Book Review: Alexander at the End of the World

I have to say that I really enjoyed Alexander at the End of the World, the Forgotten Final Years of Alexander the Great. Kousser's fantastic work focuses on the period of time following the initial conquest of the Persian empire, although there is build up to that event, so you don't have a lot of prior knowledge to read this one. 

    

   Indeed, the book really digs in as Alexander is attempting to get the Persian empire under control, eliminate rebellions, put any challenge to rest. This process takes his armies further from Macedonia and deeper into Asia, and all of the way to distant lands like Afghanistan. His armies and camp followers march through mountain passes, fight their way through heavily defended valleys, and onto plains dominated by ancient horse tribes.  It's all quite remarkable really.

    Perhaps even more interesting are the internal conflicts that Alexander has to manage in order to make this new conquest work. Bringing Persia under control is an enormous task and brilliant diplomacy is necessary to incorporate the Persian aristocracy for the purpose of administering the former empire of the King of Kings. 

    And this leads to ongoing conflict with Macedonian Greeks in his command structure. The Persian way of life if is different, the Macedonians treat each other as equals for the most part, while the Persians bow to their kings as if to gods on earth. 

    So, while Alexander was a brilliant field commander, continually using of innovation to overcome obstacles, cross rivers, and take cities, he also proved to be highly effective at engaging in selective compromise in order to consolidate the lands that his army was taking by force. Just as he was willing to divide his forces where necessary, particularly when confronted determined guerilla warfare, he was also willing to install a Persian grandee as governor of a newly conquered province.

    On a side note, it was very interesting to get a look into how the Persian empire administered its lands. Of course, the Persian empire was highly autocratic and hierarchical, but it had achieved an effective administration and coordination. For example, moving messages across the empire was rapid, perhaps faster than any other period before modern technology changed the game. Even in cities far from the heartland, good roads, citadels, cities well stocked with food existed and were continually maintained.

    Alexander at the End of the World also covers his continued march east. His invasion of the Indian subcontinent, and the famous battle of Hydaspes. Kousser argues that Alexender was motivated by his desire to conquer right to the end of the world, which they had thought not to be too far.

    In the end, Alexander's army made it very difficult to continue onwards, and he was forced to turn his army back to the Persian heartland and Babylon in order to firm up his conquests.

    It was fascinating to explore the Dual nature of Alexander’s character, he was reckless and pragmatic, authoritarian and liberal, inflexible and completely flexible. He amazed me with his ability to adjust to what was required rather than maintain the rigid approach as so many conquerors have done. Alexander could compromise despite his belief in himself.

    Alexander at the End of the World is a remarkable book and I highly recommend it. Interested in ancient history? Check out my review of Persian Fire by Tom Holland! 

Publication date: 2024 Publisher: Mariner Books  Page Count: 416

Great Source for Buying Books:

    I often buy new books at a very good price from Book Outlet. As I understand it, Book Outlet sells overstock books received directly from new bookstores.  You can find a broad range of genres, publication dates as well as soft covers and hardcover.

    If you are interested in checking out Book Outlet, please follow my link. I don't get paid for referrals, but I can earn credits that are applicable to my own book orders. Help me read and review books so that you can avoid things or find things that are up your alley!