Defining a Legacy Project- Nalin Dang

A controversy surrounding Alexander the Great’s Legacy has continued even to modern times. The Modern worldview opinions of many have changed compared to that of ancient perspectives. Alexander was believed to be a walking contradiction, for that he was great at some points, and “not-so-great” at others. Since modern historians can now speculate the surrounding factors of Alexander’s journey, they can infer that Alexander was quite special and somewhat unique, in the sense that he was able to spread Greek culture so much, that the period was known as the Hellenistic Period. In addition to creating Hellenistic culture, he conquered many cizilizations, and almost the entire ancient world. Alexander the Great was destined to be the best by his father, King Philip II. Aristotle, an incredibly famous and intelligent philosopher, was hired to be his private teacher. If it had not been for Aristotle’s teachings, his intellectuality would not have been as great as it was. Out of all the important teachings by Aristotle, “the art of healing”   (Plutarch, Parallel Lives)  was the strongest. Such teaching taught Alexander the theory of medicine. Alexander became quite amazed, to the point that he learned to aid his friends and family when they were sick, either by giving treatments or directions for fixing it. Many people of Alexander’s time loved Alexander because of his courageous attitude and bravery, along with this incredible intellectuality.

www.history.com/topics/ancient-history/alexander-the-great

Alexander the Great, through his many spectacular aspects was, instead of being called the son of King Philip, called the “Son of Zeus”. (Boise State University, Alexander the Great-His education and character). Alexander the Great was the finest intellectual general to ever live in the ancient world. He inspired many other leaders at his time, and even after. In fact, many generals today use some of his tactics and strategies to take victory. With his incredible skills, Alexander was able to conquer Asia, Greece, and Egypt. His most prized victory was the win against the Persian Empire. Although outnumbered by many, Alexander was able to lead his army victoriously. Throughout his 11-year-journey, he announced, but not forced, Greek Culture. If his journey had not been, it was thought that Greek culture would have remained in Greece. Since many places agreed to change their beliefs to Greek culture, such period was to be known as the Hellenistic Period. Alexander the Great was credible for changing the Mediterranean world.

http://www.ancient.eu/image/130/

Visions of Alexander the Great can vary, in the way that some may view his expeditions and achievements. As mentioned earlier, modern and ancient viewpoints, most of the time, will differ. To many Greeks and other civilizations, Alexander the Great was perceived as a legendary conqueror that unified many cultures into one individual culture. “Persians also condemn him for the widespread destruction he is thought to have encouraged to cultural and religious sites throughout the empire”. (St Andrews University, Alexander the not so Great: History through Persian eyes) Through the Persian’s eyes, Alexander the Great was portrayed as a drunk who spread thoughts of war and battle through the many places he destroyed. He was thought to have inspired or rather forcefully inspired many other leaders at his time and after by being a successful general who took victory in every battle he faced. Such an act would change other leaders’ ambitions to be like that of Alexander, instead of developing their own personal character. Arguably, Alexander’s character is one that influences many, especially because of his unique characteristics. And in addition, Alexander’s personality is one that everyone can improve on. Persia, at the time, was one of the largest empires ever built. “It was built by Darius the Great, embellished by his son Xerxes, and destroyed by that man, Alexander”. (St Andrews University, Alexander the not so Great: History through Persian eyes) Respectively, a curious mind would suggest that Alexander’s invasion was a form of revenge. Persia had two failed attacks on Greece, inferring that Alexander’s attack was simply retaliation and vengeance for what Persia had attempted. These many disagreements and differences support the fact that Alexander the Great was a walking contradiction.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Contradiction+cartoon&biw=1438&bih=766&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjAro7p-6_PAhVGRiYKHdu6AegQ_AUIBigB#imgrc=6Zmjs4ETmt1Q5M%3A

The subjective matter revolving Alexander the Great’s eminence will continue to be an argumentative topic, as there are many lurking opinions that still have an impact on the society’s view today. As many perspectives are seen in the world, my own opinion encompasses the thought that Alexander the Great was indeed great. My beliefs are expressed mainly because of his vast accomplishments and goals that he envisioned. Primarily, Alexander the Great, visualized an epidemic of Greek culture that in return, would unify the many civilizations that accepted his offering. In addition to the spread of culture, Alexander was the ideal son and soldier. King Philip II wanted his son, Alexander, to be at his highest perfection. He provided Alexander with the many strategies that he had created, especially the Macedonian Phalanx, which was a formation in which many spears and shields were used to either attack or defend. Since Alexander the Great was allegedly “the finest battlefield commander of the ancient world” (Facts on File, Alexander the Great) , he continues to inspire many leaders and generals up to this day.

Works Cited

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"Alexander the Great: The Macedonian Army." Europeanhistory.boisestate.edu,

     europeanhistory.boisestate.edu/westciv/alexander/04.shtml.

Ansari, Prof Ali. “Alexander the Not so Great: History through Persian Eyes.” BBC News, http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-18803290.

Dell, Pamela, and Debra l Skelton. “Daily Life in Alexander's Empire.” 
Empire of Alexander the Great, Revised Edition, Chelsea House, 2009, Ancient and 
Medieval History Online, http://online.infobase.com/hrc/search/details/397265?
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Emmons, Jim Tschen. "Alexander the Great." World History: Ancient and 

Medieval Eras, ABC-  

  CLIO, 2016, ancienthistory.abc-clio.com/Search/Display/575648. 

Accessed 28 Sept. 2016.

Europeanhistory.boisestate.edu, europeanhistory.boisestate.edu/

     westciv/alexander/03.shtml.

Sacks, David. “Alexander the Great.” Encyclopedia of the Ancient Greek World, Third 
Edition, Facts On File,  

           2015, Ancient and Medieval History Online,

           http://online.infobase.com/hrc/search/details/224479?q=alexander the great.

"The Parallel Lives." Penelope.uchicago.edu, 1919, penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/

               E/Roman/Texts/Plutarch/Lives/Alexander*/3.html. Accessed 28 Sept. 2016.

Picture Sources:

Ahencyclopedia. “Map of Alexander the Great's Conquests.” Ancient History Encyclopedia, 20 Dec. 2011, http://www.ancient.eu/image/130/.

Alexander the Great." History.com, 2009, www.history.com/topics/ancient-history/

     alexander-the-great. Accessed 22 Sept. 2016.

“Contradiction .” Www.toonpool.com ,      

https://www.google.com/search?q=contradiction+cartoon&biw=1438&bih=766&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=x&ved=0ahukewjaro7p-6_pahvgriykhdu6aegq_auibigb#imgrc=6zmjs4etmt1q5m%3a.