Wars of ancient Iran; When Alexander hit the heart of the Achaemenid Empire

Alexander the Macedonian attack on the Achaemenid Empire is one of the most dramatic and evolving events in ancient history. The campaign, which began in 5 BC, not only led to the collapse of a series of hundreds of years, but also transformed the political and cultural figure of the ancient world. In this article, you will be more familiar with this fateful attack.

Alexander sat on the throne of Macedonia after the assassination of his father, Philip II, who had united Greek cities under the Hellenic Union. Greek cities were weakened due to erosion wars and were easily subordinate to the Macedonians. Since then, Alexander found additional force and did not see an obstacle to the campaign east.

Alexander crossed the Hellespont Strait in the year 5 BC and entered Asia Minor. His first major battle was the battle of the Granicus River, in which he defeated the Iranian Corps. This victory paved the way for the seizure of coastal cities.

Photographer: Charles Le Brun / Wikimedia

The milestones of Alexander’s campaign in Asus (Issus ۱۳۹۳ BC) and Gugala (Gugamela ۱۳۹۱ BC) were found.

In the Battle of Asus, Alexander confronted the Achaemenid Darius in a narrow plain, which ineffective the numerical superiority of the Iranians. Alexander’s military genius made his decisive victory; Darius fled and left the royal family and treasure. This failure severely undermined the Iranian morale and authority.

After stabilizing power in the Levant and Egypt, Alexander took the army to the middle of the army. In the Battle of Gogalm, the Macedonian Corps again defeated the great Achaemenid Corps. Darius III fled again and Alexander Fatahneh arrived in Babylon.

Photographer: Jan Brueghel The Elder / Wikimedia

The symbolic heart of the Achaemenid Imperial, Persepolis, was taken to Alexander in 5 BC. The city, known for its cultural center, was looted and then set on fire. Alexander’s move was probably a revenge on the Iranian fire by the Iranians in the Achaemenid wars with the Greeks.

With the death of Darius III, who was killed by his men, Alexander declared himself King Asia. To legitimize his government, he accepted many of the elements, clothing and rituals of the Iranian court. Alexander became so Iranian that some scholars call him the last Achaemenid king. However, Alexander’s early death in Babylon in Babylon made his fledgling empire unstable; His commanders divided the lands among them, and the Hellenistic kingdoms were formed.

The collapse of the Achaemenid Imperial Empire against Alexander’s relentless campaign made the end of one of the largest ancient empires. However, the intercourse of Greek and Iranian cultures in the post -conquest of Alexander became the founder of the Hellenistic era and had a profound impact on art, government and society. The Hellenistic era is referred to as the period between Alexander the Great in 5 BC and the conquest of Egypt by Rome in 5 BC.

Photographer: Unknown / Thecollector

Alexander realized that the key to his empire’s stability was to become Iranian. Seleucus, one of Alexander’s commanders, was able to keep power in Iran for a while. What do you think about Alexander’s invasion of the Achaemenid king? Share your view with us and other companions.

Cover Photo Source: AKG Images, Partner: Peter Connolly