Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was Alexander's initial request to the Thebans upon his arrival?
What was Alexander's initial request to the Thebans upon his arrival?
How did Alexander describe the Thebans' actions while they were inside the city?
How did Alexander describe the Thebans' actions while they were inside the city?
What type of military equipment did Alexander use to breach the walls of Thebes?
What type of military equipment did Alexander use to breach the walls of Thebes?
What happened to the Thebans as Alexander's forces attacked?
What happened to the Thebans as Alexander's forces attacked?
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How long did it take for Thebes to fall to Alexander's forces?
How long did it take for Thebes to fall to Alexander's forces?
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At what location did the first breach in Theban walls occur?
At what location did the first breach in Theban walls occur?
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What was Alexander's ultimate goal in his assault on Thebes?
What was Alexander's ultimate goal in his assault on Thebes?
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How did the buildings of Thebes hold historical significance?
How did the buildings of Thebes hold historical significance?
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Study Notes
Alexander's Siege of Thebes
- Alexander sought 4,000 of Thebes' best warriors but was met with refusal; Thebans closed their gates and prepared for battle.
- The Thebans sent 500 armed men to the walls, challenging Alexander to either fight or leave.
- Alexander mocked their decision to retreat behind walls, asserting he would treat them as civilians, not warriors.
- His forces included 4,000 horsemen to attack the walls and 2,000 soldiers tasked with undermining the city’s foundations.
Methods of Attack and Warfare
- The walls of Thebes, historically built with artistic craftsmanship, were subjected to brutal destruction.
- Alexander utilized battering rams, machines designed for demolishing strong structures by momentum.
- Archers and spearmen encircled the city, bombarding it with projectiles and incendiaries.
- Thebans suffered heavily, with many falling from the walls or killed by projectiles likened to thunderbolts.
Breach and Assault
- After three days of fierce assault, Thebes was engulfed in flames, signaling the collapse of their resistance.
- Alexander breached the Cadmean Gate first and entered the city alone, instilling fear among Thebans.
- Following his entry, Alexander’s forces overwhelmed the defenders, with 3,000 soldiers breaching other gates to join the massacre.
Aftermath and Destruction
- The siege led to extensive slaughter and devastation; bodies piled around the Cadmeia, marking a grim victory.
- Every house in Thebes was razed, and the city was set ablaze, reflecting the thoroughness of the Macedonian assault.
- Alexander's campaign underscored his military prowess and willingness to eliminate any threats decisively.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the encounter between Alexander the Great and the Thebans. This quiz covers key events, decisions, and the impact of the confrontation on ancient history. Explore the dynamics of power and military strategy in this fascinating historical moment.
