Incorporating Alexander The Great And The Defeat And Death Of Darius

Alexander the Great was an extraordinary military strategist and one of history's greatest conquerors. His triumphs on the battlefield are legendary, and one of his most significant victories was the defeat and death of Darius III, the King of Persia. This article explores the events surrounding this pivotal moment in history and delves into the legacy Alexander left behind.

The Rise of Alexander

Alexander the Great was born in 356 BC in Pella, Macedonia. He was the son of King Philip II and inherited a kingdom on the brink of expansion. From an early age, Alexander displayed remarkable leadership qualities and a thirst for conquest. After his father's assassination in 336 BC, he ascended to the throne at the age of 20.

With his general Parmenion, Alexander embarked on an ambitious campaign to expand his empire. He first conquered Greece to solidify his position as its leader, then turned his attention eastward, setting his sights on the vast Persian Empire.

Alexander the Great and the Conquest of the Persians: Incorporating Alexander the Great and the Defeat and Death of Darius (A Reconstruction of Cleitarchus Book 2)

by Andrew Chugg (Kindle Edition)

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Language	:	English
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The Battle of Issus

In 333 BC, Alexander faced Persian forces led by Darius III at the Battle of Issus. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Alexander used innovative tactics, including his famous "hammer and anvil" strategy, to secure a decisive victory. This battle marked a turning point in the war, as it shattered the Persian myth of invincibility and showcased Alexander's military genius.

The Fall of Tyre

Following his victory at Issus, Alexander turned his attention to the Phoenician city of Tyre, an island fortress with formidable defenses. After a grueling seven-month siege, the city fell to Alexander's forces. This conquest allowed him to secure supply lines and further establish his dominance in the region.

The Defeat of Darius at Gaugamela

In 331 BC, the final showdown between Alexander and Darius took place at Gaugamela, near present-day Iraq. Darius assembled a massive army, boasting hundreds of thousands of soldiers. However, Alexander's strategic brilliance came into play again. He cleverly exploited weaknesses in the Persian formation, luring Darius into the heart of the battle.

With his superior cavalry and disciplined infantry, Alexander routed the Persian forces. Darius fled the battlefield, abandoning his family and treasury. Despite his victory, Alexander quickly realized that Darius's capture or death was crucial to solidify his conquest of Persia.

The Pursuit and Death of Darius

Following the Battle of Gaugamela, Alexander relentlessly pursued Darius. Despite numerous attempts by Darius's remaining loyalists to negotiate peace, Alexander remained determined to capture or kill the fleeing Persian king.

Darius's fate was sealed when he was betrayed by his own general, Bessus, who declared himself the new ruler of Persia. Bessus saw Darius as a liability and wanted to protect his own interests. When Alexander closed in on them, Bessus and his supporters captured and abandoned Darius, leaving him at Alexander's mercy.

Darius was brought before Alexander, who treated him with respect and dignity. However, the Macedonian king realized that keeping Darius alive would pose a constant threat to his rule, as some Persians still considered him their rightful leader.

Tragically, Darius was assassinated by one of his own men while under Alexander's protection. This unexpected turn of events deeply saddened Alexander, who mourned the loss of his worthy adversary. He ordered a lavish funeral for Darius, honoring him as a fallen king.

Alexander's Legacy

Alexander's triumph over Darius marked the culmination of his conquest of Persia and solidified his position as the ruler of an empire stretching from Greece to Egypt and beyond. His military achievements and vision for a unified world left an indelible impact on history.

Despite his brilliant military career, Alexander's reign was short-lived. He died at the age of 32, leaving behind a legacy of conquest, cultural exchange, and the spread of Hellenistic culture throughout the lands he conquered.

The defeat and death of Darius marked a significant turning point in Alexander the Great's conquests. It showcased his strategic brilliance and solidified his position as one of history's most remarkable military leaders. Alexander's pursuit of Darius and his ultimate triumph not only secured his dominance in the region but also reshaped the course of history.

Alexander the Great and the Conquest of the Persians: Incorporating Alexander the Great and the Defeat and Death of Darius (A Reconstruction of Cleitarchus Book 2)

by Andrew Chugg (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2340 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	183 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

A reconstruction in English of the fourth, fifth and sixth books of the History Concerning Alexander the Great written by Cleitarchus of Alexandria in the mid-third century BC based on surviving ancient sources including Curtius, Diodorus, the Metz Epitome, Justin and Plutarch. This volume covers events from the Battle of Issus through to the death of Darius.