Alexander the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Leader

Statue of Alexander

Laura Kate Evans

Although most sources represent Alexander the Great exactly as his name does, he was actually not all that he is made out to be. Alexander acquired his name from his powerful military conquests, yet there is little discussion on his inability to develop a successful empire. With only having concern of himself and his social stature, Alexander was inadequate in doing what was best for Macedonia and uninterested in developing the civilization into anything more than a barbaric realm only interested in destroying other societies. Alexander the Great is now generally perceived as an influential leader whose military strategies still pertain to those of today, although opinions on his empire tend to vary. During Alexander's time, he was considered temperamental and arrogant by many, although later views of him progressed into exaggerated respect. Overall, Alexander was a mediocre leader whose legacy was distorted into a much greater deal than it actually was.

While Alexander was extremely successful in conquering other civilizations, he was not a well-balanced leader. Alexander destroyed many surrounding territories of Macedonia, absent minded of progressing his empire into an intellectually developed society. Although military knowledge is important in leading an empire, and many leaders today still use Alexander's tactics, military is not all the makes up a society. Alexander was also too affected by personal events, and often acted upon aggressive impulse rather than being thoughtful. In 328 B.C.E., Alexander drunkenly argued with his close friend, Cleitus, and ended up stabbing him with a spear (Facts on File, Rage and Murder). Following the incident, Alexander thankfully regrets stabbing Cleitus, but his guilt does not correct his mistake. If Alexander's impulse and aggression had been translated into how he ran his empire, there would have been absolute havoc. Alexander once addressed Macedonia with a speech he referred to as "To This Empire There Will Be No Boundaries", and in it he is quite literal in showing no boundaries. Alexander arrogantly proclaimed, "With all that accomplished, why do you hesitate to extend the power of Macedon—your power—to the Hyphasis and the tribes on the other side? Are you afraid that a few natives who may still be left will offer opposition?" (Alexander the Great, To This Empire There Will Be No Boundaries). This egotistical statement offers a great insight into Alexander's personality, as he clearly shows that his lack of limitations in annihilating anything that gets in his way.

Alexander Goes to Battle Against Darius III

People view Alexander in various ways today. It is said that while Alexander is most remembered for his greatness, some of his tactics today would be considered terrorism. According to Frank W. Walbank, “He was swift in anger… Ruthless and self-willed, he had increasing recourse to terror, showing no hesitation in eliminating men whom he had ceased to trust, either with or without the pretense of a fair trial” (Frank W. Walbank, Alexander the Great). Walbank states that Alexander was a temperamental leader, with inconsistency in judgement due to personal issues, which can be inferred as negative qualities to his leadership position. Though it is true that Alexander was successful in conquering other civilizations, Walbank continues to argue that Alexander was not interested in doing so for the benefit of Macedonia, but rather for his own ego. Others claim that Alexander was indeed magnificent, based on the idea that many other accomplished leaders, including Julius Caesar, were influenced by his military characteristics (Jim Emmons, Alexander the Great). In general, modern day point of views on Alexander differ based off opinion.

Image of Plutarch, Creator of The Parallel Lives

Like in today's time, the perspective on Alexander in ancient times varied. According to Plutarch, “The outward appearance of Alexander is best represented by the statues of him which Lysippus made, and it was by this artist alone that Alexander himself thought it fit that he should be modelled” (Plutarch, The Parallel Lives, Part 1). Plutarch continues to discuss the most appealing virtues of Alexander, explaining that his charisma, looks, and romantics were some of his best qualities. These characteristics boded well for Alexander's leadership, and he was able to be extremely successful because of this. However, not everyone was wooed by Alexander's charm. During one of Alexander's conquests in 330 B.C.E., he met an Amazonian woman by the name of Thalestris (Adrienne Mayor, When Alexander Met Thalestris). According to Mayor, Amazonian women were much more independent and liberated than those living in the Hellenistic culture, and Thalestris took it upon herself to approach Alexander about trying to have his baby. Alexander was casual about the situation, and spent many nights with Thalestris, even offering that she join his cavalry. While this would seem like a casual gesture to modern day witnesses, including women in military was very much frowned upon in Alexander's time. Although it is not said that anyone objected Alexander's offer, Mayor believes that this incident would have been one that the ancient people would not have respected nor appreciated. Thalestris rejected the offer, but had she accepted, it can be inferred that the ancient people would have protested Alexander's decision immediately (Adrienne Mayor).

Many people assume Alexander's greatness simply because of his name. However, Alexander was not interested in the overall success of his empire, but more concerned with military instead. Prehistoric and modern opinions on Alexander vary, as some people appreciate Alexander's strategies more than others. Although military strength is significant in any empire, it is not the only aspect a society can thrive on. In order for a civilization to be great, it has to incorporate the aspects of intellect, politics, government, education, philosophy, military, and social structure. While Macedonia was successful in some of these virtues, the realm was much more focused on violence. Though the common belief is that Alexander the Great was great, this is just due to the exaggeration of his endowment. Alexander was indeed effective with his military strategies and ruthless disposition, but he was overall an average leader whose mediocrity hampered the Macedonian empire.

Works Cited

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