Philosophy Ancient & Classical
In the Path of Conquest
Resistance to Alexander the Great
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press
- Initial publish date
- Feb 2020
- Category
- Ancient & Classical
-
Hardback
- ISBN
- 9780190076689
- Publish Date
- Feb 2020
- List Price
- $56.00
-
Paperback / softback
- ISBN
- 9780197671559
- Publish Date
- Oct 2022
- List Price
- $35.99
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Description
This book offers a fresh insight into the conquests of Alexander the Great by attempting to view the events of 336-323 BCE from the vantage point of the defeated. The extent and form of the resistance of the populations he confronted varied according to their previous relationships with either the Macedonian invaders or their own Achaemenid rulers. The internal political situations of many states - particularly the Greek cities of Asia Minor - were also a factor. In the vast Persian Empire that stretched from the Aegean to the Indus, some states surrendered voluntarily and others offered fierce resistance. Not all regions were subdued through military actions. Indeed, as the author argues, the excessive use of force on Alexander's part was often ineffective and counterproductive.
In the Path of Conquest examines the reasons for these varied responses, giving more emphasis to the defeated and less to the conqueror and his Macedonian army. In the process, it debunks many long-held views concerning Alexander's motives, including the idea that his aim was to march to the eastern limits of the world. It also provides a fresh reevaluation of Darius III's successes and failures as a commander. Such a study involves rigorous analysis of the ancient sources, and their testimony is presented throughout the book in the form of newly translated passages. A unique portrait of a well-known age, In the Path of Conquest will significantly alter our understanding of Alexander's career.
About the author
Waldemar Heckel is Associate Professor of Classics at The University of Calgary, specializing in Macedonian History and Prosopography. He was also chairman of the Nickle Conference Organizing Committee.
Richard Sullivan is Adjunct Professor of History at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia. He is author of numerous articles on the Greek East in Roman times and has a book forthcoming on Eastern Royalty.
Other titles by
Who's Who in the Age of Alexander and his Successors
From Chaironeia to Ipsos (338-301 BC)
Ancient Coins of the Graeco-Roman World
The Nickle Numismatic Papers
Macedonian Warrior
Alexander's elite infantryman