Discuss ancient history with an unqualified fool

[Representative Joe Mad]

Do you think that, had Alexander taken the proper steps, his empire could have been preserved upon his death?

If not, do you feel like any of the Diadochi could have restored it?  Or was his vast realm essentially doomed to failure?

[Representative Joe Mad]

Thanks for the good reply.  I read a book that translated and explained the writings of the roman general Arrian regarding Alexander's campaigns against the Persian Empire, but it only briefly dwelt on the Diadochi (I believe the same author has released another book focusing on these fellows though, which I need to pick up).  I found both Alexander's campaigns and especially the aftermath of his death very interesting.

Another question then, if I may.  This is straying a couple centuries outside of your criteria, but I figured you might have some interest in it, considering the current discussion.  The final war between the Sassanids and Byzantines wore down both empires, of course, so whenever the Arabs burst forth out of their peninsula bad times were to be had by all.  What are some of the reasons that the Byzantines survived and the Sassanids collapsed?  Was their land easier to defend?  Was it due to the leadership of their emperor?  Were the Sassanids just more depleted both economically and militarily?  I know that the Arabs twice laid siege to Constantinople, but never captured it.  So while they did do some major damage to the Byzantines, they never did manage to conquer them, and the Byzantines did rather well holding out as long as they did against the massive caliphates.