Alexander the Great and Persia

From Conqueror to King of Asia

Joseph Stiles

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English

Pen and Sword
01 October 2022

Biography: historical, political & military; History; Ancient history: to c 500 CE

Upon his return from India, Alexander the Great travelled 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 has a bachelor's degree in History from Temple University and recently gained his master's degree in World History from Norwich University, Vermont, USA, where his research centred on Alexander the Great and his policies in the East. He now works as a teacher and lives in suburban Philadelphia.

By: Joseph Stiles
Imprint: Pen and Sword
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9781399094412
ISBN 10: 1399094416
Pages: 240
Publication Date: 01 October 2022
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Unspecified

Joseph Stiles has a bachelor's degree in History from Temple University and recently gained his master's degree in World History from Norwich University, Vermont, USA, where his research centred on Alexander the Great and his policies in the East. He now works as a teacher and lives in suburban Philadelphia.

Reviews for Alexander the Great and Persia: From Conqueror to King of Asia

A seminal work of historical/biographical scholarship... a deftly crafted, impressively informative, and exceptionally well presented history... -- Midwest Book Review