Alexander the Great · World History

What was Alexander’s strategy toward local elites in conquered regions?

  1. The complete displacement of local rulers with Macedonian governors
  2. A strict policy of separating Macedonians from local populations
  3. Integrating local elites through cooperation and shared customs
  4. Exclusive reliance on Macedonian-born administrators and officers
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Correct answer: Integrating local elites through cooperation and shared customs

Alexander's policy of fusion (sometimes called syncrasis) involved retaining cooperative local rulers, adopting Persian court dress and ceremony, encouraging intermarriage between Macedonians and Persians (mass weddings at Susa), and appointing locals to administrative posts. This pragmatic approach reduced resistance and gave his empire greater stability than conquest alone would have achieved.

Difficulty: Medium Question 7 of 20

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