BY JAMES BALDWIN
Why Alexander Wept
Famous Stories Retold: Story 16 of 30
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Conquest of the Known World: By the time of his death, Alexander had created one of the largest empires in history, stretching from Greece to Egypt and into India.
Philosophical Reflection: Alexander's weeping also serves as a philosophical reflection on the human condition and the endless pursuit of achievement.
A good book we like, we explorers. That is our best amusement, and our best time killer
- Roald Amundsen, Explorer
Alexander's Sorrow: Beyond the Realm of Conquest
Jump into history, we unearth an enigma ensconced in the tale of an unparalleled warrior, Alexander the Great. His story is a paradox, a canvas painted with triumphant conquests and poignant tears. Despite being the master of the known world, Alexander's defining moment isn't of victory, but of sorrow. Why would a man of such profound power weep? This query is a riveting exploration of human ambition, insatiability, and the ultimate quest for fulfillment. As we unravel this mystery, we shall discover a truth that transcends time, a truth about power, purpose, and the human spirit.
The Rise of Alexander: His Early Conquests
The meteoric rise of Alexander the Great can be traced back to his early conquests, providing an invaluable lesson in leadership that still resonates today. With a modest army, Alexander set out to conquer the western part of Asia, a mission that seemed insurmountable to many. However, his unwavering determination and superior strategic skills led him to victory, earning him the reputation of a formidable conqueror. Quoting his famous words, "The world is my kingdom," Alexander's ambition was boundless, a trait that propelled him to unprecedented heights.
The Wealth of Persia and the Burning of Tyre
Alexander's conquests brought him to Persia, widely considered the wealthiest and most powerful nation of the time. His invasion not only symbolized his dominance but also brought immense wealth and resources under his control. However, the burning of Tyre, a mighty city, served as a testament to his ruthlessness, further cementing his place as a conqueror. His actions, while often criticized, underline the harsh realities of warfare and the relentless pursuit of power.
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Egypt Under Alexander's Rule and the Founding of Alexandria
Following his conquests in Asia, Alexander turned his attention to Egypt, swiftly taking control and establishing his rule. His reign marked a significant era in Egyptian history, characterized by cultural exchange and the consolidation of power. In a bid to immortalize his name, Alexander founded a splendid city near the mouth of the Nile River, aptly named Alexandria. The city, with its intricate architecture and strategic location, stands as a symbol of Alexander's grandeur and ambition, reminding us of his relentless pursuit of glory.
The Journey Back to Asia and Conquest Beyond the Euphrates
After his stint in Egypt, Alexander returned to Asia, bringing his vast army along. His ambitions were far from sated. He ventured further, crossing the vast expanse of the Euphrates River, which was then considered the boundary of the known world. His conquests continued unabated, and he overran the territories beyond the great river. His army traversed the lush, grassy plains hugging the Caspian Sea's shores, and climbed the towering, snow-clad mountains that seemed to touch the heavens. Alexander's inquiries about what lay beyond were met with grim descriptions of desolate, frozen marshes, extending to the ends of the earth. Undeterred, Alexander led his army further south, proving that his appetite for conquest knew no bounds.
Exploration of India and the Standstill at the Ganges
Following his exploits in Asia, Alexander turned his gaze towards the exotic lands of India. With his indomitable army, he overran vast swathes of the subcontinent, subduing one prosperous city after another. His unstoppable march, however, came to a halt at the banks of the mighty Ganges River. His weary soldiers, having marched thousands of miles away from their homeland, refused to cross the river and venture further. They had reached their limits. When Alexander asked about what lay beyond the Ganges, he was told about endless, impenetrable forests. Despite this, Alexander's spirit of exploration remained undiminished.
The Final Voyage Down the Indus and the Realization of a Finite World
Undeterred by the standstill at the Ganges, Alexander embarked on a final journey. He had ships constructed and set sail on another great river, the Indus. His army, now travelling by water, made its way down to the sea. When asked about what lay beyond the horizon, Alexander was told about endless, trackless waters. It was here that Alexander, having seen the ends of the earth, acknowledged the finiteness of the world. He realized he had conquered all the inhabited lands. His earlier claim, "The world is my kingdom," now rang true. But this realization was bittersweet. Alexander wept, not for his accomplishments, but for the lack of worlds left for him to conquer. His insatiable desire for conquest had finally met its limits.
Conclusion
In Alexander's conquests and monumental accomplishments, we find him weeping over the finiteness of the world. It isn't a cry of despair but a lamentation over the limits of human ambition, a realization that there were no more worlds to conquer. The tale of Alexander serves as a timeless allegory, reminding us that power and conquest, though intoxicating, are ultimately ephemeral. It exposes the insatiable human spirit, always yearning for more. Truly, Alexander's tears reveal not just his discontentment but also the eternal truth about human nature and its ceaseless quest for fulfillment.
Alexander with his little army overran all the western part of Asia.
"The world is my kingdom," he said.
He conquered Persia, which was then the greatest and richest country known. He burned the mighty city of Tyre. He made himself the master of Egypt. He built, near the mouth of the Nile River, a splendid new city which he called, after his own name, Alexandria.
"What lies west of Egypt?" he asked.
"Only the great desert," was the answer. "To the farthest bounds of the earth there is nothing but sand, sand, burning sand."
So Alexander led his army back into Asia. He overran the country beyond the great river Euphrates. He crossed the grassy plains that lie along the shores of the Caspian Sea. He climbed the snowy mountains that seem to overlook the world. He gazed northward upon a desolate land.
"What lies beyond?" he asked.
"Only frozen marshes," was the answer. "Mile after mile, mile after mile, to the farthest bounds of the earth there is nothing but fields of snow and seas of ice."
So Alexander led his army back toward the south. He overran a large part of India. He subdued one rich city after another. At last he came to a mighty river called the Ganges. He would have crossed the river, but his soldiers would not follow him.
"We go no farther," they said.
"What lies to the east of this wonderful stream?" asked Alexander.
"Only tangled forests," was the answer. "Mile after mile, mile after mile, to the farthest bounds of the earth there is nothing else."
So Alexander caused ships to be built. He launched them on another river called the Indus, and with his army floated down to the sea.
"What lies farther on?" he asked.
"Only trackless waters," was the answer. "Mile after mile, mile after mile, to the farthest bounds of the earth there is nothing but the deep sea."
"Truly, then," said Alexander, "all the inhabited world is mine. West, north, east, south, there is nothing more for me to conquer. But, after all, how small a kingdom it is!"
Then he sat down and wept because there were not other worlds for him to conquer.
