Alexander III of Macedon
King of Macedonia
Bust of Alexander II e - the first century BC. BC , British Museum
Reign
-336 to 13 June -323
Predecessor	Philip II of Macedon
Other functions
Pharaoh
Period -331 - 13 June -323
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Predecessor
Successor	Ptolemy I
Period -
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Biography
Birth	21 July -356
	Pella Kingdom of Macedonia
Deaths	13 June -323 (32 years)
	Babylon
Father	Philip II of Macedon
Mother	Olympias
Spouse (s)	Roxane
Descent	Alexander IV of Macedonia

Alexander the Great (in Greek : / or / or Alexander III of Macedonia ( ' / meaning in Greek "protective . He is the son of Philip II of Macedon and Olympias , princess of Epirus , his third wife. Through his mother, he is the nephew of Alexander the Hound , King of Epirus , a territory which is today among the Greek region of Epirus and south of present Albania. Her mother gives birth, -355 to a daughter Cleopatra.

A legend, known since antiquity, "says Alexander Olympias was not designed with Philip, who was afraid of her and her habit of sleeping in the company of snakes , but with Zeus. Alexander has used these folktales for political purposes, referring to the god rather than Philip when he mentions his father. Another legend dating from the ^third century , of Egyptian origin that and falsely attributed to Callisthenes , the Alexander Romance, Alexander wants to be the son of the last pharaoh of the Egyptian Dynasty ^XXX , Nectanebo II .

By his father Philip II, Alexander claims descent from Temenos of Argos , himself a descendant of Heracles , the son of Zeus - for this reason, the Macedonian dynasty called Dynasty Argades or Tmnides. Through his mother, Olympias, the dynasty acides Alexander says descent from Neoptolemus , son of Achilles .

According to a statement of the time, reported among others by Plutarch , Alexander was born the same night that Erostratus fire the temple of Artemis at Ephesus , one of the seven wonders of the ancient world . Alexander later uses this coincidence to strengthen its political will, and proposes to finance the restoration of the temple, which was however refused by Ephesians .

Plutarch also states that Philip and Olympias dreamed of the future birth of their son. After consulting Aristandre Telmessos of which determined that Olympias was pregnant and the child would have the character of a lion . As for his physique, it seems that his eyes were minnows and, because of a war wound that would have severed a nerve, his head tilted to the right .

Childhood and education

Alexander has the eyes of the Greeks , a dual membership. It is firstly a barbarian , because it is a Macedonian who has a passionate temperament and gets carried away by wrath of a terrible violence, inheritance attributed to his mother, but often followed by quick repentance. It is capable of generous impulses which combine reward unfailing. His religious convictions are tainted with superstitions . However, the dominant trait of character is without question his iron will, which can go up to the obstinacy and stubbornness.

Alexander and Aristotle.

Meanwhile, Alex is deeply influenced by Greek culture. It is true that, located in northern Greece today, Macedonia is one of the regions pelagic antique. The language was then one of the many Greek dialects and, from time of King Archelaus (late ^fifth century BC. ), the official language of the court and Chancery Macedonian becomes the Ionic-Attic. Philip, who visited Thebes in the house of Epaminondas as a hostage (between -369 and -367 ) , for its part, speaks fluently and his son. The latter according to Plutarch speaks Macedonian only under the strong emotion .

After being educated by Leonidas , a relative of his mother Olympias and Lysimachus of Akarnania , Alexandre receives tutor, the philosopher Aristotle of -343 to -340. The latter is the son of Nicomachus , physician to Amyntas III , grandfather of Alexander. He wrote an annotated edition of the Iliad for his pupil. Alexander also read Herodotus and Xenophon , that authors can exploit later when his conquests. Alexander proved a gifted student. He knows by heart many tragedies, the Iliad , and has many ideas of medicine, history and mathematics .

Philippe is also the initiator of the League of Corinth , bringing together all the Greek cities, with the exception of Sparta , under his command. The league must take the war against the Persian Empire . In -340 , in the absence of his father's party besiege Byzantium , Alexander, at sixteen, became regent of Macedonia.

In -337 , however, a violent argument between father and son when Alex takes the side of his mother Olympias that Philippe wants to impose Cleopatra , sister or niece of a general of Philip, Attalus , as a second wife and legitimate he has a son soon. Alexander must take refuge in his mother's family in Epirus. But the quarrel did not last and soon forgiven, Alexander saved the life of his father during a confrontation with Triballi .

The elimination of any potential rival (was -336)

During the summer -336 , Philip was assassinated at the wedding of his daughter Cleopatra to the king of Epirus , Alexander the Hound , the brother of Olympias. The murderer is a young noble, Pausanias of Orestis , a former officer of the king who keeps a grudge against Philip, the latter having ignored a request that would have made. The historians of antiquity have often thought that the murder of Philip had been a plot involving Olympias and Alexander but perhaps Diodorus looking for a personal motive of the murderer . Few contemporary historians consider that Alexander was involved in the murder of his father while throughout the conduct of Philip shows his intended successor.

Another hypothesis involves Darius III , the new king of Persia. Plutarch mentions a letter from Alexander to Darius virulent, where the Macedonian blame Darius (and Bagoas , his grand vizier that Darius III was swiftly removed shortly thereafter), for murder of his father, arguing that it was Darius who boasted to the various Greek cities of how he murdered Philip .

After Philip's death, the army proclaimed Alexander, then twenty years, the new king of Macedonia. Greek cities like Athens and Thebes, which had pledged allegiance to Philip, are not so eager to do the same vis--vis the young man. Alexander immediately ordered the execution of all potential rivals. Thus, for not having a competitor to the throne, he murdered his cousin Amyntas IV , king of Macedonia to -360 / -359 Philip II was overthrown while he was a child . As for Olympias, taking advantage of the absence of his son gone off to war in the north, she killed the son of Philip II and Cleopatra and forced it to hang . Alexander claims that he be delivered Demosthenes , Lycurgus and Hyperides . That said, the rage in Alexander frequently alternate with gestures of generosity, the destruction of Thebes and Athens forgiveness is only the first of a long list.

Finally, little Alex is now a sovereign in his kingdom. When he left the Europe in the spring -334 for his expedition in Asia, is never to return.

The Conqueror

The army of Alexander

Alexander did not leave Macedonia completely bald. It gives Antipater , regent in the king's absence, half of the Macedonian cavalry is about 1 500 men and 12 000 infantrymen. The actual departure of the expedition in Asia are about 1800 riders, plus an equivalent number of Thessalian horsemen and 600 recruited in the Greek states of the League of Corinth.

Macedonian Phalanx

Infantrymen, probably 32,000, which is the famous phalanx , are recruited from the Macedonian peasant class. In total it employs relatively low, about 4400 riders and just over 30 000 foot . But throughout the dispatch of reinforcements arriving from Macedonia and Greece, besides the native troops who will complete the staff of the army to progressively advance Alexander in Asia. On the other hand the small number is compensated by a large tactical superiority. The phalanges are relaxed and sarissae (long spears, the base can be planted in the ground and capable of breaking cavalry charges) lengthened thus increasing their load speed, so that with very tight formations, and the masses kinetic energies of the hoplites are cumulative shock when making contact as it can reverse several rows of opposing infantry . Heavy cavalry compensates the lack of maneuverability of the phalanges in protecting its highly vulnerable flanks and attacking those of the enemy to disrupt enemy formations and make them vulnerable to the impact of the phalanges.

