One of the most successful generals in history was Alexander the Great. His success was achieved by sheer force. During his lifetime he defeated Persia, Greece, Egypt, Asia Minor, and secured the Mediterranean Sea. Despite his military success, did Alexander deserve to be called “the Great”? In his lifetime Alexander conquered many regions in a short period of time. His large army and military leadership was a huge reason Alexander managed to conquer as much as he did, and keep going. Alexander wasn’t all rainbows and sunshine, he was a ruthless leader and “he was prepared to sacrifice his own men as well as himself but not always for the greater good” (Worthington xi). How do you get people to do as you say? Money of course! Alexander paid …show more content…
“This was the first of over thirty cities that would bear his name…” (Wood 83). The founding of Alexandria changed Egypt’s economic life. It was an important trading post between Europe and Asia. Alexandria was home to different religions and different philosophies. One of the main attractions was the Alexandrian Library and Museum. Alexandria was the intellectual capital of the world and famous for its extensive library, which in the 3rd century BC was said to contain 500,000 volumes. The Museum was a center of research, with laboratories and observatories, and had scholars such as Euclid and Eratosthenes working …show more content…
Just as he was quick to modify and change his tactics in battle to handle new situations and problems he adapted new political and economic ways to suit the different cities of his empire. He was never hesitated to throw aside those who were of no use to him and failures. Important positions in the government were given to Macedonian people. Taxation and finance remained in hands of Macedonian. In Asia superintendents of finance collected the taxes and remitted them to the Treasury. In the big towns, such as Persepolis, Susa, Memphis and Babylon a chief commandant was appointed, directly working under the King. In India the chief princes proved to be loyal allies to Alexander. Alexander the Great also introduced universal system of currency. Immediate benefits to trade were noticed soon after introducing universal currency. Significant and far-reaching changes were noticed when Alexander the Great adopted Greek as a universal language for his empire. Mistakes and confusing had constantly occurred when business and financial and transactions were conducted through the help of interpreters; a universal currency and language simplified business deals and also exchange of ideas. Education in the Greek language also extended and enhanced