Alexander the Great was antiquity\'s greatest commander

[Paralus]

So, your point is to just discuss some arguments you do not agree with then, not to propose that someone else is more worthy of the title? Again, I disagree with many of your conclusions as you do with mine, but as regards the issue in question what is your opinion?

After a fashion, yes. I've never really seen the point in such comparisons as so many variables exist (shown in many posts above): it's a bit like comparing Kingston Town to Secretaiat (thoroughbreds) or different cricket elevens.

On the Philip / Alexander thing, Alexander certainly seemed to think he needed to outdo the "old man". The phalanx, in Babylon, also seemed to remember the old man with some affection: as they would considering the expansion of the landed population had taken them from serf to citizen.

I have to admit to a wry chuckle when watching the opening ceremony of the Athens' Olympics. As the heroic images of Alexander drifted accross the screen two things struck me: Demosthenes might have caused a quake rolling in his grave and that ithyphallic hymn to Demetrius. Athens is constant even 2300 years later!

Again, that's not a comment on modern politcs nor a judgement; it just tickled my eclectic sense of humour. My wife in no way understood...