Alexander the Great, born in 356 B.C., lived for almost 33 years, passing away a few days before his 33rd birthday. The impact of his accomplishments certainly paved the way for things that would change society in general, including the spread of Christianity. He died on June 13th, 323 B.C.
Many factors are involved when it comes to how our various cultures have grown throughout the world. You have to look and study the "heart" of the its people, the history that defines them, their literature and thoughts, and the arts...paintings, architect, and their philosophies on life.
Alexander the Great was born into Royal family, his father being King Phillip ll of Macedon and his mother Queen Olympias. That statement alone has numerous articles and books to the type of background Alexander was exposed to from birth. Alexander was taught by Aristotle himself.
When Alexander took the throne after his father's tragic death, Alexander was firm in making it clear he was their leader. He executed many within the framework of his own family and leveled an entire town called Thebes, to deter any uprisings from within his domain.
It is written of Alexander that he was probably around 5' 10", a rather stocky build, his neck had a twist to it that made him appear he was looking at an upward angle, and his personality was dynamic.
He had upon occasion displayed a violent temper, rash at times on decisions, and impulsive in nature. Yet, it was his charisma that seem to "win people over".
It is generally written of Alexander and the great places of the world in his time, that being: Macedonia, Greece, Egypt, and the great Persian Empire accelerated in change brought on directly by Alexander the Great. In fact, Rome deified Alexander and was the first country to refer to him as "the Great".
The Persian Empire was one of the greatest feats for Alexander. It was at the Plains of Gaugamela that is forever etched in the chronicles of history as one of the greatest military achievements the world has ever known.
King Darius Ill of Persia had aligned over 200,000 of his military to attack Alexander and his forces totaling 47,000. Although being outnumbered 4 to 1, Alexander devised a plan that brought down the great and mighty Persian Empire.
Alexander first attacked the rear flanks of King Darius, causing the Persian army to split to defend itself. Then, led by Alexander, he and his army remaining charged right up the middle of the Persian Army, and everything went into disarray. The Persian army broke ranks, and now in shredded pieces, Alexander routed the Persians.
King Darius Ill of Persia escaped on horseback, but was killed later...assassinated by one of his own men.
With this victory, Alexander was declared "King of all Asia".
Alexander the Great, being instructed by Aristotle, took a different approach toward other countries he conquered than what was previously done. He allowed the various cultures to continue in their way of life, with the exception of the governments being under Greeks and Alexandrian guidance.
Egypt for example had hated being under Persian rule mainly because of heavy taxes and religious intolerance. Alexander's different approach brought him the title from the Egyptians themselves, "Our Pharaoh...Alexander". It began a 300 year of cultural exchange between the Greeks and the Egyptians.
Alexander the Great brought with him both the Hellenic and Hellenistic style to cultures throughout the world.
Alexander created Alexandria, Egypt, seated along the rich Nile Delta. Here, schools were established, theatres, and one of the greatest libraries of antiquity of its time.
Alexander came to preserve, not destroy other countries and their cultures, including government systems (although monitored).
Even Jerusalem was to see the effects of Alexander with its Greeks and Hellenistic culture situated in the heart of Israel by the time of Christ's birth and Herod's reign in Israel.
Alexander established a common currency, silver coins based on Attic Standard. He established higher level of education for both men and women, encouraged "Individualism", and blended the Greek deities with the native deities of the lands he conquered. He also made the "koine" Greek language the official language to be spoken throughout the world. It was more of a "street language" as compared to the classical Greek language often seen and heard in plays etc.
Babylon of Persia became Alexander's home and in an attempt to solidify the Persian region, he began to dress like a Persian, and even married a Persian dancer named Roxanne.
His men objected to Alexander's mannerisms because they felt he was trying to please a defeated enemy.
After 8 years of battle, Alexander had been to India, encountering "new weapons of warfare", elephants. Alexander, in all his years of battle and conquering the world, had never lost a single battle. Alexander heard the "cry" of his men...they just wanted to go home...they had been fighting long enough.
So, that is what Alexander did. He traveled down the Indian rivers to the ocean, then along the coasts to Persia and Babylon. There is where Alexander "lost" his first battle, but it was not a military battle. In order to go home, they had to cross the Gedrosan Desert, and there Alexander lost 15,000 men...more than he lost in 8 years of war.
The trip may have taken its toll on Alexander as well, for when he returned home to Babylon, there was an extended banquet given, and Alexander the Great drank excessively.
It was then he took ill with fever, quite possible from a form of malaria on returning home...and died only a few days later, just short of his 33rd birthday.
So what happened to Alexander the Great and great empire, well, it seem to dissipate faster than what he had built in his 12 year reign. His family heirs could not hold the empire together, and in a short time...the empire was no more.
Alexander the Great's legacy brought to us new knowledge of geography, zoology, new ideas on politics, and the advancement of medicine. Yet, overall, the mighty Alexandrian Empire was brought to a close.....but wait...
There was this man who is now spreading a new message...referred to some as "the Messiah"...and the news of Him is traveling fast......