The Battle of Granicus (May -334)

Device of the Battle of Granicus

The young king of Macedonia from his capital Pella and in twenty days, reached Sestos in the Thracian Chersonese. While Parmenion is charged by the King to carry the army to Abydos , bridgehead created by Philip II on the Hellespont , Alexander goes to lonte sacrifice he makes the first fallen hero during the Trojan War , Protesilaus. This gesture is the first in a long list that shows the will of the king to strike the imagination by posing for the new Achilles , without even possible to know if it is sincerely convinced of the pride of belonging to the breed of hero or if it is a simple gesture theatrical destination of its soldiers and peoples of Asia Minor and Greece.

Thus he arrives in Asia near the supposed location of Troy , stands in the altars of the Temple of Athena at Ilion, and will put a wreath on the tomb of Achilles, while Hephaestion did the same on that of Patroclus (Aelian says in its varied history (XII, 7) that "thus implying that Alexander was cute, as Patroclus was the Achilles . "His book is a collection of stories, written over five centuries after Alexander's death and yet it is the only historian known to evoke such a relationship, which would probably be wrong. Hephaestion happening at other historians as "the best friend Prices of Alexander "). Only after, Alexander joined his army to Arisb in four days, skirting the north of the massif Pityos.

The main Greek mercenary leader of Darius III , Memnon of Rhodes , was in favor of the scorched earth policy against the Macedonians, he believes, rightly value. He proposed that leads to the army inside the country without fighting, the troops of Alexander, while the Persian fleet is up to the war Macedonia. Memnon could legitimately expect a revolt of Greek cities, based on the gold of Darius and the legitimate resentment against Alexander after the sacking of Thebes. But the Persian satraps are wary of advice from a stranger and take no account of his opinion. Arsita , the satrap of Phrygia , says he will not leave one house burn its satrapy .

Route of the army of Alexander the Great in the western part of Asia Minor during the year -334.

The capture of Miletus (May / July -334)

Alexander's victory was an important consequence: to the battle of Issus , he has only just left garrisons in the cities to oppose it . In the wake of the Granicus, Sardis , the capital of Phrygia, surrendered without resistance, while Parmenion seizes Dascylion. The city of Ephesus , plagued by sectarian strife, where Memnon fled after the battle, sees the Democratic party favorable to Alexander win. This cleverly attracts the sympathy of the inhabitants of the city by giving the temple of Artemis the tribute that the city previously paid to Darius and recalling the banished.

The opponents of Alexander fled to Miletus , where Memnon, who just left Ephesus, takes things in hand after attempts at betrayal of the cause by Persian Hgsistrate, the leader of Greek mercenaries in the service of Darius. But the city is quickly taken in July -334 by Alexander, after he banned the Persian fleet to anchor on the coast by taking the Cape Mycale.

The siege of Halicarnassus (summer / autumn -334)

However Memnon fled to Halicarnassus , whose king Pixodarus , brother of the famous Mausolus , sided with the Persians. Memnon is assisted by the satrap of the Theban Orontabs and Ephialtes, who has vowed the death of Macedonian since the destruction of his hometown.

Alexander played on the internal rivalries in the city and because of Ada 's sister Pixodarus that it had reversed the satrap of Caria. It then adopted as his son Alexander and made him his heir. Most eastern satrapies will be organized according to this model. The civil powers are given to a Persian or an Asian and a Macedonian military powers.

Remains to capture the town with two castles, one of which on an island. Alexander after the capture of Miletus just make the mistake of dismissing his fleet ^, . Also can he take that of the lower town, while the two citadels remain in the hands of Greek mercenaries of Darius. Alexander also says it his way, leaving under the command of Ptolemy, a troop of 3,000 infantry and 200 cavalry to pursue the seat .

Alexander seizes the Pamphylia and Pisidia (-334 Winter / Spring -333)

Route of the army of Alexander the Great in Asia Minor during the year -333.

Alexander then turned towards the Lycian and took it without much resistance. Then at the end of -334 and early -333 , it penetrates Pamphylia then Pisidia. These regions are very nominally belong to the Achaemenid empire. Most often these cities are autonomous and competing with each other. These rivalries, Alexander will play and receives the submission of Aspendos (east of the present city of Antalya ), the Side (now the Selimiye Side or about 60 kilometers east of Antalya). Then he goes back to Phrygia and fight the inhabitants of the city Termessos (34 km northwest of Antalya) but failed to take the city, dealing with their enemies benevolence of the city of Selge , captured Sagalassos and finally manages to Gordion (modern village of Yassihyk). There are reinforcements from both Macedonia and Greece as well as Parmenio which came in part to winter at Sardis. The Government of Pamphylia and Pisidia is entrusted Nearchus.

The cons-offensive of Memnon of Rhodes (winter -334 / -333)

The first part of Alexander's campaign is over. The situation is uncertain because although the king of Macedonia has won a glorious success, but it faces several uncertainties. For some members of his entourage, including Parmenion is apparently representing it, the goal of Philip II , theorized by Isocrates namely the conquest of Asia to the shores of the Halys is reached. A vast territory was conquered by Macedonia and open to settlement and Hellenic influence. But Isocrates, in the projects he had submitted to Philip planned a second solution: the destruction of the Persian Empire.

It aims to achieve this objective Alexander. This also explains why, although it proclaims its willingness to act as head of the Hellenes, he relies primarily, at least initially, on the Macedonians considered more reliable and committed to his person by the dynastic loyalty. Therefore there remains relatively little time to Gordion , where the episode of the Gordian knot , if authentic, it promises the empire of Asia (Alexander is presented with the Gordian knot : it says that the person happens to untie this knot will acquire the empire of Asia. Alexander, a blow of his sword, the famous slice knot), and that while the situation is not entirely without risk to his rear.

Alexander cutting the Gordian knot by John Simon Berthlemy , Paris , Ecole des Beaux-Arts

Indeed, during the winter -334 Darius gives the command of his fleet to Memnon of Rhodes. It intends to carry the war into Macedonia on landing in Greece (known as the Euboea ) and organizing a general revolt. The anti-Macedonian remains vivid in many cities. The idea of a war of revenge against the Persians , compared to the Median wars , an idea developed by Alexander and his supporters in Greece does not make it acceptable to their opponents the Macedonian hegemony. Do not forget that Greek soldiers fighting on both sides. Memnon takes Chios , which is delivered by the oligarchic party (the political trend is still broadly hostile to Alexander the Greek cities in contrast to the Democratic Party) and then restore the tyrant Aristonicus to Methymna and laid siege to Mytilene. That's when Memnon died (late summer -333 ) and that his plan was abandoned by Darius III. The Persian ruler decided to make himself the head of his army against Alexander. Autophradates and Pharnabazus Memnon replace the head of the army and fleet. Pharnabazus resumed Miletus and Halicarnassus , but must be separated from his Greek mercenaries who join, probably by sea, the army brings Darius.

Alexander felt, rightly, have erred in dismissing its fleet. Therefore it supports two officers, and Hglochos Amphotros (brother of Crater ) to reconstitute a ). However Parmenio , true king's second at the beginning of the expedition, occupies the channels that allow passage of Cilicia to the plain of Issus (neck-Karanluk Kapu) and those beyond the control passage to Syria (and Merks passes Bailan). Alexander, once established, shall, within seven days according to Arrian , the mountain people of Cilicia and seized Soles where he restored, in theory at least, democracy. He currently teaches at the pacification of his great victories with Ptolemy in Caria Orontobats the satrap and the fall of Halicarnassus , the Myndos and submission of Kos. But shortly after ( -333 ), the satrap Pharnabazus , head of the Persian fleet submits Tenedos and Sigeum and consult with the king of Sparta , Agis III , who attempts to raise the Greece of giving money and few vessels. The situation remains delicate as well as the imminent arrival of Darius III is accurate.

