Re: What if?

[dean]

Hi, yes I had heard the same story about his battle in Graniccus. I suppose that if he had lost at any of his major engagements then the maybe the Persian could have tried to hit Greece. I mean it was unbelievably weak- Alex subjugated it in less than a year...
By the way I like the metaphor- about the locusts.
Best wishes, Dean.

[susa]

I'd like to make another question: what would have happened if Alexander's generals, after Al's death, had given up the inner parts of Asia and only keep Asia Minor as conquered land? Do you think they'd be harassed by the former Asian minor lords while retreating?susa

[yiannis]

Well, they were forced to leave the inner part of Asia (although Hellenistic kingdom survived for centuries in India and elsewhere where you see statues of Buda in Greek costumes!). However they kept fertile Egypt, the Levant, Mesopotamia and of course Asia Minor.
I don't believe that there would be any harassment by local warlords in case they decided to withdraw but do such a thing in the first place?
I mean they didn't fight that hard just to let go!
If they could unite and utilize the huge resources of their kingdoms for the benefit of their people, Greeks and locals, a wonderful civilization would have risen that could alter the world as we know it today. But, unfortunately, personal ambitions and politics prevailed. I'm afraid that this is a characteristic quality of our nation, from ancient till modern times civil wars are ravaging this country frequently.Regards,
Yiannis

[maciek]

I think if he would loose in one of his first battles - then this forum would not exist. Maybe we would never herd about him or just he would be one of many kings there. The beginning stages of his campaign was very crutial. He had no money to pay his troops, Athens and other cities was full of oponents and waiting only for his failure. They all was loyal to him under this condition - always win. Of course after few victories it was easier but still he woried very much throughout all his campaign about the situation in Europe, when not only the cities was his concerne but also situation in Macedonia was hot because of the strugle between Olimpias and Antipater.
Maciek