116. Alexander the Great Part 1

Siege Tactics

Alexander the Great's siege tactics were both innovative and ruthless. During the siege of Tyre, he demonstrated his strategic brilliance by constructing a massive causeway to reach the island city, which was considered impregnable. This siege lasted for half a year and ended in a calculated atrocity, as Alexander crucified the survivors to serve as a warning to other cities. Dominic Sandbrook notes, "It's the one moment in his career, actually, I think the only moment when you can say he really behaves, according to the sources anyway, very badly."

This brutal act was intended to deter resistance and secure his control over the region 1 2.

   

Persian Conflicts

Alexander's conflicts with the Persian Empire showcased his bold strategies and relentless ambition. At the Battle of Issus, he faced Darius III's massive army and, despite being trapped, turned the situation to his advantage by attacking the Persians in a narrow pass. This maneuver prevented the Persians from using their numerical superiority, leading to a decisive Macedonian victory. Tom Holland explains, "They do, and because they're tightly packed between the sea and the mountains, the Persians quite, can't quite bring their huge numerical superiority to bear."

Alexander's ambition only grew with each victory, as he continued to push further into Persian territory, driven by a desire to claim the ultimate prize of conquest 3 4.

   

Egyptian Campaign

In Egypt, Alexander's campaign was marked by both strategic and symbolic achievements. He was motivated by the rich history and mythology of the region, as well as the opportunity to be crowned pharaoh, linking himself to a long line of rulers. His founding of Alexandria was a significant move, establishing a key port city that would become a center of culture and trade. Dominic Sandbrook remarks, "He goes across the desert to the oracle at Siwa, which is out in the sort of west desert."

This journey to the oracle at Siwa further solidified his divine status, as he sought confirmation of his lineage from the god Amun, whom the Greeks equated with Zeus 5 6.