The End of the Road

Alexander is considered by many to be the greatest general who ever lived, not only because of his military genius, but also because of his ability to inspire and motivate his men. This inspiration came from many sources. Alexander was one of the last great commanders in history to lead battles in person. Risking his safety in this way, he suffered many of the same wounds as his soldiers. He treated his soldiers exceptionally well and knew many of them personally. He was also an incredibly charismatic leader.

Nevertheless, the long years away from home and the hardships the troops experienced took a toll. During the 12 years of Alexander’s reign, he and his army crisscrossed the Persian Empire, traveling 20,000 miles-a distance about six times wider than the United States-across rugged mountain ranges, raging rivers, and scorching deserts, on foot and on horseback. They conquered everything in their path, never losing a major battle.

Finally, Alexander led his troops into India, and they began conquering this country from the northeastern border of the Persian Empire. But after months of steady rain and physical hardship, the soldiers had had enough. They realized their leader was never going to willingly stop

Fighting and refused to continue on with him-which was their right under Macedonian law.

Alexander reluctantly headed back to Persia, and it is doubtful that he intended ever to return to Macedonia. He reached Babylon (in what is now Iraq) in April 323 B. C.E., and died there about two months later, in mid-June 323 B. C.E. He was 32 years old. Rumors circulated in ancient times that he was poisoned, but modern scholars believe he died of an infectious disease, probably typhoid fever. About 13 years after Alexander’s death, his wife Roxane and son Alexander IV, who was born shortly after his death, were both murdered.

In 12 years, Alexander had conquered more lands and extended his leadership farther than any European ruler. He and his troops brought Greek culture, language, and ideas to these distant lands. Long after his death, Greek culture continued to influence the development of many civilizations west of the Tigris-Euphrates Valley.