Introduction
Throughout world history, multiple personalities have significantly changed the course of events of their respective countries and world history at large. One such individual was Alexander the Great, also known as Alexander III, the emperor of ancient Macedonia. His early beginning of reign at the age of twenty and the ongoing military activity throughout his life as a king marked his outstanding historical path that contributed to his significant place in history. The importance of researching the lives and performances of the representatives of ancient history is validated by the opportunity to interpret contemporary events when setting them in a historical perspective. Indeed, the investigation of the historical personality against the historical context for the consecutive re-evaluation of contemporary issues and finding effective solutions for them. In particular, Alexander the Great’s leadership style and his contribution to history via his military campaigns and the creation of a powerful empire are relevant for studying the context of the contemporary world order. This paper will explore the historical profile of Alexander the Great, his leadership particularities, legacy, and impact on history to detect the most significant aspects of his life and performance.
Alexander the Great as a Historical Personality
Alexander the Great is a renowned representative of ancient history in general and the history of Ancient Greece. In particular, as stated by the historian who researched the king’s life, Billows (2018), Alexander III inherited his power from King Phillip II, Alexander’s father. Alexander the Great gained the throne in 336 BC after his father was assassinated on the verge of his career and in the times of the Macedon empire’s greatest power (Billows, 2018). Alexander III started his career as a king of the Empire of Macedon at the age of 20 and devoted all his life to military expansions of the state. Since his childhood, Alexander studied multiple disciplines, including medicine, science, and philosophy, which were taught by Aristotle (Billows, 2018; Heckel & Tritle, 2011). In his teenage years, Alexander actively participated in military operations alongside his father, as well as independently, while Phillip conducted military attacks. At sixteen, Alexander served as a regent of Macedonia during Phillip’s absence; Alexander led the army against the Maedi and successfully defeated them (Billows, 2018). Thus, his upbringing and early military experience contributed to his later achievements as a king.
Alexander the Great’s Leadership
The scope of the political and military endeavors of Alexander the Great implies a significant impact of a powerful leadership style that would allow for instilling control across the vast territories. Furthermore, the maintenance of military rule over a long period of time also required mastery in leadership, which was particularly strong in the case of Alexander the Great. Indeed, despite the implications of possible tyranny, the style of Alexander’s leadership was characterized by his motivation to contribute to the community without exposing his personal interests in political power (Heckel & Tritle, 2011). More specifically, the type of ruling exhibited by Alexander III was conceptualized by Aristotle as the charismatic king, which contrasts with the tyrant in the aspects of the ultimate goal of the ruling. As researchers reiterate Aristotle, “the tyrant rules without any duty of accountability and merely for his own benefit,” while Alexander acted “for the benefit of Greek communities,” adhering to democracy as a traditional political form (Heckel & Tritle, 2011, p. 233). Thus, one might indicate that the particularity of Alexander as a renowned historical leader was his avoidance of tyranny and adherence to democracy.
Alexander the Great’s Legacy
The legacy of a historical figure can be fully assessed after years have passed, which demonstrates the scope of change induced by the actions and initiatives of a ruler. In the case of Alexander the Great, his legacy in terms of achievements is particularly conditioned by his predecessor, Phillip II, and his overall contribution to the success of Alexander the Great. Indeed, as the opening paragraph of Heckel and Tritle’s (2011) book indicates, “no Alexander if not for Phillip,” which accurately addresses the decisive role of Phillip’s achievements in strengthening the empire and providing a solid foundation for Alexander’s consecutive advancement of the state (p. 7). Thus, his legacy is a logical development of his father’s achievements. Nonetheless, Alexander’s main achievements included the destruction of the Persian Empire and the inclusion of its territories in the land of Macedonia (Billows, 2018). Despite the strength of the Persian troops and the difficult political situation inside Macedonia, Alexander took a risk and set an example of a powerful ruler who ultimately defeated the enemy (Heckel & Tritle, 2011). Ultimately, the Greek state grew in power and faced its most successful development.
Alexander the Great’s Impact on History
Given the biographical events, leadership, achievements, and legacy of the king, his overall impact on history might be evaluated. Indeed, the change that Alexander the Great made possible for the Macedon Empire due to the military campaigns to the East, the defeat of the Persian Empire, and the consolidation of the Macedonian Kingdom under strong leadership (Heckel & Tritle, 2011). The impact on the consecutive history of the Greek state was profound due to the enabled political, social, economic, and cultural advancement. As stated by Indeed, the period from 500 to 320 BC “witnessed the development of the conflict between Persia and the Greek cities that finally ended with the rise of Alexander the Great” (Cantor and Ranieri, 2005, p. 3). Alexander III effectively continued the campaigns and the political order initiated by his powerful predecessor, which allowed for the creation of one of the most powerful states in the history of the world. Thus, the impact of Alexander the Great on history is validated by the ongoing perception of Ancient Greece as an exemplary democratic society and a strong political state.
Conclusion
In summation, the exploration of Alexander the Great’s biographical episodes and his leadership in the context of the Macedonian rise as a powerful kingdom demonstrate the importance of this figure for world history. Indeed, although Alexander III’s political and military success was significantly owed to his father’s achievements in terms of the acquired lands, the role of Alexander was essential. His leadership was decisive in maintaining the kingdom’s strengths and enriching its lands by consolidating the Macedonian kingdom. Alexander was able to unite the lands under the democratic rule of a charismatic leader and the continuous deliberate work toward leading the state in the direction of sustained cultural, economic, and political development. These achievements comprise his everlasting legacy and demonstrate the power of consistently following political direction maintained throughout generations of leaders as a pillar of the state’s ongoing development.
References
Billows, R. A. (2018). Before and after Alexander: The legend and legacy of Alexander the Great. Abrams.
Cantor, N. F., & Ranieri, D. (2005). Alexander the Great: Journey to the end of the earth. Harper Collins.
Heckel, W., & Tritle, L. A. (Eds.). (2011). Alexander the Great: A new history. John Wiley & Sons.