Alexander the Great and Persia: From Conqueror to King of Asia (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781399094412)

Upon his return from India, Alexander the Great traveled to the Persian royal city of Pasargadae to pay homage at the tomb of King Cyrus, founder of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, whom he admired greatly. Disgusted to find Cyrus' tomb desecrated and looted, the Macedonian king had the tomb guards tortured, the Persian provincial governor executed and the tomb refurbished. This episode involving Cyrus' tomb serves as one of many case studies in Alexander's relationship with Persia. At times Alexander would behave pragmatically, sparing his defeated enemies and adopting Persian customs. Sisygambis, the mother of Persian King Darius III, allegedly came to view Alexander as a son and starved herself at the news of his demise. On other occasions he did not shy away from destruction (famously torching the palace at Persepolis) and cruelty, earning himself the nickname 'the accursed'. This conflicting nature gives Alexander a complex legacy in the Persian world. Joseph Stiles explores Alexander the Great's fascinating relationship with his 'spear-won' empire, disentangling the motives and influences behind his policies and actions as 'King of Asia'.

Author: Joseph Stiles
ISBN-10: 1399094416
ISBN-13: 9781399094412
Publisher: Pen and Sword History
Language: English
Published: 09/15/2022
Pages: 240
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.14lbs