The Achaemenid king was installed in the plain of Issus, curiously leaving the position more favorable to his cavalry Sochi, perhaps in the desire to cut Alexander's rear and force him to battle. Alexander is in Syria but he turned back, needing for the reasons given above for a victory. It takes the path passes Syrian already borrowed, slowly venturing into the plain of Issus and organizes his line of battle before the Persian army.

The conquest of Phoenicia (winter -333)

The defeat of the Persians after the defeat of Issus ( ¹ November -333 ) is total. Darius with a few thousand men barely escaped to Thapsaque (city of Syria on the Euphrates ), while others are fugitives dispersed by various officers of Alexander. Many fugitives took refuge in Phoenicia and from there won the Egypt or Cyprus. The clearest result of the victory is, paradoxically, the total submission of the Greek world that no longer thinks its support to the Persians, as was the attempt of the king of Sparta , Agis III by meeting satraps and Persian attempting to lift the Crete. Demosthenes at Athens , had predicted (and hoped?) defeat the king of Macedonia. The victory of Issus is stopped, temporarily at least, the desire for independence of the Greek cities.

Paradoxically, the situation remains perilous Alexander. One of the best officers Persian Nabarzans withdrew with a large force of cavalry in Cappadocia and Paphlagonia and recruited a large force (end -333 / early -332 ). So there is a real risk on the backs of Alexander and its supply lines in Asia Minor. Furthermore it is clear that Darius throws a new army. Finally, the Persian fleet represents a great danger in the Aegean. Control of the Phoenician coast, it can serve as a base, is essential. Therefore, abandoning the pursuit of Darius III , Alexander took the road south to Arados (north of Phoenicia) while Parmenion is sent to Damascus where he claimed the baggage of Darius. At the same time Alexander appoints one of its most energetic officers, Antigone , in command of all the Macedonian forces present in Asia Minor. It succeeds with the help of Nearchus , breaking the cons-Persian offensive in Asia Minor in the spring of -332.

The period of the Achaemenid Empire to the Phoenicians had been a prosperous period since, leaving them a true autonomy, the Persian kings had allowed the Phoenician cities to take part in the control of many trade routes . The latter have not forgotten the scenes of prisoners of the army of Alexander rushed from the walls. Probably 7000 to 8 000 people are killed in the city (according to Diodorus of Sicily ), and 20 000 are sold as slaves (some of the people including many women and children fled to Carthage ). Only the temple is spared in the city. The dam built by Alexander still exists in part today, it was used especially when the crusaders besieged Tyre. This success allows Alexander to finish his grip on the whole of Phoenicia.

What objectives?

Route of the army of Alexander the Great during the years -332 and -331 , the Battle of Issus to that of Gaugamela and taking up Babylon.

Alexander after the capture of Tyre is the way of Egypt but not before twice delayed, despite the favorable opinion of Parmenion , proposals for peace more than advantageous to Darius III. Darius Alexander has married his daughter Stateira and give dowry entire region between Europe and Asia Minor Halys River . What seems to desire that Alexander is not a Greco-Macedonian empire extending well beyond on Asia , an idea already put forward by Isocrates the Athenian rhetorician , but the whole of Asia, at least the knowledge that possess the Greeks. The refusal of Alexander also explained by the fictitious character of Darius territorial concessions. These are just the dowry Stateira which means that under no circumstances Darius renouncing its sovereignty over the regions. It wants to avoid this pitfall that Alexander, who demands to be regarded as the sovereign (kurios) full and territories already conquered. There is also applied the Greek law of war, defined by Xenophon :

"This is a universal and eternal law that in a town taken over enemies at war, everything, and people and property, belongs to the winner . "

It seems that the primary objective is to replace Alexander sovereignty Achaemenid Macedonian sovereignty and considers that all his conquests are outright. The appointment of princes, from the victory of the Granicus, in this direction. After the capture of Tyre, he says emphatically that he will not settle for the conquest of Lydia and Cilicia , which was roughly speaking, the objective of Isocrates. The ancient historians are convinced that its objective is to conquer the whole territory Achaemenid . Certainly we must be cautious with the various sources. Is it in Arrian and Quintus Curtius report accurate territorial ambitions of Alexander or historical discourse constructed after the fact to give the impression of a conqueror in the long term vision and not a conquest improvised according victories and events. The answer to this question is problematic, but it seems difficult to believe that as a result of any agreement between Darius and Alexander the latter has agreed to the Euphrates its eastern border. The fact that throughout the period of Alexander claims, systematically, the territories which at one time or another were Achaemenid illustrates that there is in him a will and a strong and coherent political project.

Pharaoh (Autumn -332 / -331 Spring)

Alexander Pharaoh praying the god Amun - Luxor Temple

On the road to Egypt he met strong resistance in Gaza , led by the eunuch Batis , and took the city (end -332 ) whose garrison was massacred and the population sold into slavery. Alexander was wounded twice during the siege. Seven days in Gaza since then he reached Pelusium Egypt. When Alexander comes into Egypt in December -332 , it seems to be welcomed as a liberator. It is quite possible that either the Egyptians themselves, who have requested his help to free them from domination Persian exerted difficult because the Egyptians / A> revolted many times over the country for two centuries. Still, he met little resistance and is rapidly expanding its realm to the first cataract of the Nile.

Alexander proclaimed pharaoh in Memphis in -331. He sacrificed the bull Apis - a sign of respect for Egyptian traditions - and honor the gods. He then heads to the Mediterranean coast where he chose the site of the future Alexandria which is completed only under Ptolemy ^I or Ptolemy II. Legend has it that Alexander chose himself plans for the new city. He then went into the oasis of Siwa , where he met the oracle of Ammon-Zeus who confirmed as a direct descendant of the god Amun. This salutation, according to the Egyptian label, is widely exploited by the propaganda of the Conqueror. This anecdote is reported by Plutarch as well:

"Some say that the prophet, trying to greet him in Greek for a term of affection, called him" my son "( / padion) but, in his barbarous pronunciation, he stumbled on the last letter and said, substituting the nu () a sigma (): "son of Zeus" ( / dios own country), they add that Alexander tasted strong and that this lapse was rumored that he had been called "son of Zeus" by god "

- (Plutarch, Parallel Lives, 46-120)

Back in Memphis, he is officially crowned in the temple of Ptah and reorganizes the country before returning to conquer the Middle East.

It was during his stay he learns the Egyptian final rout of the remainder of the Persian fleet and the capture of its last opponents Aegean whose satrap Pharnabazus. Taken prisoner, he managed to escape but one of Alexander's admirals, Hglochos, brings to his teacher of many prisoners who were exiled in the Egyptian city of Elephantine. That leaves it up to Antipater , the regent of Macedonia to take care of the ever restless king of Sparta , Agis III. The situation in Europe worries Alexander throughout the year -331 even after the defeat of Persia at Gaugamela. It multiplies also favors the Greek cities to encourage them to stay loyal , to which he is confirmed by Alexander. This one is spared so long a siege that could enable the enemy to regroup and inaugurated its policy of rallying to his person of the aristocracy Achaemenid.

He joined as a winner in the capital of the Persian Empire and remained there nearly a month. While Darius fled, trying to raise a new army in the Royal High satrapies , Alexander takes the direction of Susa , which goes in turn. He however sent Polyxnos at Susa in order to verify important treasure (probably around 50 000 talents of silver) that was there. A significant portion of this money (perhaps 30 000 talents) is sent to Antipater so he uses in his fight against Sparta.

