Alexander the Great
...g in love with Haphaestien. Unfortunately, Aristotle’s role in shaping a young Alexander was undercut and usurped by the mother figure. In class we did not learn about Alexander’s mother and I wonder if she was added in by the Hollywood process. In the movie she played a larger role in teaching and encouraging Alexander than any other. Supportive as she might be, though, Alexander despises her for her manipulation of the world and himself, so he leaves to campaign for control of the entire world. Another historical discrepancy was Alexander’s conquering of Egypt and North Africa at the beginning of his campaign to conquer the world, which isn’t shown or talked of at all. Instead, Egypt is shown under the control of the Persian King Dorias, whose numerically superior army is routed by Alexander’s tactical prowess. An interesting portrayal of Alexander’s wanderlust and glory quest via world conquering, was made by young Alexander in an earlier scene where he’s asking his teacher (likely Aristotle)where the ends of the Earth are. Aristotle’s reply was the Hindu Kush Mountains (Himalayas). Later we see Alexander atop one of those mountains dreaming of reaching the Outer Ocean then sailing all the way around the world, and home up the Nile River. His men, however, are very battle weary, missing their homes, and unwilling to do as Alexander wishes any longer. So he kills the naysayers and drives his reluctant army to fight the King of the Ganges, one of whose men nails Alexander right in the chest with an arrow. He surprisingly survives, but finally understands the wishes of his army to return home. The journey home is a bitter sweet sorrow to say the least, taking the most direct route home Alexander leads his mobile empire through a huge desert, where many died. One thing I don’t remember studying in Babylonian and Macedonian history was a bridge in front of the Ishtar Gate, flanked on both sides by giant statues of Llamasu’s or some other human/animal hybrid beast. Otherwise, the beauty of the city of Babylon and the Hanging Gardens, not to mention the Ishtar Gate are all stunningly recreated. What surprised me the most was seeing the Chi Rho being carried by a couple of Alexander’s standard bearers into the first battles, when that symbol hadn’t even existed yet. This is the largest historical inaccuracy I noticed, but Alexander also had another symbol. The Head of Medusa was on the first chest plate he wore into battle, I only assumed it was the symbol of his mother, who his...