Alexander The Great: The Legacy Of Alexander The Great

Alexander the great was born in July 356 B.C. to his father Phillip II. Alexander’s father prepared him for a life a conquests and legacies by allowing young Alexander to take over the battle of Chaeronea. This was a very important battle for Alexander since it showed his leadership skills considering he was only 16 years old. After the battle of Chaeronea, Alexander’s father, Phillip II, was assassinated. Now a new ruler at the age of twenty would emerge to the Macedonia people, he was know as Alexander the Great. Alexander the Great conquered many battles leading to the outstanding legacy of his empire. One of Alexander the Great’s conquests was overtaking the Persian Empire in 334 B.C.E. Controlling an army of 37,000 men, Alexander marched
them into Asia Minor. Victory after victory eventually leads him and his army to central Asia. Along the way Alexander makes allies with many people appointing rulers as he goes. The battle of Issus, fought in 333 B.C.E., was another victory Alexander could add on to his list. His advantage to this battle was a narrow field that allowed his men to overtake the enemy. After the victory at Issus, Alexander moved to Egypt, where he became pharaoh. Alexander’s magnet personality allowed him to control the people around him. Another conquest of Alexander the Great was his battle with the Persians at Gaugamela. At this time Alexander had moved his army into the Mesopotamian Kingdoms. Taking over the Persian treasuries at the Persian capitals awarded Alexander and his army with cosmic amounts of gold and silver. Finally in 330 Alexander became the Great King of the Persians when Darius, the current king of the Persians, was assassinated. This is one example of a conquest that would lead to one of the many legacies Alexander carries on today. Having the satisfaction of being the Great King of the Persians was not enough for Alexander. He knew that he was destined for more. He moved into India by 327 B.C.E., just in time for the battle at Hydaspes River. This battle proved to be an opening for India to obtain Greek political and cultural influence. This appeared to be one of the many legacies Alexander will pass on throughout his short lifespan. In June 323 B.C.E. Alexander the Great died at the age of 32 from battle wounds, exhaustion, and excessive alcohol intake. Although Alexander the Great’s reign was fairly short lived, his legacies live on to this very day. Incontestably, he was one of the greatest generals of all time and one of the most powerful personalities. Spreading Hellenism throughout the Middle East and into Asia and establishing city-states molded by Greek influence only flourished after his death. Stopping at nothing to accomplish what he wanted proved to be a key factor in what made him so great. Overall, Alexander the Great proved time and time again that he could conquer whatever he set his mind to. Having a strong leader to follow like his father only set Alexander up for success. He defeated army after army by implementing his swift decisions and clever tactics. He left the world completed changed from what is once was. Through the conquests of Alexander the Great, he was able to set up legacies that are still implemented today.