Alexander the Great and the art of adaptation

Lonsdale, David

Abstract

Alexander the Great campaigned successfully for twelve years, across the range of military operations, against a wide range of opponents, and within many varied geographical environments. This article argues that this remarkable record of success can be partially attributed to Alexander's ability to adapt at the tactical, operational and strategic levels. Alexander was also capable of operating beyond the bounds of his cultural normative framework. After a brief discussion of Macedonian warfare, this article analyses Alexander's art of adaptation through the exploration of important strategic moments. These moments are his operations in the Balkans, defeat of the Persian navy, counterinsurgency in central Asia and the battle of Hydaspes.

Citation

Lonsdale, D. (2013). Alexander the Great and the art of adaptation. Journal of Military History, 77(3), 817-835

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: 2013-07
• Deposit Date: Nov 13, 2014
• Journal: Journal Of Military History
• Print ISSN: 0899-3718
• Publisher: Society for Military History
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 77
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 817-835
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/470228
• Publisher URL: http://www.smh-hq.org/jmh/jmhvols/773.html
• Contract Date: Nov 13, 2014