History rehabilitates the tyrants of old in Central Asia

Boston.com ^ | October 24, 2003 | H.D.S. Greenway

[Destro]

Alexander was not a tyrant.

[qam1]

Alexander was not a tyrant.

One word:Tyre

Alexander the Great: The fall of Tyre

"The extent of the bloodshed can be judged from the fact that 6,000 fighting-men were slaughtered within the city's fortifications. It was a sad spectacle that the furious king {Alexander} then provided for the victors: 2,000 Tyrians, who had survived the rage of the tiring Macedonians, now hung nailed to crosses all along the huge expanse of the beach.

[Destro]

If you are going to use a Greek word like Tyrant then you better know how it is to be used. Tyrant does not mean ruthless in war. Tyrant means a leader who is accountable to no authority i.e. a dictator.

Alexander was a constitutional monarch who had to be proclaimed in office according to the Macedonian constitution. Thus he was not a tyrant-see my post#11.

[qam1]

ty•rant \"ti-rent\ n
1 : an absolute ruler : despot
2 : a ruler who governs oppressively or brutally
3 : one who uses authority or power harshly

(c)2000 Zane Publishing, Inc. and Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. All rights reserved

Alexander would most certainly fit #3

[azcap]

I've always admired Joshua's liberal use of the whoopass can.

[Destro]

Conduct in a seige or battle is not a character of tyranny-if he was a harsh ruler 24/7 he would fit that definition. Since he was by all accounts "enlightened" he also does not fit the tyrant mode modern PC standards not withstanding/

[SunkenCiv]

A Blast from the Past.

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