The difficulties of Antipater (-331)

The year -331 is a difficult year for Antipater , in addition to its relations with execrable Olympias , whom Alexander had entrusted the government of Macedonia and Greece in his absence. Apparently the dispersion of the Persian fleet, following the capture of Tyre , fanned more attempts at revolt of Greeks except Sparta where King Agis III enlists the help of Cretan pirates and all the peoples of the Peloponnese ( Eleans , Arcadians and almost all of Achaia except Pellene ) . Megalopolis , and Messenia are the only major cities to refuse to enter the anti-Macedonian. Initially Agis is the winner of an expeditionary force led by Macedonian Korragos and besieging Megalopolis. The rest of Greece, however, does not move and even Demosthenes in Athens advises not to do so. It is true that the skillful actions of Alexander, as to return to Susa Athens to the Statue of Aristo and Harmodius or release from the Athenian prisoners of the Battle of Granicus, he temporarily reconcile some of the inhabitants of the city penthouse .

In Thrace , Memnon, a strategist Macedonian envoy to contain a rebellion, takes the side of the rebels. Finally, Queen Olympias causes difficulties when, at the death of his brother Alexander , king of Epirus , who was killed in an expedition to Italy , it submits claims to the throne of this country. She finally ensures the regency for one of his grandchildren, son of former king and his daughter Cleopatra the sister of Alexander. Antipater reacts following the orders of Alexander, by dealing with Memnon to neutralize and directing substantially all of its forces, probably 35 000 to 40 000 men to the Peloponnese. Agis does about him than about 20 000 men and 2000 cavalry. He is beaten and killed under the walls of Megalopolis in the fall of -331. Sparta was forced to dissolve the Peloponnesian League and into the League of Corinth provide more forcefully in Greece Macedonian sovereignty.

The campaign in Persia and the burning of Persepolis (January / May -330)

Alexander Rondanini, Roman copy of a group of Euphranor representative Alexander and his father, the Munich Glyptotek

The campaign continues in the direction of Persia proper. Alexander takes the road that followed the Great King's court during his travels between the various capitals of the empire, which passes through the country Ouxiens (south-western Iran today). He submits, by lightning campaign of which he is accustomed, the mountaineers of these regions commit to pay a tribute of horses and pack animals needed by the army. After a time captured by the resistance of the satrap Ariobarzanes the Persian Gates , he crossed the Aras river on a bridge he built and managed the city's most symbolic power Persian Persepolis.

The city was pillaged, and then some time later, the palace of the terrace are committed to the flames (May -330 ). This fire is sometimes interpreted as a volunteer, although it goes against the policy of integration with local customs of the conqueror. Alexander would have made a symbolic gesture thoughtful, both towards the Persians and Greeks League . Another interpretation says that Alexander would have caused the fire in a state of intoxication, it pushed by a young courtesan Athenian Thais. It is possible that Alexander had wanted to avenge the destruction by Persian in Athens, -480 , or simply that he wished to assert his authority with a population reluctant to join him. Anyway, Alexander later regret this act very badly received by the Persians but done with joy by the Macedonian troops who believe, quite wrongly, that Alexander betrays his regret for his homeland and his manifest by the fire desire not to settle in Asia ^, .

The ruins of the Achaemenid palace, Persepolis.

The death of Darius III (was -330)

Darius III meanwhile fled to Media, then, before the advance of Alexander, decides to take the path of Hyrcania (south-east of the Caspian Sea ). He is joined in Ecbatana by Ariobarzanes, Bessos with riders from Bactria and a corps of about 2,000 mercenaries Greeks. Darius sends his harem, what remains of his treasure to the Caspian gates (to the east of Tehran ) which allows entry into Hyrcania and as may be easy to defend. Alexander enters Paratcne (the current region of Isfahan ), submits the population and drove on Ecbatana to learn that Darius fled just three days earlier with about 9,000 men including 3,000 cavalry. At Ecbatana King of Macedonia licenses its riders Thessalian launches Parmenio to Hyrcania and Cleithos to Parthia (east of Hyrcania). Itself starts with mobile troops in pursuit of the Monarch flight. In eleven days he travels the road from Ecbatana to Rhag (just south of Tehran), where he is forced to leave his men and horses breath five days. He learns by defectors that Darius is a prisoner of satraps Bessos and Barsaents and he goes to Hecatompylos (near the present city of Shahroud ). Upon learning this news, Alexander says his troops Crater and its components with the fastest run for a day and a half of practice without proper breaks. A day later, after a night march, he reached the camp of Darius that he just abandoned. The same evening Alexander imposes his men a new night march to reach an abandoned camp again. Alexander finally with some mounted infantry and cavalry joined the convoy of Darius. It is dead, murdered by Bessos , Barsaents and Satibarzane who come to escape with a few hundred riders (was -330 ). One of the plotters satraps, Bessos tries to take the reins of power Persian by the name of Artaxerxes IV, but it is too late, Alexander firmly holds the Persian Empire.

Still further east

Darius III died, Alexander makes him royal honors and is presented as a judge against his killers. It is likely that the death of Darius, when he is abroad, is good news for Alexander for what fate had he been able to book the Great King had he been alive? Instead it is now possible to be generous with his family to bury him and Darius in the royal tombs of Persepolis. The princes remained loyal to Darius are rewarded as Artabazus receiving the satrap of Bactria. The death of Darius the Persian nobility leads to massive rally to Alexander. This collaboration of elites defeated him is necessary because the first signs of weariness certain quotas forced the king to dismiss some of its troops. In Medea the Thessalian cavalry and allies (7 000 men from the expedition) are returned to their homes . But the needs are increasing as men and as the army entered Asia. So, just to keep the royal treasures, Alexander left 6000 men Ecbatana.

The revolt of the Arie (Autumn -330)

Before continuing Bessos and his accomplices, Alexander submits the Hyrcania and the mountain people of the region (today mountains of Khurasan at the border between Iran and Turkmenistan ), the Tapouriens and Mardians. It incorporates the majority of his army mercenary Greeks who were in the service of Persia (recruited before -334 allowing it to compensate for the dismissal of part of his forces discussed above) and assembled his soldiers Zadracarta. A portion is returned soldiers under the command of Parmenion in which it is plausible that Alexander no longer limited trust in Ecbatana as he prepares to continue the satraps at large. He learns to Zadracarta that they were separated and Bessos, who proclaimed himself king under the name of Artaxerxes IV, fled to Bactria while Satibarzane returned to Arie (present region of Herat in the west of Afghanistan ) and in Barsaents Drangiane (southern Afghanistan).

Alexander quickly seizes the Arie , up the valley Atrek, Satibarzane and maintains his position by adding a strategist Macedonian Anaxippos. But as he prepares to ascend to Bactria, revolted Satibarzane (Autumn -330 ), murders and massacres Anaxippos Macedonian troops left Arie before fleeing. Alexander to maintain order in this province there founded a city, Alexandria, Arie (current Herat ), then heads for the Drangiane where the rebel Barsaents is delivered and put to death. In October or November -330 Satibarzane rebels again Arie. He was killed in a clash with the expeditionary force launched against him by Alexander and directed by Artabazus , rygyos and Caranos.

The murders and Philotas Parmenio (Autumn -330)

In the fall of the year -330 that unfolds a dramatic episode involving the death of relatives of Alexander on the orders of the king. While the army stays in the capital of Drangiane , Phrada-Prophtasia (south of Herat ) Philotas 's son Parmenio and commander of the cavalry was imprisoned and tried for conspiracy, or rather for having a wind conspiracy against the king and did nothing to denounce. It is likely that the critical Philotas on ceremonial Persian increasingly adopted by the king have upset him. Philotas is deemed by the Assembly of Macedonians , strongly accused by Crater (who probably sees a way to eliminate a rival that could overshadow his rising star) and stoned as usual. As for Parmenio, located at the head of many troops in Medea , Alexander is not known whether involved in the conspiracy. If in doubt it sends officers to kill him, what is done. It does not take much as the troops of Media are rising because of the murder.

