Untitled Notes

Alexander ordered the execution of rivals, including most cousins, step-siblings, and half-siblings whom he considered a threat.

Managed rebellions in various locations including the East, Athens, and against the Thracian tribes to the North.

Took about 3,000 cavalry and border soldiers to the North.
Efficiently controlled army manpower and wealth, avoiding frivolous spending.
Maintained a good organization over administration and loyal followers despite his youth.
During his reign, he was respected as a formidable leader even abroad.

In March, Alexander began the movement from Greece towards Asia Minor with the Persian Empire as his target.
Saw the wealth of Persia as essential for maintaining his army and to settle debts owed to his father.
Gained 10,000 Greek mercenaries to enhance his Macedonian forces.
Left Anzapatar in charge of Macedonian heartland with 13,000 men, commanding a total of 35,000 troops (30,000 foot soldiers and 5,000 cavalry).
Worked with a diverse composition of soldiers from Macedonian, Greek, and Thracian territories, providing flexibility in his military strategies.

Upon crossing the Dardanelles, Alexander first reached Troy, recognized as a historically significant site tied to Greek mythology.
Investigated archaeological work at Troy, which had shown continuity of habitation from the late Bronze Age through Roman times.
The locale was significant to Alexander, as other leaders like Julius Caesar had also shown interest.

Engaged in battle where he demonstrated bravery, notably saving his friend Plautus from an attack, which contributed to his growing reputation.
Faced Darius' Greek mercenaries during conflicts, resulting in a significant number being captured.
Secured control over the economic regions essential for the Persian Empire, particularly along wealthy southern coastal areas.

Alexander laid siege to Halicarnassus, utilizing its former queen Aesah's support to expel the Persians.
He allowed Aesah to remain in power due to her popularity, thereby executing a peaceful takeover of the city.

Alexander advanced along the coastline, continuing to chase the Persian forces north to Gordion, where the legendary Gordian Knot was located.
Alexander famously cut the Gordian Knot, interpreting the myth as a prophecy about his potential to become a god, and subsequently demonstrating his decisive action and leadership skills.

By March, after Gordion, Alexander prepared for battle with Persian forces under Darius III at Issus.
He utilized tactical formations that enabled him to outmaneuver a numerically superior Persian army, which resulted in Darius's flight from battle.
After Darius fled, Alexander treated Darius' family with respect, capturing them but ensuring their welfare.

In November, with Darius fleeing and captured, Alexander declared himself King of Persia.
Darius was eventually killed by a local governor, leading Alexander to take on a more substantial dominion over Persian territories.

Alexander adopted local customs, aimed for integration rather than outright conquest, particularly during his time in Egypt where he paid homage to local deities.
His ability to balance cultural and military governance facilitated easier rule over newly conquered territories, such as in Egypt where he oversaw divine rites and respected local forms of worship.

Alexander consulted the Oracle at the Siwa Oasis, where he was hailed as the son of the god Amun. This proclamation ignited Alexander's self-identification as divine, which was crucial for consolidating control and garnering support among local populations.

Following his campaigns, Alexander's image began to reflect divine attributes, utilizing coins depicting him with the horns of Amun, integrating with local beliefs.
His reach included regions beyond Persia, into India, fostering the cross-cultural flow between the Greek world and East, influencing both art and philosophical thought.

After years of campaigning, Alexander led his exhausted army back to Babylon, acknowledging the rising power of Rome and considering future conquests.
He died at 32, leaving behind a vast empire that shortly fractured among his generals (the Diadochi) into successor states.