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Essay / Accomplishments of Alexander the Great in Macedonia
Alexander “the Great” was known for many exploits, such as conquering most of the known world and much more. Through these actions, it is easy to say that Alexander certainly deserves the title “great.” Alexander, son of Philip II of Macedon, inherited his father's throne at the age of 20. During the ten years of his reign, Alexander expanded the Macedonian Empire to almost two million square kilometers of the world. He observed the Greeks' fighting technique, Alexander built their strategy and improved it further, showing how competent he is. His great achievements and spread of culture easily proved to inspire future generations. The question “Does Alexander really deserve the title?” ” has been deeply debated because everyone has a different definition of what is great. To be considered “great,” one must demonstrate courage, have knowledge, and positively influence others. Alexander the Great deserves the title “great” because he definitely satisfied the three characteristics that qualify one to be considered “great.” Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayAlexander is truly a "great" person because he was definitely brave when he constantly took risks to conquer most of the known world. In Document E, "Alexander's Legacy", it is stated that "the size of Alexander's empire at his death (square miles): 2,000,000" and that the number of "years that it took Alexander to build his empire: 11”. In 11 years, Alexander expanded the Macedonian Empire to nearly two million square kilometers. Alexander was only twenty years old when he conquered so many city-states. Most twenty-year-olds don't have the courage of Alexander to fight for ten years and conquer lands. Alexander's courage in accomplishing such a feat at such a young age sets him apart from others. In Document C, “The Destruction of Tyre,” shows how Alexander and his troops “held out for seven months and Tyrian counterattacks caused Alexander to lose many men. But in the end, the causeway was completed and Alexander's army marched into the city. Alexander besieged a city for 7 months. Many other generals in this situation would have surrendered or given up, as has been observed in other battles throughout history. Alexander, once again proving how courageous he was, decided to hold out for a long time, although victory was not guaranteed. His courage in this situation sets him apart from others. Thanks to Alexander's courageous choices, one can easily determine that Alexander was someone who deserved the title "great." Alexander was also competent, as he was a good strategist in battle, as demonstrated in the battle of Tire and Porus. In Document C, “The Destruction of Tyre,” Alexander and his troops defeated an area that “believed their city was invincible because it was built on an island and protected by high walls.” Tyre, the city that Alexander was trying to conquer, was surrounded by walls 150 feet high. No one before Alexander was able to figure out how to penetrate walls. Alexander, using his knowledge of Greek weapons and developing them, was able to create a weapon capable of breaching the mighty walls and then attacking the city. Alexander was extremely brilliant because he pioneered a great tool that had never been used before and yet was undoubtedly successful. In Document B, "Alexander's Battle Against Porus", "Porus was actually following his movements on the other.