What is a major strength of using literary sources like Arrian and Plutarch?

They provide detailed narratives and insights into Alexander's intentions and character

What is a significant weakness of the literary sources provided in the course?

They were all written centuries after the events they describe

What is a primary strength of archaeological sources like the Babylonian Diary?

They are often contemporary (produced at the time) and provide a non-Greek perspective

What is a major weakness of archaeological evidence compared to literary texts?

They offer limited narrative detail and cannot explain the 'why' behind events as well as texts

Why is Arrian considered a 'pro' source for military history?

He had personal military experience as a Roman governor and cavalry officer

What is a weakness of Plutarch's biographical approach?

He was a moralist who prioritized anecdotes and character sketches over strict historical fact

What is a strength of using ancient coins (tetradrachms) as evidence?

They show how Alexander or his successors wanted to project his image and divine status

What is a weakness of the Alexander Mosaic from Pompeii?

It is a Roman copy of a painting and may prioritize artistic glorification over accuracy

What strength does the use of 'lost' sources like Ptolemy give to later writers?

Later authors like Arrian had access to eyewitness accounts and court journals that no longer exist

What is a weakness regarding the figures provided in literary sources?

Ancient authors often exaggerated numbers, such as Persian army sizes or enemy casualties

What is a strength of Diodorus Siculus's account of Philip II?

He is our main source for the details and motives surrounding Philip II's assassination

What is a weakness of the 'Western' literary tradition in these sources?

They are written from a Romanized/Greek perspective, often lacking a Persian viewpoint

How is the Alexander Sarcophagus a strength for military historians?

It provides visual evidence of the weaponry and armor (like the lion skin) used in battle

What is a weakness of using the Sarcophagus as definitive evidence?

The identities of the figures are debated, and it was likely commissioned for a Persian noble, not Alexander

What is a strength of the Babylonian Astronomical Diary?

It records specific dates and omens (like eclipses) that help verify the timing of Gaugamela

What is a weakness of Arrian's writing style?

He explicitly states his admiration for Alexander, which may result in a biased glorification of his deeds

How do literary sources help with geography (a 'pro')?

They describe the route of the campaign and the founding of specific cities like Alexandria

What is a weakness of the anecdotal 'direct speech' found in Plutarch?

It is unlikely to be a verbatim record, as Plutarch wrote centuries after the speeches were given

What strength does material evidence provide regarding religion?

Items like the Lysimachus coin prove the importance of Zeus Ammon and Alexander's deification

What is a final weakness mentioned about the literary sources provided?

There are no surviving Persian accounts to balance the Greek/Roman narrative