Summary of "Alexander the not so Great: History through Persian eyes", written by Ali Ansari
Alexander the Great is known as one of the greatest military geniuses in history because he conquered the Persian Empire and established his own empire that would become the largest in ancient history. Greeks view his conquest as a good thing, bringing civilized culture to the "barbaric East". However, many people do not see the other side of Alexander the Great through another perspective: he burned Persian city Persepolis to the ground and destroyed temples and priests of the Persian religion Zoroastrianism.
Though Alexander the Great conquered the Persians out of revenge for their past ruler Xerxes's invasion of Greece, the Persian Empire was the greatest the world had yet seen and obtaining it was the holy grail of prizes. In fact, the Greeks greatly admired Persian kings for their ability to strike both terror and admiration in the hearts of men throughout such a vast empire.
The Persians and the Greeks were interconnected in many ways: some Greeks fled to Persia and lived better than they did in Greece, while Persians aided victory to the Spartans in the Peloponnesian War. Persian prince Cyrus the Younger developed a good relationship with the Greeks and recruited ten thousand Greek mercenaries who graciously praised Cyrus for being truly worthy of ruling a successful empire.
Then came Alexander the Great, whom the Persians viewed as reckless youth. Alexander tried to embrace Persian way of life and immediately regretted his destruction of Persepolis. Like many future conquerors, Alexander the Great became seduced and attracted to the wonders of Persia.
1. What is the basic Western perception of Alexander the Great?
Westerners see Alexander the Great as the mighty conqueror of Persia and one of the greatest military geniuses in history.
2. Why did he destroy Persepolis?
He burned Persepolis in revenge for Persian ruler Xerxes burning down Greek city Acropolis.
3. What is the "Greek version" of Alexander's conquest of Persia?
Greeks viewed Alexander's invasion as the first of many Western crusades to civilize the barbaric East.
4. What was Persia's actual standing in the world like?
Persia was pretty civilized already because it was the greatest empire the world had seen, extending from Central Asia to Libya. It was a rich prize to anyone who wanted to conquer it.
5. How did the Persians gain advantage in the Peloponnesian War?
Persian rulers achieved their goals by turning the Greek city states against each other, ultimately causing the Peloponnesian War between the Athenians and the Spartans. Persia aided the Spartans by supplying them naval equipment.
6. How do the Persians portray Alexander?
Persians view Alexander the Great as a destroy and a reckless youth.
1. What is the basic Western perception of Alexander the Great?
Westerners see Alexander the Great as the mighty conqueror of Persia and one of the greatest military geniuses in history.
2. Why did he destroy Persepolis?
He burned Persepolis in revenge for Persian ruler Xerxes burning down Greek city Acropolis.
3. What is the "Greek version" of Alexander's conquest of Persia?
Greeks viewed Alexander's invasion as the first of many Western crusades to civilize the barbaric East.
4. What was Persia's actual standing in the world like?
Persia was pretty civilized already because it was the greatest empire the world had seen, extending from Central Asia to Libya. It was a rich prize to anyone who wanted to conquer it.
5. How did the Persians gain advantage in the Peloponnesian War?
Persian rulers achieved their goals by turning the Greek city states against each other, ultimately causing the Peloponnesian War between the Athenians and the Spartans. Persia aided the Spartans by supplying them naval equipment.
6. How do the Persians portray Alexander?
Persians view Alexander the Great as a destroy and a reckless youth.
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