What is so great about Alexander the Great?

Alexander the Great is one of the most famous conquerors in history. To historians, he is significant not simply because of the quality of his military leadership or because he was able to conquer such a vast territory. In fact, his empire dissolved as soon as he died. What makes his career so important is that his conquests spread Greek ideas and culture throughout the Mediterranean and the Near East.

Source: Alexander the Great Fresco, Macedonia.org

The kingdom of Macedonia, Alexander's native country and the center of his power, lay north of the classical Greek city-states. The Macedonians spoke Greek, however, and considered themselves to be a part of Greek civilization. From early in Alexander's reign, it became clear that part of his goal in conquering foreign lands was to spread the influence of Greek culture.

Source: Map of empire of Alexander the Great shortly after acquiring the Persian Empire, AnonMoos, Wikimedia

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