Discussion Board and 2 Peer Replies

Need a discussion post on the following:

1. Alexander the Great remained a celebrated figure in history among many people, especially among Romans, Greeks/Byzantines, Islamic and more recently in the West (look at the first four images from the hellenistic powerpoint). Why was he and his accomplishments so celebrated by people so different and far removed from himself? Can you think of any modern Americans celebrated by people in other parts of the world?

NEEDS A CITATION FROM THIS BOOK (I DO NOT HAVE IT): Western Civilization: A Brief History,Vol. I: to 1715, Jackson Spielvogel, 9th ed.

Peer replies (at least 75 words):

What were the prevailing Greek Philosophical schools which were dominant during the Hellenistic Era? Which do you find to be the most appealing? Why?

Two philosophical schools of Greek were Epicureanism and Stoicism. Epicureanism believed that gods existed but didn’t play an active role in the world. The one true god was the pursuit of pleasure. People were allowed to follow their self interest and their main goal is that everyone is happy. Pleasure was determined by having freedom from emotional turmoil and freedom from worry. This was achieved by reliving yourself from public activities and politics. Later on Epicureanism was eventually forgotten and Stoicism became the dominant philosophy of the era. This philosophy was also concerned with how individuals find happiness but insisted that happiness came from virtue. They believed that following the divine will and following the laws that the gods established to run the world would bring individuals happiness. People who accepted the divine law gained peace within themselves. Public service and being involved in politics was seen as honorary.

I find Epicureanism to be them most appealing. I like how its main focus is finding happiness and that it didn’t have to be because of gods. I also like how politics and public activities are seen as a negative thing. In today’s society a lot of drama is caused by politics and eliminating them would bring more happiness to more people. It is also a good thing to not worry or have emotional burdens in Epicureanism and I also like that.

1. Alexander the Great remained a celebrated figure in history among many people, especially among Romans, Greeks/Byzantines, Islamic and more recently in the West (look at the first four images from the hellenistic powerpoint). Why was he and his accomplishments so celebrated by people so different and far removed from himself? Can you think of any modern Americans celebrated by people in other parts of the world?

Alexander the Great was the son of King Philip II of Macedonia, in which Alexander became king after Philips death. “Alexander led the Macedonias and Greeks on a spectacular conquest of the Persian empire, opening the door to spread of Greek culture throughout the ancient near East” (Spielvogel 74). Alexanders success gave many jobs and new kingdoms for many more people to live in, which is a big reason why he is valued so much. “By the spring 333 B.C.E. the entire half western half of Asia minor was in Alexander’s hands, and the Ionian Greek cities of western Asia minor had been liberated from the Persian oppressor” (Spielvogel 76). Alexander had multiple victories where his men were out numbered but they were still able to prevail in battle. Alexander once had to deal with his troops rebelling in the desert when there was no water and ver hot. Alexander was given the last of the very little water and he dumped it into the sand to give his troops motivation to keep fighting. This is why many loved him because of his true character and not acting like he was superior to anyone. Alexander also took over India entirely by year 327 B.C.E. (Spielvogel 77). Someone comparable in todays time is Steve Jobs. He was able to create his brand and have product sold every in the entire world. Apple is one of the most popular companies and it continues on today as iPhones and other products are owned by people in every single part of the world. He was someone who dominated the market and his legacy is still continued today.

3 hours ago