This episode is indicative of the growing reluctance of a large part of the Macedonians and the entourage of the king (with the notable exception of Hephaestion ) on this epic which sees them sink more and more in Asia , far from their bases in their country in pursuit of a goal and a dream that eludes them. The blunders of Philotas explaining willingly Alexander would not have won his victories without the help of his father and his, and laughed at the king's pretensions to be regarded as the son of Zeus Ammon , also explain Alexander probably will try anything to save his life. This episode shows that Alexander is finally ready to do anything to accomplish his purposes, even the murder of his closest advisers and friends. The death of Cleithos spring -328 proves tragically. Finally we must not lose sight of the Macedonian kingdom hears conflicting reports frequent between aristocracy and monarchy and the murder of Philotas, Hipparchus and commander of the Companions, is a way for King to get rid of an officer too powerful.

The difficult pacification of Central Asia (end -330 / -327 Spring)

From Drangiane , the army increased towards the end of -330 in Arachosia (south-western Afghanistan ), but is delayed in his pursuit of Bessos by the revolt of Satibarzane by Arie. The King founded a new city, Alexandria is the current Kandahar , leaving a strategist named Memnon as satrap in Arachosia and rises to the Bactria to further Bessos. Crossing the mountains Paraponisades ( Hindu Kush ) that the Macedonians and Greeks apparently confused with the Caucasus , occurs in the spring -329. In Bactria, Bessos has fled, destroying the valleys between Paraponisades and the Oxus (now Amu Darya ) to limit the scope of supply to his pursuers. It takes possession of Aornos which in turn becomes an Alexandria then Zariapsa or the City of Balkh (now Balkh ). The army then passed the Oxus on a floating bridge made of skin tents filled with various dried materials and goes into Sogdiana. Nobles Spitamenes and Oxyartes decide to deliver Bessos and made known to Alexander. Ptolemy is responsible for this capture comes at a delicate early -329. Bessos is taken to Balkh, where the manner of the Persians , they cut off his nose and ears and then he was sent to Ecbatana and executed ( -329 ).

For nearly two years Alexander struggle Sogdiana and Bactria revolted satraps cons, cons the people of the Sakas and Massagetae cons which Crater will shine. Spitamenes, the satrap who delivered Bessos, killing several rebels and Macedonian garrisons. It even imposes a crushing military defeat to officers of Alexander the river Polytimetos ( Zeravshan in present Uzbekistan ). The reaction of Alexander after that defeat is extremely significant deeper turmoil since the military prohibits, under pain of death, the survivors of this disaster to disclose the reality . After wintering ( -329 / -328 ) to Bactria , Sogdiana Alexander leaves for which agitated when Spitamenes reappears in Bactria and in a surprise ambush of the garrison Zariapsa.

This is the beginning of the year -328 an episode that takes place that Alexander will deeply regret the murder of Cleithos. The latter, sometimes described as the brother of the king, is one of his most loyal companions and even saves his life during the Battle of Granicus. At a banquet ending often widespread drunkenness, which Alexander scene sounds familiar, the ancient writers are unanimous on this point, Cleithos carries the exploits of Philip II above those of his son. It does not support it and in a fit of rage kills his friend's hand. Sober, long Cleithos Alexander weeps and makes him do the grand funeral. But this trip to the eastern provinces of the former Empire Achaemenid weighs heavily on the king's entourage. When Alexander tried to impose the label to Persian Macedonians , especially the act of worship before him ( proskynesis ), a protest brought by Callisthenes , nephew of Aristotle and historiographer of the king seems approved by many companions of the king. Alexander also assigns and maintains only the label for its Asian subjects, but the part he gives them in the army and administration arouses discontent in his entourage. The plot of the pages , born of the desire for personal revenge for one of these young people surrounding and serving the king who felt unjustly punished, however, reveals that among his fellow youth, as he fed to the sources of Greek philosophy, some find daunting its new requirements and begin to consider him a tyrant. Callisthenes who had mocked the pretensions of Alexander the deity is carried in the crackdown that followed the plot.

The elusive Spitamenes finally succumbed to the treachery of Massagetae that during the winter -328 / -327 , while Alexander is Nautaca (south-east of the existing Bukhara ), sent his head to the King of Macedonia. Spring -327 is busy destroying the last pockets of resistance, a role which carries out crater , and to reorganize the empire in this region. Instead of Artabazus , satrap of Bactria has long rallied to Alexander but very old request to be relieved of his command, a Macedonian named Alexander. Finally, he married in -327 's daughter Oxyartes , Roxane. The king also founded Alexandria Eskhate (now Khujand ), on the river Jaxartes ( Syr Darya ), which marks the northernmost point of its journey.

India and the end of the journey

Painting of Charles Le Brun showing Alexander and Puru in the Battle of the Hydaspes.

The India for the Macedonians and Greeks is a mysterious land known by the texts of Hecataeus and Herodotus as well as those of Ctesias , a doctor at the court of Artaxerxes II. These authors may have used the relation of the voyage made there Scylax of Caryanda order of Darius ^I. The valley of the Indus is nominally under the control of the Empire Achaemenid since that time but in reality the border of Persian power is limited to Paraponisades. And the valley of the Ganges and the plateau of Deccan are unknown. However, since there are connections found in the Persian armies few elephants and Indian contingents.

Alexander had he intended to speak in India? There is little doubt that the primary goal is to restore the king to his advantage the limits of the empire of Darius ^I and derive the benefits inherent trade. What seems likely is that he was easily convinced, as he wages war still in Sogdiana by Taxiles , one of the kings of the northern valley of the Indus, to intervene against his enemy Porus who ruled the kingdom Paurava east of Hydaspes and threatens the Punjab. Alexander is also advised by an Indian prince, Sisicottos , after which followed the fortunes of Bessos rallied to the conqueror. The project of Alexander is probably the oldest since, however, spring -329 he founded an Alexandria-the-Caucasus (north of the current Kabul ) which clearly illustrates its desire to have a rear base for his expedition. Finally recalling a sailor like Nearchus in -329 / -328 seems to prove that at this time Alexander is already planning an expedition by sea between India and the Persian Gulf.

Would he continue beyond the Indus? Does it have a global ambition ? Many historians believe that his expedition to the Ganges , interrupted by the mutiny of his soldiers on the Hyphasis , aimed to seize Indian commercial basis (the same way as -323 , shortly before his death, he probably was preparing an expedition to the Arab Gulf ports) but the goal was good to be back by the Indus Valley and the Ocean and the Persian Gulf. Everything therefore leads to admit that in line with his rejection of peace proposals made by Darius III at -332 and -331 , Alexander already had a fairly clear idea of its overall goals (to become the master of all territories that had once been Achaemenid and control all major trade routes), although their application in detail remained much more elusive .

The conquest of northwestern India (was -327 / -326 summer)

Route of the army of Alexander the Great in Bactria in Sogdiana , then along the valley of the Indus to the Indian Ocean.

Spring -327 Alexander from Bactria to the head of a large army, perhaps 120,000 people including at least 60,000 soldiers, the remainder consisting of slaves, servants but also women and children ) gives him a headache. Finally he reached the Indus where Perdiccas Hephaestion and built a bridge and it is passed in the spring -326. The army then rests at Taxila, the capital of Taxila. Soon after, the army moved off to fight Porus that monitors the Hydaspes (current Jhelum one of the tributaries of the Indus) with a large army, 200-strong a href = "% C3% 89L% C3% A9phant_de_guerre" alt = "War Elephant"> war elephants. Alexander maneuver once again skillfully since leaving Crater with the bulk of the troops, he crossed with his cavalry and his hypaspistes the river in a wooded area about 150 stages upstream (30 km) to take back to Porus. The victory was complete, but it is a battle of great violence. Bucephalus dies during this battle and in his honor, based on Alexander's tomb City Bucephalus (or Boukphalia). Shortly after, Alexander lost his dog perishes for whom he also built a town named . There are more soldiers for a legitimate desire to see their relatives and enjoy the spoils accumulated .

