Few names in history have risen to myth-like status. Alexander, son of Phillip II of Macedon, is one of those names. Alexander’s profound effect on the world has given him the moniker “the great” and made him into a myth-like hero with the likes of Achilles, Caesar and even Hercules. Through all of his conquests and military campaigns during the third century B.C.E., Alexander spread Greek culture (Hellenism) throughout much of the ancient world. The effects of this changed western culture forever. Alexander the Great’s conquests had many lasting effects on the world. As he expanded his empire, local cultures were embraced and merged with the Greek culture. The new cosmopolitan world created by Alexander’s conquests eliminated the power of
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Alexander founded the Egyptian city of Alexandria. It was a highly influential city and became a center of culture and commerce. Located directly on the Mediterranean, it became an important hub for sea trade. After Alexander’s death, Alexandria became the capital of Egypt under the ruler Ptolemy I. It is said that the great library of Alexandria was started by Ptolemy I and featured scrolls and teachings from around the known world. It became the largest library most important center for learning in the world.
Although trade and commerce had increased throughout the empire, life was not much better or sometimes worse for the common people. Taxes and rent increased. Advances in technology did not advance in agricultural fields, thus labor remained long and hard. Also, the slave trade increased as a small group of elite citizens instituted slave plantations. On these plantations, crops were only grown for profit and were worked exclusively by slaves, eliminating jobs for many free peasants. This increase in the exclusive use of slave labor led to slave uprisings and an influx of free peasants to cities in search of work.
It is undeniable that we still see vestiges of Alexander the Great’s exploits to this day. Whether it is in the form of the cities that still stand where his empire founded them or lasting influences on religion, his legacy continues to shape our
Alexander founded the Egyptian city of Alexandria. It was a highly influential city and became a center of culture and commerce. Located directly on the Mediterranean, it became an important hub for sea trade. After Alexander’s death, Alexandria became the capital of Egypt under the ruler Ptolemy I. It is said that the great library of Alexandria was started by Ptolemy I and featured scrolls and teachings from around the known world. It became the largest library most important center for learning in the world.
Although trade and commerce had increased throughout the empire, life was not much better or sometimes worse for the common people. Taxes and rent increased. Advances in technology did not advance in agricultural fields, thus labor remained long and hard. Also, the slave trade increased as a small group of elite citizens instituted slave plantations. On these plantations, crops were only grown for profit and were worked exclusively by slaves, eliminating jobs for many free peasants. This increase in the exclusive use of slave labor led to slave uprisings and an influx of free peasants to cities in search of work.
It is undeniable that we still see vestiges of Alexander the Great’s exploits to this day. Whether it is in the form of the cities that still stand where his empire founded them or lasting influences on religion, his legacy continues to shape our