Madi Smith's Memoirs: 1, 2, and 3

{1}Memoir,

                My journey into the army has been one of great sorrow and pain and yet it still pleases me to see my homeland growing into the largest empires! I have been part of Alexander’s army since the time of his father’s death in 336 BC. When Alexander took control of the forces many of the soldiers were happy to finally have a proper general that could lead us into battle and continually guaranty a victory over the enemy. As time passed on our bodies became sore and we all longed to return to our wives arms, but our journey was far from over.

                Many of us started out in favor of conquering the lands surrounding us, like Greece and Persia. Many of us pushed onwards in pursuit of the common goal, to conquer! Alexander the Great would lead us to victory and in no time we would prove ourselves again! He was “Great” in many ways, but after years of following him into the blazing desert heat many of the soldiers longed to go home. In many of the letters to my wife I speak of how I believe in Alexander’s dream. In the excerpt I am about to share there is a stark contrast between my opinions of Alexander now and then.

                “Another victory is ours! We stand victorious over our rivals the Persians! Their Calvary formation was broken by our phalanx of soldiers with our Calvary rushing in from inside to finish off the job. I am sad to say that my closest comrade now lays in the battle field, but his death was of good cause. I am proud to say that I will continue onwards in pursuit of the entire Persian Empire.”

                That letter was written within the first few years of my army carrier and the “Greatness” of Alexander unquestionable, but none of us realized how long our pursuit would last. His quest of ten years had worn many of us down and the strong title of “the Great” had faded into the back of our minds. We begged and pleaded to go home but he paid no mind to our cries. Some of us died because of dehydration and exhaustion and others died valiantly fighting for the empires growth. Our most recent battle was against King Porus’ and his men on elephants; the tactic used ended many lives without even fighting the enemy. We were to cross the monsoon-swollen river to catch the flank Porus’ army. Many of my comrades fell beside me and the victory seemed barely won. Tears welled in my eyes as I looked back on the battle field. Somewhere among the bodies lay my closest friend, Phillip.

                In the end I can understand how Alexander was considered “Great”. His fighting tactics were almost impeccable and very few battles cost us many casualties. By the end of our 11,000 mile journey we had conquered land that we didn't even think existed. The once tiny country of Macedon was now the Alexandrian Empire. He overall appearance is based upon his accomplishments but as you look deeper into his character you see the dark murderer he truly was; the questionable acts he did in the name of the empire were finally being brought to the surface. His name still stands in the high ranks as a military leader but as a person he is one of the most despicable people to walk the earth!

~Alexius

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{2}Memoir,

                I have finally returned home safely to my loving wife and young son. We have started a new life in the city of Alexandria, on the bank of the Nile River. The blended cultures have created a wonderful style of living and both my wife and I are formally educated; we take part in many of the debates and theological discussions that are hosted by acquaintances. Our son will also be starting his tutoring lessons with a close friend and student or Aristotle, very soon! I am excited to see the changes in the style of learning because of the influx of different cultures.

                Months ago I would have never thought that the influence of other cultures among the empire would help in such a large way. Koine is the main language of the residents or a second language to those who have taken up residency in port cities such as Alexandria. The trading supply is keeping our economy afloat and is still rising. Foreigners are considered family among the residents in the trading cities; some have even taken residency in cities like Alexandria. This influx was a wonderful and much needed boost in the culture of our Empire and many wouldn’t change a thing.

~Alexius

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{3}“You cannot be buried in obscurity: you are exposed upon a grand theater to the view of the world. If your actions are upright and benevolent, be assured they will augment your power and happiness.” ~Cyrus the Great

                Cyrus the Great is a good comparison to Alexander the Great, not because of “the Great”, but because of the massive amount of land he massed together. Cyrus’ kingdom spread across 3 continents, including the Median, Lydian, and Neo-Babylonian Empires; this compilation was called the Acheamenid Persian Empire. And he proved to outlast Alexander’s Empires because even after death his empire remained strong for some time. Cyrus was also supposed to have created the first postal system inside of his empire; some say this was one reason that his empire continued long after death.

Being the opposite of Alexander, Cyrus is known for being “Great” because of his generosity towards others even after conquering them. In the quote above Cyrus talks of how one cannot live in obscurity, or being unknown; that could be said especially of kings such as Cyrus himself. He talks of how one should act “upright and benevolent” and that in the end doing so would bring you happiness and power. His rule over the Acheamenid Persian Empire was not that of an evil tyrant but a King who acted in the best interests of his land. The mixed blend of cultures never stopped his work; they only further pushed him as he made room to accept new cultures. 

Works Cited:

Brown, Bryan. "Alexander the Great." Ebscohost. Junior Scholastic, 9 May 2011. Web. 23 Sept. 2013. http://web.ebscohost.com/hrc/detail?sid=65601053-ff0-43bc-9d5a-0f4b5b965071%40sessionmgr13&vid=1&hid=21&bdata=JnNpdGU9aHJjLWxpdmU%3d#db=khh&AN=60685597

Pomeroy, Sarah B., et al. Ancient Greece a Political, Social, and Cultural

    History. New York; Oxford: Oxford UP, 1999. Print.

Sacks, David. Encyclopedia of the Ancient Greek World. Ed. Oswyn Murray. Illus.

    Margaret Bunson. New York Cirt: Facts On File, 1995. Print

Breasted, James Henry. Ancient Times. Chicago: U of Chicago, 1944. Print.