Alexander the Great: The Worlds Greatest Military General

Table of Contents

Introduction
Judgement
Siege of Tyre and the Battle of the Hydaspes
Historians Opinion
Conclusion
References

Introduction

Alexander III of Macedon, known worldwide as Alexander the Great, is frequently regarded as one of the worlds greatest military generals of all time. During the eleven years of his rule and campaigning, Alexander the Great never lost a major battle creating a great empire with considerably small resources (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, n.d., para. 4). He received the army reformed and developed by his father to be the strongest army of the Ancient world, and was able to use its potential to the fullest extent. On the basis of his achievements analysis and historians opinion it is impossible to deny Alexanders greatness in relation to warfare.

Judgement

Considering previous armies achievements and experience, Alexander III introduced new techniques, inventions, and tactics to become undefeatable. Among advancements invented by him are military engineering and logistics, field artillery, psychological operations, and improved mapping techniques. In addition, Alexander the Great could articulate his vision clearly, thus inspiring soldiers. However, unlike the leaders who came after him, he understood the peculiarities of conquered nations allowing them to keep their identities in order to strengthen unity and avoid conflicts.

Siege of Tyre and the Battle of the Hydaspes

The changes of traditional tactics depending on the battlefield nature and the use of military innovations determined Alexanders success. Thus, in the battle of the Hydaspes, archers were leading the field instead of the phalanx due to Porus elephants (Wasson, 2014). At the same time, the siege of Tyre in 332 BCE may be regarded as the main demonstration of Alexanders military ingenuity (Alexander the Great, n.d.). In order to defeat an island without a strong fleet, engineering forces were involved to construct a massive earthen walkway for a land army, siege structures, catapults, platforms, and siege towers (Grant, 2011). As a result, Macedonians received control over the Mediterranean during their Persian campaign.

Historians Opinion

The majority of historians recognize the military talent and outstanding leadership skills of Alexander the Great. Thus, historian James Romm admits that while Alexanders actions may be interpreted ambivalently, his achievements were huge in scale (Upbin, 2010, para. 1). Romms opinion is supported by another specialist, Paul A. Cartledge, who states that although personalities of Alexanders parents were memorable, neither they nor his teaching by Aristotle when he was 13, nor any other aspect of his upbringing and background in that corner of northeastern Greece could by themselves account for Alexanders truly astonishing 13-year reign (Upbin, 2010, para. 3). The astonishing inherent greatness determined his success as a military general.

Conclusion

Indeed, Alexander the Great may be regarded as the greatest military general of his time and one of the most outstanding leaders in human history. It would have been impossible to conquer multiple nations and keep stability in a new empire without a persons military genius, reputation, strong charisma, and undefeatable belief in his power and abilities. Moreover, technologies, tactics, and strategies introduced by this man not only led him to success but are still used in the modern warfare.