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How Did Alexander The Great Influence The Modern World

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Alexander the Great is classified as one of history’s greatest minds. Born in Pella, Macedonia in 356 BCE to King Philip II, Alexander would turn his kingdom into a powerhouse, conquering the Persian Empire and much of the eastern Mediterranean. His success in grand expeditions would lead to cities and rules that incorporated Greek and outside influences. This integration of cultures from communities all over his domain is the most significant aspect of Alexander the Great’s legacy, leading to important cultural exchange and a lasting effect on the modern world. Throughout the eastern Mediterranean, cities of Greek culture thrived. Alexandria was established in 332 BCE in Egypt as the new capital and a centre of scholarship and science. Alexandria …show more content…

A more open and collaborative nation was built from Alexander's cities which became immensely critical in the technological developments that arose after his passing. Alexandria is a great example of how cultural acceptance was used to further progress the world in artistic, philosophical, and scientific movements. Alexander strived to control Persia, and with this goal, he broke free of the xenophobic ideals introduced by the Greeks and adopted the Persians and their culture into his own. “[Alexander took] a middle way between the Persian mode and the Macedonian.” (Plutarch, 1914); he did not change the Persian Empire into one of only Greek influences, but one of both cultures. Alexander adopted court culture and encouraged his army to marry into Persian families. The Persian custom of proskynesis, a ritual where one was to bow then kiss one of higher rank, was assimilated into Alexander’s army. In contrast, his Persian men would train in Macedonian style and experience Greek life. Greek-based dialects, military tactics, and local governments mixed with Persian practices created a unique way of life and impacted the trade of knowledge and

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