
The Death of Alexander the Great
Tides of History
Empires Built on Conquest Lack Coherence
Alexander's empire, despite its military achievements, was fundamentally unstable and lacked cohesive governance. Over his 13-year reign, he focused on conquest rather than state-building, leaving behind a realm characterized by military occupation rather than a unified administration. Existing systems were often retained, particularly the Achaemenid political structures, but significant administrative foundations were absent. The Macedonian forces acted like a destructive steamroller, winning battles and taking cities without proper engagement in governance or administration, illustrating that victories in war do not equate to the establishment of a functioning state.
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