IV ALEXANDER AS A LEADER (334)
Alexander had a little under 40,000 men in his army. We must remember that these men fought only with throwing spears (javelins), lances, bow and arrows, short swords, and some fought on horses (cavalry). These different weapons made up different units that he would send in to do specific types of battle. Alexander was very much war oriented and therefore did not put off his battles to marry and have children, even though this would leave the kingdom without a ruler in the event of his death. He was much more concened with his fame than with what would happen to his empire should he be killed. As a general and leader Alexander was closely involved with his wars and his men. Unlike most generals or rulers he did not stay on the defensive side of his assault to ensure his safety but rather joined his men and led them on attacks. In order to keep morale up among his men he allowed those who were recently married to go home and see their families when they were not fighting. Following each battle he would personally go around to the hospital tents and talk with his men that had been injured in battle and allow them to boast of how brave they were. When men died in battle he would grant their families relief from land-tax and personal service. He also provided entertainment in the form of concerts and plays for his troops after a battle. In case there was a delay between battles he would hold sporting events where the winners would receive prizes that he provided.
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