Introduction

Alexander the Great is one of the most recognized people in the history of Macedonia. His brilliance and holistic approach to matters arising in life have been essential in the major achievements he realized during his short spell in leadership. Born on July 20th, 356 BC, Alexander the great exhibited sheer willingness to overcome, and this ensured that he defeated several enemies including the Persians, Greeks, Egypt and Asia[1]. He is also known to have secured the Mediterranean Sea, which is also a major achievement that makes Alexander a hero in history.  In essence, Alexander the great made a great contribution during his time in the military, leadership and social and economic life of the people in his society.

His contribution to the military

Alexander was known as a courageous and fearless leader who could fight and win any battle. After taking leadership from his late father, the young Alexander found himself surrounded by enemies from most parts of the world[2]. He, however, decided to deal with them decisively where he ordered their execution. One of the major contributions made by Alexander in a military capacity was restoring the Macedonian rule to the Thessaly. It is after this success that he was elected to head the Greek forces in the war against the Persian. He led a troop of over 50,000 people from Macedonia and Greek in the spring of 334 BC[3].  During this war, Alexander managed to defeat several people including the army lead by King Darius III and also the battle of Issus.

After the success at the Battle of Issus, Alexander was also involved in other battles especially in Phoenicia and Tyre. He is known to have been under siege for seven months at Tyre. In essence, Alexander is known to have conquered even where none of his predecessors had won.  He was never satisfied with his surroundings and always wanted more[4]. He strived to expand his horizon to the fullest, and this makes him deserve to be referred to as the great. His contribution on the war front is immeasurable since he won even when outnumbered. It is believed that his tactics were the key to success he realized as a military leader[5]. Alexander is known to use a strategy referred to as the phalanx a technique that did not allow the enemies any opening to attack. He was always involved in the battle and would change tactics in the middle of the battle that ensured great success. It is also prudent noting that Alexander understood the importance of cavalry as an offensive weapon[6]. Speed and mobility were also important aspects that helped him and his army emerges victorious in battles. In essence, Alexander’s contribution in the military and battlefield is enormous and introduced to the Greeks a new way of fighting.

Political contribution

Besides the military contribution, Alexander is also considered as one of the greatest political leaders in history. Although he was not a very good politician, Alexander is believed to have learnt a lot from Aristotle[7]. As a political leader, Alexander was able everyone in his empire a view of the wide world. The introduction of the Hellenistic culture is known as one of the major achievements of his empire. It is through such moves that he was able to conquer the Middle East and Asia thus spreading the culture in this region[8].  During his reign, Alexander was able to establish some dynasties such as Syria, Egypt and Persia which did not falter even after his death. It is his political goodwill that has enabled these dynasties to trade and learn together in a unified way. His political leadership made an immense contribution to increased contacts and trade especially between the east and the west[9].  It is also during his reign that he established government lands, cities, states among other Greek institutions were created. It is imperative noting that during his reign, he founded twenty cities that bore his name and were centers of culture and diversity. It is worth understanding that his intellect enabled him to hold his empire intact which fell apart immediately after his demise.

Social, economic and cultural contribution

Alexander the great is known to have contributed much to the culture of the Macedonians. It is during the Hellenization process that the spread of Greek language was eminent. Alexander was determined to insert Greek elements into Persian culture, and he strived to homogenize populations of Asia and Europe[10]. He also tried to increase family ties especially among the Macedonian families where he encouraged his soldiers to marry some of the women. Through such marriages, it would be possible to create a more diverse culture of the Macedonian. Alexander played a great role in the civilization process of the Egyptians, Persians, and Babylonians who were dominated by the eastern culture[11]. He introduced the Western culture to the eastern pre-dominated world of Greece and Rome. This civilization together with the Hellenistic ideas made communication easy among the Macedonians who by now shared several cultural aspects.

Alexander the great is also known to have made a significant contribution to the economy of the Macedonians. Besides the increased contacts and trade between the east and the west, Alexander introduced one currency of silver coins that made it possible to trade among the members of the empire. The coins were made from the gold reserves of the Persian kings.  It is prudent noting that Alexander established an economic system that remained active until after the industrial revolution of the 18th century[12]. It is also worth noting that Alexander also made a significant contribution to the religion of the Macedonians. He is said to have contributed to the building of the temple to the Egyptian god of the sun. He put it in the minds of the Egyptians to consider the role of supernatural being in their lives.

Conclusion

To sum it up, Alexander the great deserves the word “Great” before his names due to his contribution to people of his age. It is evident that he made a remarkable contribution to life in his short spell that he ruled his country[13]. He is considered the greatest leaders and role model of his time. His charismatic leadership, military tactics and self-determination earned him the suffix “Great” t his name. His achievements in leadership are immeasurable, and we may live not to witness them again from any leader[14]. Though Alexander had some bad instances, his positive contributions outweigh the negatives and thus he will remain “Great”.

Bibliography

Aeschylus.,. The Persians. Lanham: Start Publishing LLC, 2013.

Freeman, Philip. Alexander The Great. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2011.

Maróth, Miklós. ‘Science And Literature In The Age Of Hellenism’. Acta Antiqua 53, no. 1 (2013): 33-46.

McKay, John P., et al.. A History of World Societies, Volume 1, 10th Edition. Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2015.

Roisman, Joseph. Ancient Greece From Homer To Alexander. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell, 2011.

[1] Aeschylus.,. The Persians. Lanham: Start Publishing LLC, 2013.

[2] Freeman, Philip. Alexander The Great. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2011.

[3] McKay, John P., et al.. A History of World Societies, Volume 1, 10th Edition. Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2015.

[4] Roisman, Joseph. Ancient Greece From Homer To Alexander. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell, 2011.

[5] Aeschylus.,. The Persians. Lanham: Start Publishing LLC, 2013.

[6] Freeman, Philip. Alexander The Great. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2011.

[7] Roisman, Joseph. Ancient Greece From Homer To Alexander. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell, 2011.

[8] McKay, John P., et al.. A History of World Societies, Volume 1, 10th Edition. Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2015.

[9] Freeman, Philip. Alexander The Great. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2011.

[10] McKay, John P., et al.. A History of World Societies, Volume 1, 10th Edition. Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2015.

[11] Aeschylus.,. The Persians. Lanham: Start Publishing LLC, 2013.

[12] Aeschylus.,. The Persians. Lanham: Start Publishing LLC, 2013.

[13] Freeman, Philip. Alexander The Great. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2011.

[14] Roisman, Joseph. Ancient Greece From Homer To Alexander. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell, 2011.

 
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