ALEXANDER THE GREAT

The largest kingdom the world had known was divided up among his generals.

Alexander’s men won the battle, and the Greeks then ruled.

The ancient Russian community of Chersonesos near Sebastopol had been rebuilt upon, land that had been graverobbed, and looted of materials of value. However, the Countess and other Russian and world intellectuals lobbied the Czar for Royal Protection of the archeological site. Not unlike the dilemma faced by national and local government even today, the Czar protected the site which is the only reason we have this marvelous resource still as a rich laboratory today. However, the Czar like more modern political leaders acted not from an intellectual conviction of the value to the archeology or the “treasures” which might be found, but from the avoidance of world reputation as “barbarians.”

Alexander had an unusual absence of nationalism or even pride of his Macedonian customs and culture. His adolescent teacher was Aristotle whose broad education made Alexander a great conqueror and ruler of different races, cultures and religions. He turned the world, literally and figuratively, into his country and in order to rule over such a vast area, he had to depend on people of different races, religions, customs, and cultures. The diversity and multiculturalism of his empire with the paucity of racism and discrimination by the conquerors has never been reached again.

He decided to let the statue lie and not revive the image of Xerxes and instead simply proceed with the administration and governance of what was then occupied Persia. He maintained most of the Persian laws and customs including much that came from Xerxes but did not elevate the personality of the great king. However, it was not Alexander’s technique to govern by cults of personalities he and his associates erected few symbols of their own aggrandizement until after Alexander’s death when some of his associates adopted the more traditional approach to things.

Statement to Eurylochus who had fallen in love with a prostitute, Telesippa who would not agree to be his mistress. He asked the assistance of Alexander who was then the most powerful man in the world. However, Alexander’s limited means that could be utilized is one of the many illustrations of his respect for people and customs as more important than the whims of the rulers.

Alexander and his army were approaching the city of Persian King Darius. The King asked for a truce assuming that a settlement of treasure and land could be worked out as war was usually fought in those days. However, Alexander had led a punitive war where revenge was the major objective. Alexander rejected a truce and chased Darius to his death.

Alexander’s move was a stroke of genius. He wanted to amass a great army but did not have the funds in the royal treasure to pay for it. Instead of squeezing the nobles for more funds, he gave everything away. This signaled a willingness to share the wealth so that the nobles financed the army so that they could amass more with the booty of victory. Perdiccas and a few others refused their shares and committed themselves to Alexander’s “hopes.” See {612208} for Alexander’s mother’s view of his generosity later.

There were for centuries inhibitions on scholars publishing their works. Scholars were paid by students and if the knowledge could be read, the scholar would “lose business.” The students of the great teachers, as in this case, felt that if anyone could read the material, their uniqueness would be diminished for education was then a very exclusive commodity.

The greatest general and conqueror always tried to avoid a battle and casualties whenever possible. He was a master and bribing corrupt officials to surrender forts and cities or to disclose weaknesses in the defense. Gold was one of his major weapons.