Example of essay on alexander the great and caesar augustus

Outstanding Differences And Similarities Between Alexander The Great And Caesar Augustus

Caesar Augustus was successful in converting Rome into an Empire from a Republic while Julius Caesar had been assassinated for trying to do same. The model of the empire established by Augustus was so stable that it continued for the next 450 years in the West and for another 1450 years in the East. He also succeeded in converting Rome into a “ city of brick” which was previously a ” city of marble”. This had a great impact on the leaders throughout the centuries, right from Napoleon to Hitler who all tried to emulate him (Everitt, p129).
In this way, the work of Augustus had much more impact as it helped in creating an enduring system while the empire of Alexander fell apart almost immediately (Cartledge, p76). It cannot be denied that Alexander was among the most impressive conquerors in the history of mankind. However, his empire would have been disintegrated within a few years even if he would have survived. His skills to administer his empires were never really tested therefore it cannot be said if he would have been in other fields apart from winning the battles (Stewart, p1993).
Alexander had remarkable leadership skills in battlefield and also in politics. His superior intelligence as a tactician allowed him to achieve a large number of victories in battlefield (Green, p1991). From the beginning of his campaigns, he started to change the world. His qualities as a commander are considered as among the greatest in the history of the world. Even during his early years, he had the prospects of becoming god among the men. Alexander also created foundation cities so that the security and infrastructure of the areas can be improved (Ashley, 129).
On the other hand, Augustus made a significant contribution in making the Roman Empire great as he conquered and also led his people. Rome acquired significant might and prestige under his leadership which allowed Rome to influence many areas of the world and also hold on to these areas with greater strength.

References:

Ashley, James R. The Macedonian Empire . The Era of Warfare Under Philip II and Alexander the Great, 359-323 B. C. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Company, Inc., 1998 . Print.
Cartledge, Paul. Alexander the Great. Woodstock, New York: The Overlook Press, 2004. Print.
Everitt, Anthony. Augustus: The Life of Rome’s First Emperor. New York: Random House, 2007 Print.
Green, Peter. Alexander of Macedon, 356-323 B. C.. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1991. Print.
Stewart, Andrew. Faces of Power . Alexander. s Image and Hellenistic Politics. Berkeley: : University of California Press, 1993. Print.
Websites:
Thomas KR. “ A psychoanalytic study of Alexander the Great.” Dept. of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education Univ. of Wisconsin. Web. 26 February 2013
Mark Van Vugt. “ Evolutionary Origins of Leadership and Followership.” Department of Psychology, University of Kent. Web. 26 February 2013