Alexander The Great Notes

Evidence

  • Primary sources: Arrian, Plutarch, Diodorus, Justin, Quintus Curtius Rufus.

  • Contemporary lost historians: Callisthenes.

Images of Alexander

  • Romantic view: Alexander as a dreamer, aiming for unity (W.W. Tarn).

  • Critical view: Alexander as ruthless (Ernst Badian, A. B. Bosworth).

Philip II

  • Accession: 359 BC.

  • Assassination: 336 BC.

Alexander's Rise

  • Born Hecatombaeon, same day as the burning of the temple of Ephesian Artemis.

  • Mother: Olympias of Molossian royalty.

Revolt and Destruction of Thebes (335 BC)

  • 6,000 killed.

  • 30,000 enslaved.

  • House of Pindar saved.

Invasion of Persia

  • Early incursions: Xenophon and Agesilaus.

  • 338 BC: Artaxerxes III dies.

  • 337 BC: League of Corinth set up.

  • 336 BC: Darius III on the Persian throne.

Invasion Details

  • 334 BC (Spring): Alexander joins Parmenion in Asia.

  • Army: 32,000 infantry, 5,000 cavalry.

  • Antipater in charge of Macedon.

Granicus

  • Spoils dedicated to Athens.

Liberator of the Greeks of Asia Minor

  • Restored exiles, established democracies (e.g., Ephesus).

  • Removed oligarchies, remitted tribute.

Alexander's Letter to Darius (Arrian 2.14)

  • Accusation of Persian aggression.

  • Declaration as commander-in-chief of Greeks.

  • Demand for recognition as lord of Asia.

Siege of Tyre (332 BC)

  • Strategy and reasons for going to Egypt are key questions.

Foundation of Alexandria (331 BC)

  • Near Lake Mareotis.

  • Planned city layout with agora, sanctuaries, and walls.

Ammon at Siwah Oasis

  • Led by crows.

  • Recognition as son of Zeus Ammon.

Gaugamela (331 BC)

  • Alexander's prayer for Greek strength.

After Gaugamela

  • Darius's flight.

  • Surrender of Babylon, Mazaeus in charge.

  • Capture of Susa, vast booty.

  • Burning of Persepolis.

Death of Darius (330 BC)

  • Killed by Bessus, executed by Alexander.

  • Alexander becomes Great King.

Reasons for Dissent

  • Use of native elites.

  • Adoption of Persian dress.

  • Court practices like proskynesis.

  • Divine aspirations.

Murder of Cleitus the Black

  • Argument over cowardice and divine claims.

Proskynesis

  • Objections to Persian custom, especially from Callisthenes.

India (327-26 BC)

  • Capture of Aornus, linked to Heracles.

Porus

  • Symbolized by elephants.

  • Mutiny at Hyphasis.

  • Return via Indus River and Gedrosian desert.

  • Distance to India: ~5,500 km.

Alexander’s Last Words

  • To the best.

  • Let the battles of my friends be my funeral games.

Significance

  • Overthrew Persian Empire.

  • Expanded Greco-M