Alexander the Great

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The ability to motivate troops is a key component in military success. Alexander led an army of Macedonian’s and Grecian allies. This was a very diverse army, and Alexander knew that they were not all motivated by the same things. The aristocrat, Arrian, around the time of 150 A.D. wrote of a speech Alexander delivered as his army was in the final stages of their conquests in the east. His troops no longer wanted to fight this war, and Alexander encouraged them that they were so close to their goal, that to turn back now would be to risk everything that they had already accomplished. Alexander spoke to his Macedonian soldiers, and assured them that if they continued, they would immortalized for their accomplishments, but if they were to turn back then the areas left unconquered could rise and take back areas to the west (Arrian). Alexander had a different messages for his troops that hailed from Greece, reminding them of what this Persian Empire they aimed to conquer did to their beloved homelands, and how they mistreated those that they conquered (Rufus). Alexander’s personal bravery was also key in boosting morale, as soldiers are more likely to follow a leader that is taking the same risks that they are. Alexander fought side by side with his troops (Phalanx) and even sustained injuries in battle, including taking a sword to the right thigh in the battle of Issus (Rufus). Alexander’s conquers would not have been possible if not for his ability to rally and motivate troops for a seemingly never-ending conquests.

The common perception of Alexander the great is not entirely based on facts, but more embellished stories that portray him as an almost mythological god. But upon investigation the primary sources depicted in this paper, I am of the belief that his perception is rooted in heroic truths. Alexander’s astonishing military successes are not argued by anyone, and his leadership, strategy, and bravery that led to those accomplishments are nothing short of heroic traits. In order to be considered a hero, though, your actions must be rooted in a just cause. Alexander had the goal to unify what was then the Eastern world, to blend cultures and to ease the flow of knowledge and advancement of civilizations. His role in that goal was to conquer the lands to the East, and that is just what he did. Alexander the Great will live forever in history, and his story is rightfully that of an ancient hero.

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