Alexander the Great conquered the world and brought changes as a result...but...changing the world and the hearts of its people?....there is only One who can do that...and He is about to come on the scene...."
Many factors are involved when it comes to how our various cultures have grown throughout the world. You have to look and study the "heart" of the its people, the history that defines them, their literature and thoughts, and the arts...paintings, architect, and their philosophies on life.
Alexander the Great was born into Royal family, his father being King Phillip ll of Macedon and his mother Queen Olympias. That statement alone has numerous articles and books to the type of background Alexander was exposed to from birth. Alexander was taught by Aristotle himself.
When Alexander took the throne after his father's tragic death, Alexander was firm in making it clear he was their leader. He executed many within the framework of his own family and leveled an entire town called Thebes, to deter any uprisings from within his domain.
It is written of Alexander that he was probably around 5' 10", a rather stocky build, his neck had a twist to it that made him appear he was looking at an upward angle, and his personality was dynamic.
He had upon occasion displayed a violent temper, rash at times on decisions, and impulsive in nature. Yet, it was his charisma that seem to "win people over".
It is generally written of Alexander and the great places of the world in his time, that being: Macedonia, Greece, Egypt, and the great Persian Empire accelerated in change brought on directly by Alexander the Great. In fact, Rome deified Alexander and was the first country to refer to him as "the Great".
The Persian Empire was one of the greatest feats for Alexander. It was at the Plains of Gaugamela that is forever etched in the chronicles of history as one of the greatest military achievements the world has ever known.
King Darius Ill of Persia had aligned over 200,000 of his military to attack Alexander and his forces totaling 47,000. Although being outnumbered 4 to 1, Alexander devised a plan that brought down the great and mighty Persian Empire.
Alexander first attacked the rear flanks of King Darius, causing the Persian army to split to defend itself. Then, led by Alexander, he and his army remaining charged right up the middle of the Persian Army, and everything went into disarray. The Persian army broke ranks, and now in shredded pieces, Alexander routed the Persians.
King Darius Ill of Persia escaped on horseback, but was killed later...assassinated by one of his own men.
With this victory, Alexander was declared "King of all Asia".
Alexander the Great, being instructed by Aristotle, took a different approach toward other countries he conquered than what was previously done. He allowed the various cultures to continue in their way of life, with the exception of the governments being under Greeks and Alexandrian guidance.
Egypt for example had hated being under Persian rule mainly because of heavy taxes and religious intolerance. Alexander's different approach brought him the title from the Egyptians themselves, "Our Pharaoh...Alexander". It began a 300 year of cultural exchange between the Greeks and the Egyptians.
Alexander the Great brought with him both the Hellenic and Hellenistic style to cultures throughout the world.
Alexander created Alexandria, Egypt, seated along the rich Nile Delta. Here, schools were established, theatres, and one of the greatest libraries of antiquity of its time.
Alexander came to preserve, not destroy other countries and their cultures, including government systems (although monitored).
Even Jerusalem was to see the effects of Alexander with its Greeks and Hellenistic culture situated in the heart of Israel by the time of Christ's birth and Herod's reign in Israel.
Alexander established a common currency, silver coins based on Attic Standard. He established higher level of education for both men and women, encouraged "Individualism", and blended the Greek deities with the native deities of the lands he conquered. He also made the "koine" Greek language the official language to be spoken throughout the world. It was more of a "street language" as compared to the classical Greek language often seen and heard in plays etc.
Babylon of Persia became Alexander's home and in an attempt to solidify the Persian region, he began to dress like a Persian, and even married a Persian dancer named Roxanne.
His men objected to Alexander's mannerisms because they felt he was trying to please a defeated enemy.
After 8 years of battle, Alexander had been to India, encountering "new weapons of warfare", elephants. Alexander, in all his years of battle and conquering the world, had never lost a single battle. Alexander heard the "cry" of his men...they just wanted to go home...they had been fighting long enough.
So, that is what Alexander did. He traveled down the Indian rivers to the ocean, then along the coasts to Persia and Babylon. There is where Alexander "lost" his first battle, but it was not a military battle. In order to go home, they had to cross the Gedrosan Desert, and there Alexander lost 15,000 men...more than he lost in 8 years of war.
The trip may have taken its toll on Alexander as well, for when he returned home to Babylon, there was an extended banquet given, and Alexander the Great drank excessively.
It was then he took ill with fever, quite possible from a form of malaria on returning home...and died only a few days later, just short of his 33rd birthday.
So what happened to Alexander the Great and great empire, well, it seem to dissipate faster than what he had built in his 12 year reign. His family heirs could not hold the empire together, and in a short time...the empire was no more.
Alexander the Great's legacy brought to us new knowledge of geography, zoology, new ideas on politics, and the advancement of medicine. Yet, overall, the mighty Alexandrian Empire was brought to a close.....but wait...
There was this man who is now spreading a new message...referred to some as "the Messiah"...and the news of Him is traveling fast......
Alexander the Great conquered the world and brought changes as a result...but...changing the world and the hearts of its people?....there is only One who can do that...and He is about to come on the scene...."
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