The Man Who Never Lost a Battle: Alexander The Great

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Alexander the Great, born in 356 BCE in Macedonia, was the son of King Philip II and Queen Olympias. Tutored by the philosopher Aristotle, he developed a passion for knowledge and military strategy. His first battle was with his father at 18 where he showed promise by surrounding and killing a highly trained Thebian army.
In 15 years of conquest, Alexander the Great never lost a battle. His military tactics and strategies are still studied today
Alexander combined military units, including infantry, cavalry, archers, and siege engines.
Battle of Granicus (334 BCE)
In the dawn of his campaign against Persia, Alexander the Great faced the satraps at the Granicus River with audacity and tactical brilliance. He unleashed his Companion Cavalry in a bold assault on the enemy's flanks while his phalanx held the center, effectively creating a dual front. This aggressive maneuver not only showcased his decisive leadership but also marked the beginning of his relentless pursuit of conquest, as the Persians found themselves overwhelmed and outmaneuvered by his strategic genius.
Battle of Issus (333 BCE)
When confronted by the vast numbers of Darius III's forces at Issus, Alexander turned the limitations of the battlefield into his greatest ally. The narrow terrain neutralized the Persians' numerical superiority, allowing his phalanx to pin them down. In a stunning display of courage, Alexander led a fierce cavalry charge directly at Darius, striking panic into the Persian ranks. The ensuing chaos resulted in a rout, solidifying Alexander's reputation as a master tactician who could defy overwhelming odds.
Siege of Tyre (332 BCE)
The Siege of Tyre stands as a testament to Alexander’s innovative military mind. Faced with the formidable island city, he ingeniously constructed a causeway, bridging the gap between land and sea. As his engineers erected towering siege structures, Alexander’s relentless determination to breach the city’s defenses was clear. His adaptability in siege warfare not only demonstrated his strategic prowess but also underscored his commitment to overcoming even the most daunting challenges in his quest for empire.
Battle of Gaugamela (331 BCE)
At Gaugamela, the stakes reached new heights as Alexander confronted Darius III once more. In a masterful display of battlefield strategy, he employed the hammer and anvil tactic, drawing the Persian forces into a trap. By creating gaps in their lines with his agile cavalry, Alexander allowed his phalanx to press forward and break through. His decisive attack on Darius instigated chaos among the Persians, leading to a resounding victory that further solidified Alexander’s legendary status as a conqueror.
Battle of the Hydaspes (326 BCE)
The Battle of the Hydaspes showcased Alexander's ingenuity and adaptability in a foreign land. As he faced King Porus and his war elephants, Alexander orchestrated a series of feints to obscure his true intentions. By cleverly dividing his forces, he misled Porus before launching a concentrated attack that utilized his phalanx against the Indian infantry while his cavalry executed a masterful outflanking maneuver. This tactical finesse allowed him to turn the tide against a formidable opponent, further establishing his dominance in the East.
As he continued his conquests, Alexander spread Greek culture across the regions he conquered, founding cities like Alexandria in Egypt, which became centers of learning and commerce.

Alexander became a legend when he entered Gordia and the people there had an ancient story about the man who would be able to untie the Gordia Knot. Whoever was able to would rule all of Asia. Although not confirmed, Alexander either cut the knot with his sword, or untied it himself.
He then went to the Oracle in the Siwa Oasis in Egypt. The Oracle claimed he was the son of Zeus and would rule the Earth. These claims helped him achieve an untouchable status and the people followed him.

Alexander's empire stretched from Greece to northwestern India, making him one of history's greatest conquerors. However, his ambitious campaigns took a toll on his troops, who eventually refused to march further into India. In 324 BCE, he returned to Babylon, where he began to implement administrative reforms
Tragically, Alexander died there in 323 BCE at the age of 32 under mysterious circumstances, likely due to fever or poisoning. His sudden death led to the fragmentation of his vast empire as his generals, known as the Diadochi, vied for power, marking the end of an era but solidifying his legacy as a monumental figure in history

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