A YOUNG KING CONQUERS THE WORLD

Some 2,300 years ago, a blond haired military general in 20's stood on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea.  His eyes were fixed on an island-city half a mile away. Having been refused entry, the infuriated general was determined to conquer the city.  His plan of attack?  Construct a  causeway to the island and mobilize his forces against the city.  The construction of the causeway had already begun.

But a message from the great king of the Persian Empire interrupted the young general. Eager to make peace, the Persian ruler made and extraordinary offer; 10,000 talents of gold (over two billion dollars at current values), the hand in marriage of one of the king's daughters and dominion over the entire western part of the Persian Empire. All of this was offered in return for the king's family, whom the general had captured.

The commander faced with the decision to accept or reject the offer was Alexander II of Macedonia.  Should he accept the offer?  "It was a fateful moment for the ancient world," says historian Ulrich Wilcken.  "The after affects of his decision, indeed stretch through the Middle Ages down to our own day, in the East as in the West."  Before considering Alexander's reply, let us see what events led up to this crucial moment. 

Next time: THE MAKING OF A CONQUEROR

From the book:  PAY ATTENTION TO DANIEL'S PROPHECY! 1999