Alexander the Great's Unending Conquest: Philip's Legacy, Achilles, and Pothos

The ambition of Alexander the Great to conquer was rooted in inherited ideals, the emulation of heroes, claims of divinity, and his personal aspirations, as discussed in The Collector. Following the assassination of Philip II, the 20-year-old Alexander encountered opposition from Attalus and rebellious Greek states. He dispatched Hecataeus to Asia Minor to deal with Attalus, obliterated Thebes after unsuccessful negotiations, and assumed leadership of the Pan-Hellenic campaign against Persia. To secure his kingship, recognition from the army and victories in battle were essential. He asserted his lineage from Heracles and Achilles, consulted the oracle at Siwa, and faced army dissent at the Hyphasis River. After a challenging return through the Gedrosian Desert, he intended to invade Arabia but passed away in June 323 BC, leaving no heirs and resulting in the fragmentation of his empire.