Introduction
Alexander the Great is acknowledged as one of the prominent kings who conquered more than seventy territories in his lifetime. Nurtured by his father, Alexander developed a love for war and started overthrowing regions at a young age. Several scholars have written about the king’s life, conquests, and death. Plutarch and Ephippus of Olynthus present different views of Alexander, revealing multiple dimensions of his victories, conquest strategies, and intellectual leadership.
Plutarch’s Depictions
Plutarch depicts Alexander as an intellectual and strong ruler whose love for war enables him to conquer many territories, bringing them under Greek culture. The benefits conferred on the subdued territories are freedom from their wretched ways of life and civilization. Plutarch’s depiction of Alexander contradicts the perspectives Ephippus of Olynthus presents since as he directs his attention to the king’s public life, the latter looks into the personal life, showing issues such as dressing, hunting, and personal encounters.
Alexander capitalized on the pre-existing kingship views in Persia, Egypt, and the Levant to win the people by making them view him as a king like the kings before him. For example, he wore the Persian royal dress and asked the Persians to lay prostrate before him as they had done for other kings. In Egypt, he calmed divinity to resemble Pharaoh, their king, and caused the Levant to feel secure by claiming not to disrupt their cultural heritage.
The Intellectual Center
Alexandria became the intellectual center of the Mediterranean world due to its strategic position and role as a central trade center. The ancient city of Alexandria was located at the mouth of the Nile River, where trade boomed. In addition, the town was a passage route for merchants from Rome and the East in the early seventh century AD, fostering diverse ideas and intercultural exchange.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Alexander the Great played a crucial role in influencing the culture and lifestyle of the territories he conquered. Plutarch depicts him as an influential leader who became the founder of the one-world order due to his ability to bring many people under his rule. The king relied on pre-existing kingship views of his territories to lure the people into rallying behind him by imitating their culture, such as wearing Persian royal robes and claiming divinity.