History is unpredictable and it can take on a life of its own. But sometimes, the existence of a person is enough for history to bend to his will. Alexander the Great was such a man. Through his faith, vision, dexterous mind, eloquent eloquence, and superior physical endurance, he was able to shape his destiny for himself and the lands he conquered.
Even from a very young age, Alexander showed maturity beyond what he was in his youth. His ability to conceptualize, anticipate and take risks is evident in his many victories. He persevered in the hostile regions of Sogdiana and Mokran, which were harsh climates. When everything was hanging in the balance, Alexander maintained extraordinary composure and showed leadership. When he got an arrow in the chest and an arrow in the leg, he moved on - the wound only motivated him to fight harder.
Battle of Granicus: A leader (and legend) is born
Alexander's battle on the Granicus River was the most important military event of his life. Why would Granicus be more important than the Siege of Tyre or the Battle of Gaugamera? At that time, Alexander was a young king and general who was only 22 years old. As far as the enemy was concerned, not to mention his own, Alexander was unconfirmed in battle, facing a powerful Persian army led by the experienced military commander Memnon of Rhodes. In addition to inexperience and dubious leadership, Alexander's army was at a disadvantage even before the war with the Persians. The Persians carried out meticulous reconnaissance of the area and looked for vantage points on the eastern bank of the Granicus River. Fighting a powerful Persian army under the command of an able general would prove to be a daunting adventure. But Alexander, despite his young age, was decisive in his offensive plan and confident in his abilities. His talent lies in his bravado and daring accusations. A bold troop movement will give him the opportunity to take advantage of gaps in the ranks of the enemy. His ability to read opponents and quickly adapt to changing circumstances is incredible. It is a very valuable tool that will be put to the test on the Granicus River and establish his status as King of Warriors.
According to the account, the embankment could be three to four meters high, and it was difficult for Alexander's soldiers to cross without causing heavy casualties. Moreover, the Persians could rush the cavalry of the crossing river and annihilate them by force. This contingency was the beginning of his heroic battle, therefore, instead of a large-scale operation across the river, it was better to send an additional force to fight the Persians and make pawn sacrifices for Alexander and his men.
Aminthas and his men confronted the Persians, while Alexander and his men turned and broke through the Persians from the flank. Alexander's intention was fulfilled when the Persians failed to engage the rest of him with the same destructive force they unleashed against Amintas. The situation Alexander hoped for unfolded before his eyes. Aminthas gave Alexander the opportunity and time to lead Alexander's best warrior companion cavalry into battle.
Alexander's talent lies in his bravado and daring accusations. A bold troop movement will give him the opportunity to take advantage of gaps in the ranks of the enemy.
The Persian commander Mithridates met the attack of Alexander, who dealt with him as with many in the future, he hit him in the face with a broken spear. Alexander killed a Persian commander in full view of his men. A minor question that will not go unanswered. Rhosaces and Spithridates, brother of the slain Mithridates, chase Alexander and kill the young upstart once and for all. Alexander reacted quickly. He attacked Rosas and stabbed him, but he delivered a potentially fatal blow with Alexander's scalp loosely intact. Disoriented and torn apart, Alexander did his best to return to his men while ignoring the immediate following Spitridatus. When Spithridates came in pursuit, Cleitus cut him off and cut off his shoulder from his body, a major victory, not because Alexander outnumbered him by two to one, and he was not, but because the battle proved his ability as a capable commander and legitimized his reign as king. He showed his men that he was a shrewd military commander and that he cared deeply about them. This is evidenced by the 25 bronze statues commissioned by Alexander to Lysippus as magnificent monuments to the brave Macedonians. Alexander also sent back 3,000 sets of armor back to Athens with the inscription: "Philip son of Alexander, and the Greeks, except the Spartans, came from the barbarians who lived in Asia." ”
But more importantly, Alexander laid the foundation for a relationship that would prove itself again and again until his death. After the battle, Alexander spoke to many of the wounded and asked them to tell him about their personal role in the battle and how they were wounded. By doing so, he forged an indestructible bond between him and his men.
Resources:
"Alexander the Great"