The conquest of the Indus Valley (-326 Fall / Spring -325)

Alexander then decided to submit the entire valley of the Indus. He built a fleet, ready to fall -326 where he embarked with some of his army to descend Hydaspes then the Akesines to join the Indus. This fleet is built with the financial contribution of nobles of the court and the staff of the king. It is headed by Nearchus with crews largely Phoenician and Greek following Alexander had just received reinforcements. Before departure, and despite the death of Cnos one of the most popular military leaders and one of the most faithful companions of Alexander, a meeting of local princes recognizes Porus as sovereign, under the suzerainty of the King of Macedonia and the Persian Empire. Alexander embarks with him the archers, hypaspistes and horsemen of his guard, however, that crater along the right bank and Hephaestion , with the bulk of the army, descends along the left bank.

At the mouth of the Hydaspes and Akesines rapids damage must repair the fleet. Some people submit themselves quickly, but others like Malli and Oxydraques refuse. By mid-November -326 , subjecting the Conqueror Malli, but makes the mistake of attacking a town of Brahmins , causing a rebellion which spreads rapidly before being reduced by Peithon. During this engagement, it is quite seriously injured, so that the army believes in his death. It must open the curtains of the cabin of his ship to reassure his troops.

Alexander, too imbued with Greek culture, will never understand the system of castes in India, and eventually reach the mouth of the Indus River after a violent campaign of repression . Macedonians are frightened by the phenomenon of tides , almost unknown in the Mediterranean Sea , which does not establish a Port Alexander, arsenals, tanks built in a port in southern city of Pattala , proof is for him to a territory to be incorporated into his empire.

Difficult Return (July -325 / -325 December)

Alexander, for his return to Babylon , divided his army into three bodies (July -325 ). Nearchus with a fleet of a hundred ships, 2000 sailors and 12,000 soldiers, is responsible to reopen the route between the Indus and the mouth of the Tigris and the Euphrates. Krater meanwhile has already left (in July) the valley of the Indus, with half of the phalanx (four taxes), elephants and veterans wishing to return to Macedonia. He goes by the Arachosia and Drangiane (southern Afghanistan today) and must find Alexander in Carmania (which corresponds to the region south of Iran to the Strait of Hormuz ). Doubtless it is for Alexander to show his troops in regions suffering most recently, also near the Bactrian where settlers came from military revolt .

Alexander on his horse Bucephalus, bronze, Etruscan National Museum of Villa Giulia ( Rome )

Alexander chose to return the most difficult route along the coast of Gedrosia (now Baluchistan Pakistan). This support fleet Nearchus establishing repositories of living. From Patala on the Indus , he won with 25 000 men present region of Karachi where the people of Arabism surrendered without a fight. Alexander then reached the valley he submits Pural residents, Orites. The coast is too poor to supply the troops, Alexander must seek help to Gdrosiens from inside the country. Alexander then divided his army into two bodies, one commanded by Lonnatos must follow the traditional route of the caravans, further north, and to its junction with Alexander in Pura, the capital of Gedrosia. Alexander with 12,000 men, including his elite troops and a convoy of women and children, crossed the desert Gedrosia the Makran coast along the . Now when Alexander entered the desert, and Gdrosiens Orites revolt, he gets not the promised food. The Makran desert is a particularly isolated region, covered with salt marshes, with few oases, in any event with insufficient resources for such a workforce. Much of the convoy with women, children and couplers is carried away by the sudden rise of a stream. The troupe takes two months to complete 700 km between the valley of pluralistic and Pura. Alexander reaches the city in December of Pura -325. He was joined by the contingent Lonnatos who has since founded Alexandria Orites. Despite the rainy season, more than 6000 people died of thirst and exhaustion during the march in the desert of Makran , especially as a part of the reserves of grain is deposited in the banks of forts Sea to supply the fleet. This trip is the toughest of the expedition of Alexander and causes many deaths from exhaustion, thirst and malnutrition; all horses and pack animals are dying in this journey. Especially since this suffering was unnecessary: Alexander never fails to make contact with the fleet Nearchus.

In Carmania, Alexander is joined by Crater. Alexander immediately confronted with all sorts of recriminations over the officers who ruled the empire in his absence. Abuse of his satraps are signs of discomfort quite understandable in these troubled times and that removal of the king favored. Two strategists Media , and Cleander Sitalcs are executed and later qu'Hracon. These officers were responsible for killing Parmenio . New firms appear in the eyes of the king's soldiers as more and more personal and they would feel less supportive. This resistance of the army's policy of Asian fusion with the troops is certainly the greatest failure of Alexander.

Thousands of veterans are released and come into Macedonia , commanded by Crater and Polyperchon. Crater is required to replace Antipater in Macedonia , in permanent conflict with Olympias , which Alexander seems to be wary this time, while that Antipater should bring new recruits in Asia for future projects of the king (was -324 ).

Ultimate intentions (was -324 / -323 Spring)

D'Opis through the valley of the Zagros , Alexander went to Ecbatana. That, during the winter -324 , died as the favorite of Alexander, Hephaestion , probably of disease. The pain of the king is assimilated by ancient historians to that of Achilles over the body of Patroclus. Alexander goes to his companion of almost royal honors. But quickly resumed royal duties over and a final campaign was organized against the people of Lorestan current (south-western Iran ) and against the Highlanders Ouxiens the Persians had never fully submitted.

Part of Ptolemy with Alexander wearing an elephant scalp, symbol of his conquest of the Indus.

Alexander then went to Babylon in the spring -323. Along the way he receives embassies came from Greece. The Athenians especially protest against a decree of Alexander ordering the recall of exiles and against the king calling for divine honors. The decree on the exiles will be a pretext to the outbreak of war Lamian the king's death.

Alexandre many meetings with the embassies from the countries bordering its empire ( Libya , Cyrenaica , Celts of the Balkans , probably Carthaginians ) it is not possible to determine precisely what its objectives. The trip Nearchus has shown how sea communications with the eastern part of the empire were better off than terrestrial communications, Alexander directs the exploration of the adjacent seas. And Heraclides is it sent to explore the Caspian Sea and three successive expeditions were sent to recognize the coasts of Arabia. The first two, that of Archias , and that of Androsthenes not exceed Tylos Island (now Isle of Bahrain ). That of Hiero of Soli probably reached the Gulf of Suez. This recognition of the total coast of Red Sea at the mouth of the Indus will give Alexandria a pivotal role in the development of trade relations between the Aegean Sea , and therefore Greece , and Asia.

Historians do not agree on his latest designs. Several ancient authors say that Alexander's dream was to conquer the western basin of the Mediterranean Sea . It is indeed plausible that he planned to turn to the Mediterranean Sea west, particularly to Carthage. Perdiccas stated before the troops shortly after the death of the king. What is certain is that an expedition is planned for 20 months Dsios ( 5 June -323 ) that the ancient sources point towards the south of Libya to reach the West. Is it, if not to venture into Saudi , more likely to achieve prosperity and length of his empire by controlling the surrounding seas? The question posed by contemporary historians is to understand if there are two separate projects, the conquest of the eastern Mediterranean on the one hand and control of the coasts of Arabia and the Red Sea on the other, or if it was only a single project namely linking the Tigris Alexandria to Alexandria in Egypt and from there proceed to Carthage and Sicily .

