Greg Burleson
Great Leaders: War and Peace
For the first half of this overall column, I have intentionally neglected to mention military commanders as great world leaders. The fact is, while these individuals are influential in their era, they rarely make lasting impacts or exemplify anything more than brutality. For example, Genghis Khan had nearly unrivaled military success and ruled over the largest empire the world has ever seen. Despite this, Genghis Khan’s empire amounted to nothing. The fact is, while his empire was large, he likely had little control over what actually happened within his conquered boarders. While this example is a relatively common one, it is not completely universal.
Over two thousand years ago, a man was born to change the world. His tragic death cut him down too soon as he stood on the precipice, ready to unleash another hell storm of fury and revolution through the entire known and unknown world. Alexander of Macedon, or Alexander the Great, is my selection as the unquestioned greatest military commander of all time. Born a descendent of both Herakles and Achilles, Alexander was truly believed to have been marked by the gods. Before he was able to sharpen his military mind as a general in his father’s army, Alexander was a distinguished pupil of Aristotle. When the time came for Alexander to rule Macedon, he did so in grand fashion. Immediately setting out to destroy the Persians to the east, Alexander saw no defeat. Never losing a battle, he conquered first the Persians, and then also the Egyptians, and even parts of India. In battle he was very often outnumbered but still managed victory. Superior tactics allowed his soldiers to thrive while Alexander personally fought at their side. His true military legacy; however, is not found in is battle tactics, but instead in his ability to adapt. Raised a Greek, Alexander should have been partial to Greek military tactics and for a lack of a better word, a profound racist. He was, however; extremely adept at redefining his own military tactics to incorporate the strengths of the forces he gained in conquest. Anything ranging from the great cavalry and archery associated with the Persian Empire, to Indian war elephants; Alexander used the units to the best of their ability.
While Alexander was great for his effectiveness on the battlefield, his lasting legacy lies elsewhere. He spread classical Greek culture to the furthest reaches of his empire and the resulting movement was named Hellenism. This new movement incorporated elements from the entire empire to create the most diverse culture the world had ever known. On a personal note, Alexander stepped beyond the restraints of classical Greek culture. He changed his dress, developed the drinking habits of a “barbarian,” and even denied Greece a “pure” bloodline by taking Persian wives. These decisions were noticed by Alexander’s new people who then loved and worshiped Alexander long before his death. His new and extremely progressive attitudes managed to unite his entire kingdom, with one exception.
As before mentioned, Greece remained an intensely racist place through Alexander’s conquests. While Persia and Egypt loved Alexander, much of Greece despised his new behaviors. When Alexander died very young, it was believed by many that his death included foul play. The rumors of murder and assassination reign out as alarms to those who wish to emulate Alexander. While his progressive attitude managed to allow Alexander to unite his new kingdom, it may have cost him Greece’s loyalty and his life. This unexplainable mystery poses the Alexander conundrum. If Alexander died of natural causes, his legacy should be his progressive attitude’s ability to unite his kingdom and solidify his power. However, if Alexander was assassinated, his legacy must include a steadfast warning to the dangers of alienation in politics. Since this question can never truly be answered, Alexander’s legacy can never be written in entirety. Using this principle in examining a later figure, we are reminded to consider opposing perceptions and must question everything we have been told.
Columnist: Greg Burleson
The Cave 