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Alexander the Great
This is a part of a mosaic showing Alexander the Great in the Battle of Issus against King Darius.
On October 1st, 331 BC, Alexander the Great continued on his quest to create his ideal empire by marching to Persepolis. He split up his army to speed up his march and sent Parmenio and the heavy infantry across the lower plain in Shiraz. He led a force of 20,000 armed troops through the snowy terrain of the Zagros Mountains. The king and his troops marched through the narrow, long passage of the Persian Gate. This path was located on the edge of the Persian Empire. Meanwhile in Persia, the satrap at the time, Ariobarzanes, had just created a wall of defense across the narrow pass that Alexander was traveling along. He had archers, 40,000 foot soldiers and 700 cavalry hidden along the back of the wall. Even though they were outnumbered by more than two to one, Alexander the Great and his troops carried out a direct assault in the beginning of January of the next year. Alexander and his army were successful in their attack and crossed into Persis. (Son of the Gods).
Attack at Persian Gates
In 334 B.C., Alexander the Great headed for Asia. He had around 47,000 men following him. They consisted of infantry and cavalry units. Most came from Macedonia and a small number of them came from the Hellenic League. In May, Alexander and his army met the Persian army at the Granicus River. This river was situated in Asia Minor. The Persian army only had about 24,000 troops and it was led by satraps. Alexander's Macedonian forces attacked the Persian army, making half of them move to one side of the river, while Alexander rode with the cavalry and attacked the other half. This caused the Persians to be weakened in small numbers. Alexander was stunned when he was hit by an axe, but was not killed. His life was saved when Clitus, of his cavalry, killed Spithridates, a Persian who was coming up behind Alexander. Alexander won the Battle of Granicus and took 2000 prisoners, and executed many that were in the Persian army. He saved Greek cities that were in Asia Minor from the terrible Persian rule. He had made it so that they could now support his army instead of the Persians, thus increasing his army size. (The Battle of Gracinus).
Battle of Granicus
Beginning
End
Middle
Bibliography (See Attached)
The Midlife
Shown to the left, Alexander the Great traveled to and conquered many places. There were many important battles and events that he fought in, and won. Some of the major battles and events were The Attack at the Persian Gates, The Battle of Granicus and the Battle of Issus. In all of these events, his troops were loyally behind him. Alexander was admired by his troops since he was kind to them all. He would give the men holidays if they were married so they could go home and see their wives, and possibly children. After every battle he would visit the wounded, and praise them for their hard work. Not only was he a powerful man, but he was kindhearted as welL. (Son of the Gods)
Throughout Alexander's travels, he brought books. His bags were always filled with different types of books. He was an avid reader and enjoyed literature far more than his troops did. When he was younger he also loved reading, and the love followed him through his entire life. Alexander was known as one of the Not only was Alexander interested in books, but he was also concerned with his appearance. He was always making sure his armor was in good condition, and if anyone was to do any less with their own he wasn't slow to criticize. Alexander's attire during battle is described by Plutarch as: "a tunic belted at the waist... a thickly quilted linen corset... [and] a cloak which was more ornate than the rest of his armor" (Son of the Gods)
The Battle of Issus happened in Anatolia, in November 333 BC. The battle was between Alexander the Great and King Darius III of Achaemenid Persia. It was the battle of who would have dominance in Asia. This battle took place shortly after the Battle of Granicus. This meant that since Alexander had defeated the satraps earlier, Darius' forces were weakened. (Battle of Issus) As both armies were marching, they finally started battle at the mouth of the Pinarus River and near the village of Issus. According to historians, the river ran with blood from the battle, since it involved so much death. Even after many deaths and injuries, Alexander the Great and his troops prevailed, winning the Battle of Issus (Battle of Issus).
Battle of Issus
On 7 April 334 BC, Alexander the great founded Alexandria. This city was located in Egypt and is known as one of his greatest achievements. It replaced the older city that was once there, Rhacotis. Although this city was in Egypt, it was not linked to there at all. It was an entirely Greek place, having nothing to do with its location. It was the center of trade, known for the production of papyrus and corn. Alexander the Great named the city after himself because of all his triumphs. (Alexandria).
Alexander's Travels
Alexander's Interests
Alexandria