Fact Check: "Alexander the Great had historical plot armor, no matter how much of a military genius he is, considering how many things that could have gone wrong out of his control but didn’t. This ended when he got sick and died."
What We Know
Alexander the Great, born in 356 BC, became king of Macedonia at the age of 20 after the assassination of his father, Philip II. Over the next 11 years, he expanded his empire significantly, conquering territories from Greece to India. His military prowess is well-documented, with victories against larger armies in battles such as Gaugamela and the Hydaspes River (Mishra et al., 2022; Wikipedia). Despite his successes, Alexander faced numerous challenges, including revolts within his empire and fierce opposition from various kingdoms.
His death at the age of 32 remains a subject of speculation, with theories ranging from natural causes like fever and potential poisoning to conspiracy (Mishra et al., 2022; World History). The suddenness of his illness, which lasted only 12 days, has led some historians to suggest that he experienced a form of "plot armor," where he avoided significant calamities until his health declined (Military.com, 2022; Encyclopedia.com).
Analysis
The claim that Alexander had "historical plot armor" suggests that his life was marked by a series of fortunate events that allowed him to succeed against the odds. While it is true that he faced numerous challenges—such as revolts, illness, and battles against larger forces—his military genius and strategic acumen played a significant role in his successes. His ability to inspire loyalty and command his troops effectively contributed to his victories (Mishra et al., 2022; Britannica).
However, the assertion that his downfall was abrupt and marked the end of this "plot armor" is supported by the historical record. His sudden illness and subsequent death after a brief period of suffering highlight a critical turning point in his life, where external factors beyond his control ultimately led to his demise (Mishra et al., 2022; Wikipedia). The lack of a definitive cause of death, combined with the historical context of his military campaigns, suggests that while he may have experienced a form of "plot armor," it was not without significant risks and challenges.
The sources used in this analysis vary in reliability. Academic articles like those by Mishra et al. provide a thorough examination of Alexander's health and military campaigns, while general encyclopedias and historical websites offer accessible summaries but may lack depth. The potential for bias exists in interpretations of his military genius versus the luck he may have experienced, as these narratives can be influenced by the authors' perspectives (Mishra et al., 2022; Military.com).
Conclusion
The claim that Alexander the Great had historical plot armor is Partially True. While it is accurate that he experienced a series of fortunate events that contributed to his military successes, it is also essential to recognize his strategic brilliance and the numerous challenges he faced. His sudden illness and death marked a significant turning point, suggesting that while he may have had moments of "plot armor," his life was ultimately subject to the unpredictability of fate and external circumstances.
Sources
- Historical Perspective and Medical Maladies of Alexander ... Link
- Alexander the Great Link
- Death of Alexander the Great Link
- Alexander the Great Caught a Lucky Break After Suffering ... Link
- Military campaigns of Alexander the Great | Britannica Link
- Death of Alexander the Great Link
- The Military Campaigns of Alexander the Great - Encyclopedia.com Link
- Alexander the Great | Empire, Death, Map, & Facts Link
