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The history of the world has seen many prominent personalities who had impressive accomplishments in their respective eras. However, there is a narrow circle of figures that are noticeable even among the greatest people of global history. They are commanders, national leaders, scientists, and philosophers whose contribution to the world was so immense that it persisted through centuries and has remained important until today. Alexander the Great is one of such people, as he is known to the vast majority of the population. Alexander holds the fame of a conqueror who extended the reach of his empire to unprecedented limits. His army marched across Eastern Europe and the Middle East, achieving unimaginable feats through courage, persistence, and motivation. However, the influence of Alexander the Great extends far beyond the battlefields of his era. His legacy had a direct impact on the development of military and political philosophies across centuries. Moreover, it is equally vital to consider the broader context introduced by Alexander the Great’s vast empire. This paper overviews the ways in which this great commander influenced society in his lifetime and until nowadays.
From a general perspective, Alexander the Great is known as one of the most successful leaders in the history of the world. Born in Macedonia, Alexander adopted the Greek habit of blurring the boundaries between legend and truth. These people often associated others and themselves with prominent figures who served as their role models. For Alexander the Great, such figures were Achilles and Heracles, the men of unparalleled strength, wit, and courage (Koulakiotis 226). Therefore, he worked hard to nurture similar qualities in himself, which helped Alexander become capable of great achievements. He relied on his strengths, managing to unite and inspire his people on the path to glory. As a result, the Macedonian army accomplished unimaginable achievements, building an empire that covered most of the Balkan territory. The conquests of Alexander the Great culminated in the defeat of Persia, a life-long enemy of Greece (McAuley 717). At long last, the threat of several centuries was eliminated by the hand of the commander and his people. This success saw due recognition among people, ensuring that Alexander the Great occupied a place among the legendary role models for the next generations.
Nevertheless, the immense influence of Alexander the Great is not limited to his success in battles, even though they occupied a considerable portion of his short life. Unlike many other conquests, Alexander’s crusade actually resulted in the foundation of a strong, resilient empire that had a direct impact on global history for several centuries to follow. This period of history is known as Alexander’s Hellenization and refers to the dominating role of Greece within the political landscape of the time (Chrubasik and King 2). Evidently, such status of the nation implied an increased role of the Greek traditions. Its language, customs, and philosophical thought were actively spread across Europe and Asia, bridging the gap between distant areas. In turn, Greek accomplishments determined the direction in which Europe developed for centuries ahead. Many of today’s principles of society are based on Ancient Greek ideas. For example, the very institute of democracy stems from the inventions of Greek political thought. Without Alexander the Great, the nation’s philosophy and culture may never have received the same amount of recognition and attention.
Moreover, the influence of the great Macedonian leader was not limited to the Hellenistic period, either. As a matter of fact, his legacy inspired many commanders of subsequent states and empires. The decline of Ancient Greece is related to the rise of the Roman Empire that, however, relied on the Greek heritage in many ways. The feats of Alexander the Great inspired Roman leaders, whereas the social and political aspects of the empire were largely based on Greek dogmas. Moreover, the influence persisted after the archaic period, as well. As documented by historians, Alexander the Great was a prominent role model for other leaders. According to Bichler, his legacy served as a major source of inspiration for Charles XII of Sweden, Napoleon of France, and the Ottoman conquests (640). Alexander’s presence has remained across Europe and Asia, having a strong, although not always evident, impact on the course of global development.
Overall, Alexander the Great remains one of the most prominent personalities of global history due to his commendable success in building the Hellenistic empire. While the lifetime of the famous commander was related to battlefields, his legacy extends far beyond the military realm. Alexander the Great’s achievements created a strong Greek nation that had direct influence over a significant part of Europe and Asia. Through this influence, Greek culture became global, and its ideas were spread across the world. Until today, humanity has benefited from these political, philosophical, cultural, and scientific advancements. In a way, the global prevalence of democratic values may have become possible only because of Alexander’s feats. In addition, the commander’s personality remained an important source of inspiration for other prominent figures of history. Therefore, he had a direct impact on the development of society across several millennia. Ultimately, Alexander the Great completed a full journey from following role models to becoming one.
References
Bichler, Richard. “Alexander’s Image in German, Anglo-American and French Scholarship from the Aftermath of World War I to the Cold War.” Brill’s Companion to the Reception of Alexander the Great, edited by Kyriakos N. Demetriou, Brill, 2021, pp. 640-657.
Chrubasik, Boris and Daniel King. Hellenism and the Local Communities of the Eastern Mediterranean: 400 BCE-250 CE. Oxford University Press, 2017.
Koulakiotis, Elias. “Plutarch’s Alexander, Dionysos and the Metaphysics of Power.” Ancient Historiography on War and Empire, edited by Timothy Howe et al., Oxbow Books, 2016, pp. 226-242.
McAuley, Alex. “The Great Misstep: Alexander the Great, Thais, and the Destruction of Persepolis.” Brill’s Companion to the Reception of Alexander the Great, edited by Kyriakos N. Demetriou, Brill, 2021, pp. 717-731.
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