Previously, Alexander spent the last weeks of his life traveling the canals of the Euphrates and to perform work to control flooding. Then he returns to Babylon and receives, as a god, theories (emissaries) sent by the Greek cities.

The Last Days (June -323)

Alexander was he poisoned? This rumor accuses Cassandra and Iolas , the son of Antipater (Iolas, cupbearer of the king, the suspect is ideal), is mentioned by the authors of the Vulgate of Alexander , but they endorse the real ; it is challenged by Arrian and Plutarch .

As a result of disagreements in the policy to be in conflict with Greece and Olympias, Alexander has indeed pointed to Antipater as regent of Macedonia to replace the true crater. However this rumor, fomented by Olympias, spread several years after Alexander's death, at a time when the Diadochi tear already and hence the desire to discredit potential competitors is strong. This hypothesis is unverifiable course these days but it is more likely to modern historians that Alexander died of malaria in its most acute form (Plasmodium falciparum), moreover, on a tired body through wounds and excessive drinking. This season of late spring in the marshy area that forms the southern Iraq today is also conducive to such a disease. Assumptions most recent dating from the late ^twentieth century believe that Alexander may have died of West Nile virus or typhoid fever .

Arrian and Plutarch wrote, according to the Almanac royal, details of the days of King between 15 and 28 months of Dsios ( May 27 to June 10 ) . According to Plutarch, Alexander is troubled by the proliferation of signs fatal. Thus, when browsing on the Euphrates , a gust of wind carries the royal crown while at Babylon, an unknown person dares to sit on the throne of Alexander, a gesture he forfeits his life. Then the holidays and evenings of drinking, which is customary the king recovers. Thus, the 16 and 17 Dsios, Alexander goes to banquets banquets in Nearchus then in a heter name Mdeios Thessalian Larissa.

18 in the morning ( 30 May -323 ), it is seized by a fever that lasted until his death. The first few days, until 22 Dsios ( June 4 ), it continues to give orders and to monitor the preparations for his expedition, but from 23, the worsening of his condition renders incapable. On 25 Dsios, he loses the use of speech and can not speak to his officers, he acknowledges, however. A terrible fever seized him from the night of 25 to 26 Dsios. The 27 soldiers died require the believer to see and parade before the king, unarmed, which welcomes everyone to a nod or a blink.

Alexander the Great dies at 28 Dsios evening, that is to say on 13 June -323 , at the age of 32 years in Babylon.

Subsequently, his generals, the Diadochi, deliver many wars for the partition of the empire.

The tomb of Alexander

The embalmed corpse of Alexander the issue becomes a conflict between his Diadochi. One of them, Perdiccas , true to Roxane and Alexander IV , initially decided to repatriate to Vergina , the ancient capital of Macedonia, where lie the ancestors of the conqueror. The body is thus placed in a first gold anthropoid sarcophagus, in turn enclosed in a second gilded coffin, a purple cloth covering the whole. The assembly is placed on a chariot of pageantry topped by a roof that supports an Ionic peristyle . Ptolemy ^I Soter not hesitate to attack the funeral procession to take over the sarcophagus and expose it to devotion to Memphis. According to the pseudo-Callisthenes the body is then transported to Alexandria to -280, with a safe lead by Ptolemy II. This places it inside a temple in a new sarcophagus covered with gold. Ptolemy IV Philopator finally built a magnificent mausoleum (Soma) in which he outlined the body of Alexander. In The Pharsalia of Lucan , we learn that the monument stands on a mound and has the shape of a marble tower surmounted by a pyramidal dome. All around are furnished chapels for receiving the bodies of the Ptolemaic kings , the whole being protected by a walled enclosure which delimits the temenos. It is almost certain that Soma was somewhere in the intersection of the Canopic, which crosses the city along a north-east south-west from the Gate of the Sun to the door of the Moon, and the the other main route running north-south connecting the peninsula to Lochias Mareotis lake.

For Strabo , the monument is even part of the basilica. Ptolemy IX , strapped by Antiochus Grypus , was replaced in the coffin -89 gold coffin with a glass or translucent alabaster . The embalmed body remains hundreds of years and becomes an object of visit for a large number of politicians, generals as Greek than Roman. Thus, if one follows Suetonius , the emperor Augustus visited the tomb and removed the body of a second sarcophagus for him to comply with a golden crown on his head and cover it with flowers. Handling would unfortunately damaged the nose of the corpse.

The last important visit was that of the Emperor Caracalla in 215. This does not hesitate to appropriate the tunic, the collar and waist of Macedonian armor, meanwhile, has probably already been stolen by Caligula. From the ^fourth century , an earthquake and other vandalism have probably damaged the Roman monument, the location of Soma is not known. Historians and archaeologists, despite extensive research and assumptions, are still unaware of its exact location today.

Balance Sheet

The balance of the work of Alexander the Great is complex to produce because it is unfinished.

With the Asian peoples, Alexander accesses most often to the status of god-king. And in Egypt it is Pharaoh Horus alive. At Babylon he is king by the will of the chief god of the city, Marduk . Therefore Alexander, based on Asian traditions, trying to be honored as a god by his subjects. It seems unlikely that he genuinely believed to be a god. Hephaestion and even make him a subject of jokes . But he is convinced of the divine essence of his mission and sincerely believe he is the son of god.

In principle, Alexander managed to unify his empire because all the territories conquered in Asia depend on the authority of the king, but behind that full sovereignty is hiding a variety of articles and other situations such as administration satrapal. This is a direct consequence of the extraordinary rapidity of the conquest.

Economically, Alexander gives the impression of a ruler anxious to exploit the conquered space and to identify the wealth. This may be due to the influence of Aristotle , with whom he remains in contact. The expedition of the king of Macedonia is accompanied bematists , scouts responsible for collecting the information (topography) before each battle, and write them down. But Alexander's expedition is also and above all, a predatory looting operation wherein only the benefit of Macedonia, and to a lesser extent, Greece. The treasures are made astronomical sums, but the expenses of the expeditions themselves are so huge that the king's death, despite the business expansion, there remains from Justin that 50,000 talents in funds state .

The story of Alexander

Alexander the Great has inspired many performances.

Painting

Alexander cutting the Gordian knot by John Simon Berthlemy.

Alexander and his conquests were the subjects of many paintings and drawings, notably by Charles Le Brun , Jan Bruegel the Elder and John Simon Berthlemy.

Literature

• Reference by Plutarch in his Parallel Lives of Illustrious Men.
• History of his reign in the Anabasis of Arrian , the ^second century.
• Appears in Historical Library of Diodorus of Sicily.
• It is also found in Compendium of Histories of Trogus Pompeius philippics Justin
• Eskandar-Nameh (Book of Alexander the Great) of Nizami Persian poet.
• History of Alexander the Great of Quintus Curtius.
• Alexandride of Gautier de Chatillon , circa 1180.
• Valerio Manfredi, Alexander the Great trilogy:
  • I. - The son of a dream,
  • II. - The Sands of Amon
  • III. - The ends of the earth.
• Peyrefitte , trilogy on Alexander the Great, Editions Albin Michel:
  • I. - The Youth of Alexander, 1977
  • II. - The conquests of Alexander, 1979
  • III. - Alexander the Great, 1981;
• Mary Renault , trilogy on Alexander the Great, Julliard editions:
  • I. - Fire from Heaven,
  • II. - The child Persian
  • III. - The funeral games;
• David Gemmell , quadrilogy The Lion of Macedonia :
  • I. - The child cursed ,
  • II. - The Death of Nations ,
  • III. - The Black Prince ,
  • IV. - The Spirit of chaos.
• Iana Iasova:
  • Alexander of Macedonia (" " - original title)
• Shan Sa:
  • Alexander and Alestria, 2006
• Arno Schmidt
  • Alexander or What is truth?, Translation of Claude Riehl, Tristram, 2008.

