Alexander's Brilliant Beginning
With only 34,500 well-trained men, Alexander invaded Asia. Giving away treasure, he was asked what he would keep. "My hopes!" He sailed to Troy and sacrificed at Achilles' tomb while Hephaestion honored Patroclus. At the Granicus River, he fought personally and would have died if Clytus hadn't saved him. He won completely. Sardis and Ephesus surrendered and offered tribute; Alexander refused, telling Ephesians to rebuild Diana's temple. In Caria, the queen offered her best cooks. Alexander declined, saying Aristotle's recipe was better: "A march before daybreak for dinner, a light dinner for supper." Had he followed this temperance, he would not have died at thirty-three.
The Text
What You'll Learn
Comprehension
Notes Alexander had only 34,500 men
Cause & Consequence
Explains why he kept only hope: expected to conquer the world
Significance
Recognizes Alexander's confidence in future conquests
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