The Greek Cities of Asia Minor - Study Guide
VALDEMIR MOTA DE MENEZES
For those of you who want to read a modern narrative account of the beginning of the campaigns in Asia, see G. Rogers, Alexander: The Ambiguity of Greatness (2004), Chapter 6 (pp. 54-64).
Then have a look at some of the primary ancient sources, including:
Plutarch, Life of Alexander Chapters 17-18
Diodorus Siculus, Bibliotheke or Library, Book 17, Chapters 21-29, at: http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/e/roman/texts/diodorus_siculus/home.html
Arrian, Anabasis or Journey Up-Country, Book 1 Chapter 17 through Book 2 Chapter 4 at: https://archive.org/details/arrianar01arriuoft
After winning the battle at the Granicus River, Alexander suddenly had to think about ruling a new territory that included villages, towns, and cities of both Greeks and non-Greeks. What can you infer about Alexander’s approach to political leadership given the fact that he only seems to have formulated a policy about the Greek cities after he was approached in Ephesos by the democratic representatives from the cities of Magnesia and Tralleis?
Among the questions you might consider as you do the reading(s):
- Why did the Ephesians (or the administration of the Temple of Artemis) not want Alexander to dedicate the newly re-built temple of Artemis?
- Some historians have been surprised that Alexander only formulated his policy with respect to the Greek cities in Asia Minor after the approach from the representatives from Magnesia and Tralleis. Is that so surprising?
- Was demobilizing the fleet a smart strategic decision? What were the potential risks? How serious was the Persian strategic threat in the Aegean?
Further relevant modern bibliography:
Badian, E. "Alexander the Great and the Greeks of Asia," from Ancient Society and Institutions (1966) pp. 37-69.