Movies

Alexander has been shown many times in movies.

In 1956, Robert Rossen directs Alexander the Great (Alexander the great) with actors like Richard Burton , Fredric March , Danielle Darrieux , or Claire Bloom .

In 1980, Theo Angelopoulos makes the film Alexander the Great.

And finally in 2004 , Oliver Stone with, Alex , where Colin Farrell , Angelina Jolie , Val Kilmer , Jared Leto or Anthony Hopkins recount the epic character.

Music

The song Alexander the Great, on the hard Somewhere in Time group heavy metal British Iron Maiden tribute to this historical figure. The beginning of the song is introduced with the following quote:

My son asks you for another kingdom, for that I leave is too small for you.

"My son ask for thyself Another kingdom, I leave for That Which Is Too Small for thee."

- King Philip of Macedonia

Note that the terms and thee thyself are words from the Early Modern English. They were used when we wanted to refer to God or a person to whom we had a very high esteem.

Game

He is the King of Clubs in a traditional card game.

Schedules

Related Articles

Andre Castaigne, The Obedience of Bucephalus, 1899.

• Macedonian army
• Persian army under Darius III
• Bagoas
• Battle of Granicus | Battle of Issus | Battle of Gaugamela | Battle of the Hydaspes
• Balance of the reign of Alexander the Great
• Bucephalus
• Perishes
• Construction of the myth of Alexander the Great
• Diadochi
• Hellenistic
• Wars of the Diadochi
• a href = "Hephaestion" class = "mw-redirect" title = "Hephaestion"> Hephaestion
• Mosaic of Alexander
• Indo-Greek kingdom
• Military tactics of Alexander the Great
• Succession of Alexander the Great
• Titulature of Alexander the Great as Pharaoh of Egypt
• Cities founded by Alexander
• Vulgate of Alexander the Great

External Links

• (En) Portal Alexander, "philosopher in arms" on the site of Labiana Callipolis , Laboratory of ancient history at the University of Corsica
• (En) File on Alexander the Great on the site of the BnF Virtual exhibition "Hero, Achilles to Zidane" Bibliothque nationale de France
• (En) Representations of Alexander the Louvre
• (En) Alexander the Great and the East

• (En) Alexander the Great on YouTube [video] 's Encyclopedia channel (230 biographical film about Historical Figures).

Bibliography

• Gerard Colin, Alexander the Great, Pygmalion, 2007;
• Gustave Droysen, Alexander the Great, complex;
• Under the direction of Battistini Olivier and Pascal Charvet for translation, Alexander the Great, History and Dictionary, Robert Laffont, "Mouthpieces", Paris, 2004 ( ISBN 222109784X );
• Jacques Lacarrire, The Legend of Alexander, Gallimard, coll. "Folio," 2004;
• Pierre Briant:
  • From Greece to the East, Alexander the Great, et al. Discoveries, Gallimard , 1988
  • Alexander the Great, PUF, coll. "What do I know? "Editions of 1974 and 2002 ,
  • Alexander the Great, from Greece to India, Gallimard, coll. "Discovery", 2005,
  • "In pursuit of Darius," Historia ^No. 697, 2005,
  • 'Open Letter to Alexander the Great, Actes Sud, 2008
• Pierre Carlier, ^The Fourth Century Greece to the death of Alexander, Seuil, coll. "Points History / New Ancient History, Paris, 1996 ( ISBN 2-02-013129-3 ) ;
• Jean Delorme, Le Monde Hellenistic SEDES, et al. "Views on History, 1975;
• Goukowsky Paul, Alexander and the conquest of the East in the Greek world and the Orient, II, PUF, 1975;
• Pierre Jouguet, Macedonian Imperialism and the Hellenization of the East, Albin Michel , coll. "The Evolution of Humanity, 1972;
• Faure, Alexandre, Fayard, 1985;
• Dominique Joly (text) and Antoine Ronzon (illustrations), The Fabulous Story of Alexander the Great, Tourbillon al. "The Story", Paris, 2005 ( ISBN 2-84801-135-1 );
• Nikos Kalampalikis, The Greeks and the myth of Alexander. Psychosocial study of a symbolic conflict about Macedonia. Paris, L'Harmattan, 2007;
• Jean-Claude Perrier, Alexander the Great, Editions Hermann , et al. "Hermann History," 2008;
• Jean-Marc Hroult, The end of the empire of Alexander the Great, Cambridge Publishing, 2010 ( ISBN 9782035850522 );

Sources

• Arrian , Anabasis;
• Diodorus Siculus , Historical Library [ retail editions ] [ read online ], XVII;
• Justin , Compendium of Histories of Trogus Pompeius philippics;
• Quintus Curtius , History of Alexander the Great;
• Plutarch , Parallel Lives [ Retail Editions ] [ read online ], Life of Alexander
• Plutarch (trans. Robert Flacelire , Emile Chambry), Parallel Lives, Vol. II, coll. "Mouthpieces", 2001 ( ISBN 978-2221-093931 ), "Alexander", p. 94-149 ;
• Tabari (translated from Persian by Hermann Zotenberg), The Chronicle. History of prophets and kings, vol. I, Actes Sud / Sindbad, coll. "Thesaurus", 2001 ( ISBN 2-7427-3317-5 ), "From Solomon to the fall of the Sassanid, p. 78-82 ( History Dsoul-Qarnain and construction of the wall and Ydjoudj Mdjoudj) ;
• Janick Auberger, historians of Alexander, Belles Lettres, coll. "Fragments", 2001 ( ISBN 978-2251-74200-7 ) ;
• Jacques Lacarrire , The Legend of Alexander, Folio No. 3654, 2000, ( ISBN 978-2070-417216 );
• Aline-Bonvalot Tallet, Alexander's novel, GF Flammarion, No. 788, 1994 ( ISBN 978-2080-707888 );
• The Koran , "The Cave", XVIII , 83-98; (ar) ;

Notes

Ancient Egypt Portal History ( C ) Geography ( C ) Mythology ( C ) Gods ( C ) Art ( C ) / Pyramid ( C ) Science ( C ) Everyday life ( C ) / Political Organization / Pharaohs

The Parallel Lives of Plutarch
Romulus and Theseus Numa Pompilius and Lycurgus Valerius Publicola and Solon Coriolanus and Alcibiades Camille and Themistocles Fabius Maximus and Pericles Claudius Marcellus and Pelopidas Scipio Africanus and Epaminondas Cato and Aristides Aemilius Paullus and Timoleon Quinctius Flaminius and Philopoemen Tiberius Gracchus & Gaius Gracchus and Agis & Cleomenes Marius and Pyrrhus Sylla and Lysander Sertorius and Eumenes Lucullus and Cimon Cicero and Demosthenes Crassus and Nicias Pompey and Agesilaus Julius Caesar and Alexander Grande Cato of Utica and Phocion Brutus and Dion Antony and Demetrius Galba and Otho and Aratus and Artaxerxes
List of publications Translation online at: Hodoi Elektronikai remacle.org Wikisource

• Ancient Egypt portal
• Ancient Greece Portal
• Portal of the Ancient Near East
• Portal for Military History
• Portal Exploration

The version of 8 August 2007 This article has been accepted as "good article", that is to say that it meets quality standards for style, clarity, relevance, citation of sources and illustration.

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