Assessment of life Flashcards
Intro Assessment of life
To a moderate extent, the source assessment of Alexander the Great’s life as a ‘monster’ is justified as the dramatisation of his life has culminated in a ‘subjective’ perception of his ‘greatness’, with ancient historians such as Plutarch creating an image of a glorious, divine leader. However, Alexander campaign consisted
Period consisted of terror and bloodshed + drinking was very common in Macedon culture + assassination of rivals was at the foundation of a Macedon kings rise to succession.
Criticism
Razing of Thebes even though he could have stopped the destruction if he wanted to, the entire population either murdered of sent into slavery EDWARD ANSON “Alexander oversaw the physical destruction and the enslavement of the population even though the destruction of Hellenic city… Alexander could have prevented it’s destruction, if he had wished so.”
Battle of Tyre, battle could have been prevented but as a religious fanatic their denial of sacrifice resulted in unnecessary deaths, with its capture seeing 10,000 executed and 30,000 sent to slavery. + should’ve followed Darius III after Issues leading to battle of Granicus
Murdering of his companions: Parmenio due Paranoia of his authority within the Macedon army
Murdering of Clieuts in a drunken rage
Forced Proskynesis upon his men (religious fanatic) -> Opis mutiny 324
Praise (generalship)
Labeled by his men as ‘ankitos’ (the invincible) highlights his profound generalship and victories
Revenge for the Acropolis in Persian wars / spread of hellenic culture
His lack of heir resulted in the collapse of the mulit-national empire, the largest the ancient world had seen.
Respect of cultures and traditions - restoration of Egyptian temples that were desecrated by Persians
Gained Macedon and Greece significant wealth + secured their border with
Thrace and Illyria and expanded their borders east with removal of Macedon greatest threat.
