Chapter XCI

FIRST PERIOD OF THE REIGN OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT — SIEGE AND
CAPTURE OF THEBES.

State of Greece at Alexander’s accession — dependence on the
Macedonian kings. — Unwilling subjection of the Greeks —
influence of Grecian intelligence on Macedonia. — Basis of
Alexander’s character — not Hellenic. — Boyhood and Education
of Alexander. — He receives instruction from Aristotle. — Early
political action and maturity of Alexander — his quarrels
with his father. Family discord. — Uncertainty of Alexander’s
position during the last year of Philip. — Impression produced
by the sudden death of Philip. — Accession of Alexander — his
energy and judgment. — Accomplices of Pausanias are slain by
Alexander — Amyntas and others are slain by him also. — Sentiment
at Athens on the death of Philip — language of Demosthenes
— inclination to resist Macedonia, yet without overt act. —
Discontent in Greece — but no positive movement. — March of
Alexander into Greece — submission of Athens. — Alexander is
chosen Imperator of the Greeks in the convention at Corinth —
continued refusal of concurrence by Sparta. — Conditions of the
vote thus passed — privileges granted to the cities. — Authority
claimed by Alexander under the convention — degradation of the
leading Grecian states. — Encroachments and tyranny of the
Macedonian officers in Greece — complaints of the orators at
Athens. — Violations of the convention at sea by Macedonian
officers. — Language of the complaining Athenians — they insist
only on strict observance of the convention. Boldness of their
language. — Encouragements held out by Persia to the Greeks.
— Correspondence of Demosthenes with Persia — justifiable and
politic. — March of Alexander into Thrace. He forces his way
over Mount Hæmus. — His victory over the Triballi. — He crosses
the Danube, defeats the Getæ, and returns back. — Embassy of
Gauls to Alexander. His self-conceit. — Victories of Alexander
over Kleitus and the Illyrians. — The Thebans declare their
independence against Macedonia. — They are encouraged by
Alexander’s long absence in Thrace, and by reports of his death.
— The Theban exiles from Athens get possession of Thebes. —
They besiege the Macedonians in the Kadmeia, and entreat aid
from other Greeks. Favorable sympathies shown towards them,
but no positive aid. — Chances of Thebes and liberation, not
unfavorable. — Rapid march and unexpected arrival of Alexander
with his army before Thebes. His good fortune as to the time of
hearing the news. — Siege of Thebes. Proclamation of Alexander.
Determination of the Thebans to resist. — Capture of Thebes by
assault. Massacre of the population. — Thebes is razed; the
Theban captives sold as slaves; the territory distributed among
the neighboring cities. — The Kadmeia is occupied as a Macedonian
Military post. Retribution upon the Thebans from Orchomenus and
Platæa. — Sentiments of Alexander, at the time and afterwards,
respecting the destruction of Thebes. — Extreme terror spread
throughout Greece. Sympathy of the Athenians towards the
Theban exiles. — Alexander demands the surrender of the chief
anti-Macedonian leaders at Athens. Memorable debate at Athens.
The demand refused. — Embassy of the Athenians to Alexander. He
is persuaded to acquiesce in the refusal, and to be satisfied
with the banishment of Charidemus and Ephialtes. — Influence
of Phokion in obtaining these milder terms — his increased
ascendency at Athens. — Alexander at Corinth — obedience of
the Grecian synod — interview with the philosopher Diogenes. —
Reconstitution of Orchomenus and Platæa. Return of Alexander to
Pella. — Military operations of Parmenio in Asia Minor against
Memnon.
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