Similarities Between Alexander The Great And Augustus Caesar

Alexander the Great and Augustus Caesar, two names that resonates in history for their influence to Rome. The two men who were made famous for their accomplishments in war during ancient times. The military importance and significance of specific conquests would assist in establishing the supremacy of western culture. Do those thoughts come from Alexander or Augustus? Is it more influential to be given a role as a rite of passage or to earn your honor?

In the age of the first Roman emperor following the republic. Augustus Caesar would rule the Roman Empire for the next 45 years until his death. He worked hard to overhaul and reform the Roman Empire and establish it on a sensible platform. The changes implemented remained in place for almost

two hundred years after. It was named the Age of Augustus, the most creative of periods.
The reforms of Augustus alone were enough to make him more famously known for the impact he had on the western civilization. The building of cities from the ground up and establishing the beauty of the land. He reformed the public finances, founded the Praetorian Guard, and incorporated lucrative new provinces within the Empire. Augustus reinvested power in the Roman Senate and a framework that would lead to the Pax Romana period and scale down conflict for more than two centuries.
Caesar Augustus was a political and military master.

He maneuvered everyone into giving him all the power he could have asked for. He built a state where he held all power, but maintained the illusion that others could oppose him. He was able to raise troops against Marc Anthony who he once shared power with to gain full control of the empire. Augustus defeated his enemy with the use of propaganda in the streets of Rome before any soldiers fought. He understood the dynamics of manipulation and used that understanding to expand Rome to the largest area it could reasonable control at the time. Some of these tactics can be found in politics today especially during the times like these with approaching

elections.
Alexander the Great was ultimately a thrill seeker. He was known for his military achievements. In fact in 15 years of conquest Alexander never lost a battle. Alexander’s military prowess could be seen with the destruction of Thebes in order to control rebellion. He took over Asia Minor, Syria and Palestine while pushing back the Persians. He spent his whole life campaigning and did not bother ensuring his conquests would remain after his death. When asked on his deathbed who would inherit his kingdom he said whoever was the strongest. In the end Alexander's empire was split into three large territories, and several other smaller ones. Alexander’s life was defined by only what he provided as a brilliant commander and military genius.
Alexander was born and breed for the leadership role that he would assume. He became King of Macedonia and Hegemon of Greece at the age of 20. He then set out conquer not only the Persian Empire, but also Egypt. He planned to expand this Empire into Afghanistan, Pakistan and parts of western India. The expansion took place over a period of just 13 years. This vast Empire ended when he died in Babylon around the age of 32-33. Alexander was primarily responsible for enabling the spread of Greek culture to a far wider influence.
Augustus appears to have the earned the greater of influence of the western civilizations.

The idea of have military superiority is associated with having power. And although the cultural impact would shape and develop many other leaders who would follow in Alexander’s great footsteps it does not deserve great acknowledgement. The ruthlessness and innovation gave him an advantage, in an area where Augustus political prowess made him better suited in leadership. Augustus used intelligence and charisma which during these years could only carry you so far. The loyalties of his army had ensured success but he knew that to maintain control no other could appears quiet as powerful and made examples of those who reached that level. Both of these great men taught valuable lessons no man is an island, both could have used one another’s advice in some areas. However, both perspectives can rule a nation but would you rather create fear amongst your citizens like Alexander or establish respect like Augustus. In my opinion a good ruler must be somewhat feared and respected and the “good emperor” Augustus created a legacy that carried on for many centuries to

follow.