Alexander the Great was an impressive, strong, ambitious leader. He conquered land in most of Asia Minor. The man was only in his twenties while doing this great feat. Yes, Alexander’s adventure was definitely worth it. Without this journey of conquests, the world would not have the writings from Alexander’s travels, the information about battles, and the knowledge of other civilizations. There are many reasons why Alexander the Great’s adventure was worth it, but there are specific events that happened that also support his trip’s worth. Alexander had many great conquests in Egypt, Persepolis, Afghanistan, and India.
Alexander the Great made his way to Egypt in 331. He traveled through what is now the city of Alexandria. In his time, the area was nothing. Alexander ordered a magnificent city to be built with a library and a beautiful harbor. This became a cultural center for many years to come. If Alexander did not go on his adventure, there would not be the city of Alexandria and the great library that once existed. The most important event that happened for Alexander in Egypt was his voyage to temple of the Egyptian oracle, Amon-Ra. He was told that he was the son of this god and that he would rule the world. (http://www.historyofmacedonia.org/AncientMacedonia/AlexandertheGreat.html) This trip to Egypt was extremely important for Alexander the Great.
Alexander the Great was fighting the Persians and their king, Darius. They have had a few battles before, but the battle of Gaugamela was the most important. Darius always turned his back and ran away from battles, but Alexander did not let that happen again. He chased Darius for miles. Alexander stopped following and went to the area of Babylon. The city of Persepolis, the capital of the Persian Empire was waiting to be attacked now that Darius was gone. Alexander and the army went to the city and destroyed it. There were many treasures and magnificent palaces in the city that Alexander had destroyed for revenge because the Persians destroyed Athens. After this conquest, the Persian were basically conquered; their king had left, their capital destroyed, and Alexander was in power. (http://www.livius.org/aj-al/alexander/alexander_t12.html) Persepolis was an important event for Alexander the Great because he ended the Persian Empire.
Alexander the Great then moved toward Afghanistan. Alexander was still looking for Darius, but he found a man named Bessus. Little did Alexander know, but Bessus killed Darius. So, Alexander’s next move was to take out Bessus because he was now king. The first attempt was in Herat. Alexander was forced to retreat because his army could not take Bessus. The next time, Bessus was killed. (http://www.cemml.colostate.edu/cultural/09476/afgh02-04enl.html) This was the true ending point for the Persians. Alexander had finished their kings. Alexander moved on toward India. In 327, Alexander the Great and his army faced the hardest Indian army on the Hydaspes river. The army, led by Porus, had elephants. An advantage the Greeks had never seen before. Alexander did win this battle and continued south in India. (http://www.historyofmacedonia.org/AncientMacedonia/ AlexandertheGreat.html) Alexander wanted to see the Great Ocean at the end of the Indian peninsula, so he continued. He started his return home after the conquests in India. The trips in Afghanistan and India were very important to the Greek force.
Alexander the Great led his men in many fierce battles, through dry deserts, and into unknown terrain, but in the end the voyage was worth it. The men stuck with Alexander and Alexander stuck with his men. The Greek were a force to be reckoned with. They made history, conquering more land than anyone had before. They had impressive battle all over Asia Minor, but especially in Egypt, Persepolis, Afghanistan, and India. Alexander may have died young and been a bad person, but he was a strong leader. His long adventure was worth it, including every battle, struggle, and conquest.
Sources:
Your thesis statement is scattered among three sentences; you need to edit it into one single statement that answers the question. You give a lot of info, but it reads like an encyclopedia; what you want to do is create an academic argument. This isn't just about giving info, it's about answering questions and supporting opinions. Lastly, please review proper APA format for in-text citations and bibliography.
ReplyDelete