Ancient Mediterranean and Europe: Alexander of Macedon, Hellenism’s Greatest Leader

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Alexander of Macedon, Hellenism’s Greatest Leader

Printed From: History Community ~ All Empires
Category: Regional History or Period History
Forum Name: Ancient Mediterranean and Europe
Forum Discription: Greece, Macedon, Rome and other cultures such as Celtic and Germanic tribes
URL: http://www.allempires.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4025
Printed Date: 16-Apr-2024 at 07:14
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.56a - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Alexander of Macedon, Hellenism’s Greatest Leader

Posted By: philiptheuniter
Subject: Alexander of Macedon, Hellenism’s Greatest Leader
Date Posted: 17-Jun-2005 at 11:40

Of all the Hellenism's children, Alexander shines as the greatest leader. I was wondering what the other members thought as this is a tough decision. Ellas has had many many shining stars. Philip, Achilles, Odeysseus, King Leonidas...ETC...

Replies:

Posted By: Belisarius
Date Posted: 17-Jun-2005 at 13:10

Most glorious leader, definately. Greatest? That is questionable. Alexander's achievements in Asia are have been wiped away. After all, what noticable Greek culture survives past the Bosphorus? However, the achievements of Solon have a prominent presence in the modern age.

Posted By: philiptheuniter
Date Posted: 17-Jun-2005 at 14:10

Solon's achievements are very impressive indeed. His contribution to humanity is felt to this day. Athens produced a very wise one in this leader.

Posted By: GENERAL PARMENION
Date Posted: 18-Jun-2005 at 07:23

Alexander was responsible for the introduction of " Western Civilization " to humanity !

One of The Greatest Greeks ever to have lived !

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"There is no doubt, that Macedonians were Greeks."
(Robin Lane Fox "Historian-Author" In Interview with newspaper TO BHMA)

Posted By: Imperator Invictus
Date Posted: 18-Jun-2005 at 09:38

After all, what noticable Greek culture survives past the Bosphorus?

How about the Bactrian and Indo-Greek Kingdoms?

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Posted By: Belisarius
Date Posted: 18-Jun-2005 at 22:19

I meant active semblances that survive to this day.

Posted By: TheodoreFelix
Date Posted: 18-Jun-2005 at 23:26

One has to laugh at the irony of it all. He set out to unite the world and brought about war in that world for over the next 200 years.

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Posted By: philiptheuniter
Date Posted: 19-Jun-2005 at 17:53

His premature death really put a nasty wrench into the region, in fact, into the whole Empire. No wonder Rome was able to conquer after that. However, not taking anything away from Rome.

Posted By: Constantine XI
Date Posted: 20-Jun-2005 at 01:49

Well really Alexander was a fine soldier, but his actual ability as an administrator and ruler are very suspect. You do not build an Empire solely on your ability to defeat any army that comes your way. Legal codes, cultural understanding, an administrative apparatus, good economic management etc are what is needed. Alexander proved himself to be a fine conqueror, then once in absolute power he killed off more of his soldiers himself than died during the whole decade long campaign to defeat Persia. We read of how after a week long binge session (Alexander was a most intemperate drinker) he had a group of his officers with 6,000 loyal troops rounded up and killed. We all do silly things whilst drunk, but Alexander on multiple occasions swallowed more than was good for him and it was his subordinates who paid the price for his paranoid excesses.

Sure, Alexander shone out in his own way, he left some legacies to Western Civilization. But look at the childish malice, the jeolous paranoia, the suicidal vanity, sacrifice in the name of vain-glory, betrayal, excess and megalomania. Hellenism has produced few equals as warriors, but takes the credit for a vast list of better rounded and ultimately more virtuous individuals.

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Posted By: Stratego's
Date Posted: 01-Jul-2005 at 11:15

" he had a group of his officers with 6,000 loyal troops rounded up and killed".

Which incident was this?