begin to understand the topography of the Battle of Granicus (334)?
Foss suggested that certain parts of the bank were covered in gravel, a fact which would facilitate the crossing of an army. In addition, in mid-May, the current would not have been too strong - Alexander’s description of the river being a ‘trickle of water’ may not have been too far from the truth, although exaggerated.
