Alexander the Great - World Civilizations

HS 150 World Civilizations 1
Assignment 2 Alexander the Great
22OCT2011
      Very few ancient leaders have left behind a legacy that still remains. Alexander the Great is one of those exceptional leaders. Alexander led an imperialistic Greek military campaign, was considered a brilliant military tactician and troop leader and brought most of the known world at the time under his rule. Alexander the Great was highly revered for his achievements during his short life. Not only did he gain fame for his numerous victories on the battlefield, but he also enhanced that fame through the insightful use of propaganda. His most enduring legacy came through actively promoting the spread of the Hellenistic culture in the regions he conquered. Alexander the Great was the conqueror of the Persian Empire and was also King of Macedonia. He was born in Pella, and was the son of Phillip II. Phillip II was at the time king of Macedonia. Alexander was given an amazing education by his tutor who was also a Greek philosopher. Aristotle taught him rhetoric and literature, and opened his interest to science, medicine, and philosophy. Alexander became king in 336 B.C. when Phillip was assassinated. He maintained his rule at home before making any plans of attack.
    First he attacked Thessaly in order to restore Macedonian rule. Then in 335 B.C. he defeated the Thracians, up through the Danube River. On his way back, he defeated and the Illyrians, but rushed back afterwards to Thebes. Thebes was ravaged by Alexander, sparing only temples and the house of Pindar, a well known Greek poet of the 5th Century B.C. Many more Greek states then turned to Alexander's control. Alexander declared war on Persia in 334 B.C., and defeated a Persian army near the city of Troy. This resulted in the submission of all states in Asia Minor to him. Alexander then traveled southward, where he defeated King Darius III, leader of the main Persian army. This battle occurred in 333 B.C. at Issus of...