.png)
 |
| Christian Bush Class of 2018 |
Throughout history, few men have been more prominent and more hotly debated than Alexander the Great. The crux of this debate centers on Alexander’s character. For some, Alexander was a conqueror and ruthless pragmatist. Others more recently have lauded his magnanimity in victory and union of east and west in a “brotherhood of mankind”. After studying the story behind one of the most complicated men in history, I have a newfound respect for the young king.
After being elevated to the throne following his father’s assassination, Alexander took command of his father’s campaign to invade the Persian Empire. However, he first had to contend with rebellions in the Greek mainland. In the city-state of Thebes, Alexander burned the city to the ground and sold 30,000 of its inhabitants into slavery. While his actions are not particularly unique in terms of contemporary military campaigns, Alexander at times also showed great mercy. After defeated the Indian king Porus, Alexander asked him how he wished to be treated. The defeated ruler responded “treat me as a king ought”, and Alexander restored Porus and allied himself with him. The difference between these two anecdotes is astounding when trying to assess Alexander’s character. Perhaps Alexander was simply being pragmatic, or he may have changed over the course of many miles and many battles. Regardless, Alexander’s tendency to be both ruthless and merciful only adds to the complexity of his character.
Another sticking point for historians is Alexander’s divinity. While it is well documented that Alexander was declared a god, it remains unclear how much he believed it himself. Some traditions say that by embracing the custom of Proskynesis, which involved bowing before the king, Alexander firmly believed he was a god. In Greek culture, bowing was reserved for the gods alone. In Persian culture, however, it was acceptable to bow before both rulers and gods. Other historians cite his numerous wounds in battle as a very real sign of his mortality. Furthermore, Alexander performed daily rituals to the gods, and it seems illogical that a god would perform rituals for other gods.
Perhaps the most difficult problem with assessing the life of Alexander is the fact that he died so young. Though he established one of the largest empires of all time, it crumbling quickly after his death. Perhaps Alexander meant to supplant Persian culture in favor of Hellenistic culture. Others have suggested that Alexander sought to create an empire that fused together both eastern and western culture.
Regardless of the discrepancies and different interpretations of Alexander the Great, after taking my course on Alexander, I have a newfound appreciation for the man who never lost a battle and maintained a well-organized multinational army with nothing more than the force of his personality.
Christian Bush a freshman McConnell Scholar at the University of Louisville. He studies political science.