Alexander the Great - Top Five Cunning Plans

 Like Baldrick from Blackadder, Alexander the Great (356 - 323 BC), King of Macedonia and Conqueror of most of the know world at that time, may well have often turned to his most trusted generals and uttered the immortal words "I have a Cunning Plan". With stories from the historians Arrian and Plutarch I've compiled a list of five of my favourite of his bright ideas, which are by far just the tip of the iceburg!

1. Bucephalus the Horse
Probably the most recounted tale of Alexander's canniness from when he was just a child is the story of his first encounter with the horse Bucephalus - the black steed with the white mark on his forehead like an ox-head. The animal was being marketed to Alexander's father Philip, but it was unbroken and behaving badly. The grooms could do nothing to control the wild creature and it was about to be taken away in disgrace, but for Alexander's protests. He wagered that he could tame Bucephalus, and the elders laughed but allowed him an attempt. And all marveled as he effortlessly handled the suddenly quite relaxed and compliant animal. For Alexander had cleverly observed that the horse was frightened of its own shadow, which was why it had behaved so jumpily! By leading him towards the sun, he was calmed down sufficiently that Alexander could gain his trust and he was soon under the boy, his new master's, full control.

Bucephalus was Alexander's horse throughout his campaigns in Greece and Asia until this loyal companion's death either in battle according to one version or possibly of old age and exhaustion. Alexander honoured him after death by naming a town after him - Bucephala (not far from Taxila in modern Pakistan).

 2. The Thracian Wagons
Another example of his wiles is his tactics in the battle against the Thracians. Before Alexander with his Macedonian army embarked on his rampage across the Asian world, he did some housekeeping in Greece, to ensure it was secure in his imminent absence. Northwards to face the unruly tribes who threatened his dominance, one of these being the barbaric Thracians. The Thracians were at a disadvantage, not being as well armed or trained as the disciplined Macedonians, but they had the advantage of higher ground and some very solid wagons. Their plan was to role these wagons down the hill at the soldiers approaching from the valley, and crush them to death. But Alexander was not to be beaten so easily. He directed his men to perform two simple manouvres as they advanced. The first, for those not too tightly grouped, to merely step aside and allow the wagons a pathway. The second, for those stuck in narrow passes and unable to avoid the hurtling wagons, to lay down, lock shields and form a surface for the machines to role straight over. Both systems worked and no casualties amongst the Macedonians in the first approach.

They proceeded to trounce the Thracians and acquire all their women and booty!

3. The Gordian Knot
Once Alexander had set fort on his expedition into Asia to defeat the Persians and expand his empire, as Arrian puts it, he could not resist involving himself in a local conundrum in the city of Gordium (in modern Turkey). There was a myth revolving around a wagon in the palace of Gordius which was fixed to its yoke by an untangleable knot. Seers had foretold that whoever could untie the knot would become King of the Asian world. A risky move really, as if he failed it could seriously tarnish his reputation and cause doubt about his ability to lead. And once he saw the knot he realised it was indeed a worthy adversary. It had no visible beginning or end to even begin any unraveling proccess. But of course Alexander was not to be undone by a knot! ...He merely pulled out the pin that attached the wagon to the yolk, thus separating them, and declared the deed done. All around announced that the prophecy had been fulfilled.

And he went on his way with the word spreading that this man was destined to be King of all Asia.

(He's generally considered to have cut the knot, but Arrian also cites the version I have described, and I personally prefer the idea of him cool as a cucumber strolling up and pulling out the pin.)

4. Soldiers with Wings
Alexander, was a military genius because, like most champion sportsmen, he was an all rounder. He was as capable in the open field of battle, able to predict and outthink the opposing armies, as he was at bringing down seemingly impenetrable fortresses by seige. This is the tale of how he took the rock of Sogdiana (in Modern Uzbekistan), to which the local rulers and their subjects had fled at news of his approach. It was the last stronghold in the area being sheer on all sides, with a snow capped summit, ensuring endless supplies of water for the confident fugitives, who bragged that he would need soldiers with wings! Surely only a madman would attempt an assault on such a defense. Well Alexander had to agree, and so he had to come up with a strategy of wits!

With offers of generous reward Alexander easily found three hundred of his soldiers who were experienced rock climbers from previous seiges, and willing to attempt an ascent of the steepest (and therefore unguarded) part of the rock face at the dark of night. They used iron tent pegs to pick their way upwards. Although there were deaths en route, a large number made it to the summit by dawn and signalled to Alexander of their success. He then announced to the enemy that he did have soldiers with wings and that they had just alighted on top of their little rock. The natives shocked by the sight of the men clearly visible on top of the rock, and assuming their numbers to be far greater and to be fully armed, immediately surrendered.

And his prize for this success - the hand in marriage of the most beautiful maiden in all Asia, by the name of Roxane.

5. Riverdance
Once in full control over his original foe, the Persians, Alexander plunged further and further into Asia. By now most sensible local monarchs surrendered and greeted him amiably and were comfertably amalgamated, but some continued to oppose him. One such was the Indian King Porus, who rallied a vast army of opposition, including a platoon of elephants, and took up position on the far bank of the river Hydaspes (in Modern day Pakistan). Surely a massive river and enormous trumpeting pachyderms would prevent Alexander's advance!

Alexander's system was to mess with their heads, breaking down the foe with psychological torture. He separated his army into detachments spread out all along the river banks and spent the winter milling about up and down, making as much noise as possible, and simultaneously receiving further fresh troops and supplies all in full view of the enemies watchouts. Whilst he tramped about here, there and everywhere, he was also subtly sourcing the ideal crossing point come spring time, but with so much kerfuffle that there was no way of Porus knowing where that might be! Spring arrived and the river level fell ready for the crossing. Alexander upped his game, now nightly shifting vast sections of his army with as much clatter and yells as they could muster, from one point of the river to another. To begin with Porus would react by moving his troops accordingly, but after so many false alarms they were eventually lulled into a false sense of security. And only then did Alexander make his move. With a section of his army, he snuck to their chosen crossing point, which was well concealed, and were half way across before Porus had any idea.

What followed was still an extensive battle, but suffice to say Alexander was ultimately victorious. And as for Porus, who put up an impressive resistance and proved himself quite an adversory, in his defeat Alexander appointed him King of all the Indian territorys in his absence.

I conclude with the question however, despite all his expansive machinations, could Alexander the Great ever have come up with this offering from another great master of the Cunning Plan... Baldrick....????