Book SummaryAlexander the Great, by Anthony Everitt

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Alexander the Great

Alexander the Great's Early Life and Rise

The Macedonian Court's Formative Influence on Alexander

This section focuses on introducing the reader to the complex, and often violent, world of Macedonian court life and how these early exposures shaped Alexander's approach to power. It also highlights Alexander's initial military education and growing sense of his destiny as a warrior on the world stage.

Dangers of Alexander's Ruthless Court Life

Right from his birth, Alexander was immersed in an environment rife with ambition, treachery, and violence. Everitt emphasizes this point by describing the turbulent past of Macedonia's monarchy, where regicides and power struggles were commonplace. Alexander witnessed firsthand the dangers of court life, particularly the ruthlessness of his father, Philip II, who consolidated his power by eliminating rivals, even within his family. This instilled a deep understanding of how unstable authority is and the need for decisive action to neutralize threats.

Everitt argues that this violent environment shaped Alexander's approach to leadership, making him alert to potential dangers and inclined towards swift and ruthless action against perceived enemies, a trait that would manifest itself throughout his rule. The author also highlights how his understanding of the precariousness of power influenced his perception of loyalty, a quality he highly valued in those close to him, readily forgiving transgressions but always remembering betrayals.

Context

• The act of regicide, or the killing of a king, was not uncommon in Macedonian history. This was partly due to the lack of a clear succession system, which often led to disputes and violent overthrows.

Other Perspectives

• It could be argued that the focus on the negative aspects of court life underestimates the influence of positive role models and mentors in Alexander's life, such as Aristotle, who may have provided a counterbalance to the otherwise ruthless environment.
• Philip II's actions to eliminate rivals, including family members, could be seen as a common practice among monarchs of the time to ensure stability and prevent civil war.
• The concept of neutralizing threats as a necessity could be challenged on moral grounds, suggesting that ethical considerations should play a role in how a ruler responds to challenges to their authority.
• The inclination towards swift action against enemies could also be attributed to the military culture of Macedonia, which prized valor and quick decisive battles, rather than solely the violence of court life.
• Remembering betrayals could be seen as a sign of vindictiveness or paranoia, rather than a prudent leadership quality.

Military Strength's Importance and Greek Cultural Allure Instilled Early

Simultaneously, Alexander was instilled with a profound feeling of Macedonian identity, one built upon military prowess and the allure of Greek culture. Everitt describes how Macedonian monarchs aimed to elevate their status by adopting Hellenic cultural practices, epitomized by their participation in the Olympics and the patronage of Greek artists and intellectuals. Philip II, a ruthless pragmatist, continued this practice, turning Macedonia into a powerful military force while simultaneously immersing his son in Greek cultural ideals.

Everitt emphasizes how this dual inheritance shaped Alexander's character and ambitions. The youthful prince saw warfare as his destined path, inspired by the heroic figures from the epic and yearning for the glory of battle. At the same time, he developed a deep appreciation for Greek civilization and saw himself as upholding its legacy, a conviction he would utilize in his later campaigns, portraying himself as the defender of Hellenic ideals against "barbarian" Persia.

Context

• Embracing Greek culture was also a strategic move to unify the diverse peoples within the Macedonian kingdom and its territories, creating a shared cultural identity that could help stabilize and strengthen the realm.
• The ancient Olympic Games were a series of athletic competitions among representatives of various city-states of ancient Greece, held in honor of Zeus. Participation was a way for rulers to demonstrate their Greek identity and gain prestige.
• He transformed the army from a part-time militia into a professional force, ensuring soldiers were well-trained and loyal, which increased their effectiveness in battle.
• Philip II’s patronage of Greek artists and intellectuals brought a vibrant cultural scene to Macedonia, exposing Alexander to the artistic and intellectual achievements of Greece from a young age.
• Although established after his death, the Library of Alexandria in Egypt was inspired by his vision of a center for Greek learning and culture, reflecting his lasting influence and appreciation for Greek intellectual achievements.
• The Greco-Persian Wars (499–449 BCE) had established a long-standing enmity between Greek city-states and Persia. This historical backdrop fueled Greek perceptions of Persia as a threat to their way of life and culture.

Olympias' Influence on Alexander's Path to Power

A final element in Alexander's formative years was the influence of his mother, Olympias. A fiercely protective and ambitious woman, she instilled in her son a belief in his exceptional destiny. Everitt highlights Olympias's strong personality and her involvement in religious cults, emphasizing her unconventional position in Macedonia's patriarchal society. She actively promoted Alexander's goals, often clashing with his father and nurturing Alexander's sense of special status and entitlement.

Everitt suggests that Olympias was a key influence on Alexander's personality, contributing to his passionate nature, his tendency towards impulsive and decisive action, and his lifelong deep attachment to her. The author implies that Olympias might have played a role in Philip's...

Alexander the Great Summary Alexander's Campaigns and Expansion of Macedonia

In this section, Everitt explores Alexander’s rise to power and the early successes of his military expeditions. The author details how Philip's innovations and legacy laid the foundation for Alexander’s victories. The section also focuses on the key battles that cemented Alexander's hold over Greece and his initial incursion into Persia, highlighting the combination of military force, political maneuvering, and powerful symbolic gestures that enabled him to achieve his ambitions.

Philip's Legacy: The Foundations for Alexander's Military Victories

Everitt thoroughly analyzes how Alexander's accomplishments heavily owed to his father’s legacy. He details how the disciplined Macedonian army, created through Philip's radical military reforms, served as the primary instrument of Alexander’s conquests. The author also points out that Alexander inherited a large and resource-rich empire from his father, providing him with the financial and logistical means for sustaining his lengthy campaigns.

A Disciplined Macedonian Force Was Key to Alexander's Victories

Everitt elaborates on Philip II’s military reforms, highlighting the introduction of a professional permanent army,...

Alexander the Great Summary Alexander's Interactions With Persian Empire and Greek City-States

This section focuses on the complex relationship between Alexander, the Persian Empire he inherited, and his fellow Greeks. Everitt describes how the king skillfully transitioned from liberator to conqueror, embracing Persian customs and enlisting the support of Persia's elite. The author also details Alexander's methods for maintaining his authority over a restless Greece, highlighting the balancing act between appeasement and ruthlessness that ultimately failed to secure his legacy.

Alexander's Ambiguous Approach to Persia's Realm

Everitt meticulously explains how Alexander’s approach to Persia was characterized by a complex interplay of pragmatism, ambition, and a calculated manipulation of symbolism and propaganda. The author highlights how Alexander skillfully used the language of liberating cities populated by Greeks along the Asian coast as a justification for waging war against a much larger foe, while simultaneously preparing for a more ambitious project of conquest and empire building.

Alexander's Liberation of Ionian Cities: Greek Freedom and Propaganda Tool

Everitt recounts how Alexander, after winning at the Granicus River, quickly marched south,...