In the foreign country, we call the past, crucifixion was a common punishment. It was invented by the Persians, carried back to Europe by Alexander the Great, and widely used in Mediterranean empires.

Steven Pinker
About This Quote

Alexander the Great, also known as Alexander of Macedon, was one of the greatest military geniuses of all time. He created the largest empire that ever existed at that time, but he also built a reputation for being ruthless and bloodthirsty. When Alexander was just a teenager, he executed the then-king of Persia, Darius III, for being too soft on his own people. Later in his life, though, he became more humane.

This quote refers to Alexander’s change in philosophy after he had already become famous for being a bloodthirsty conqueror. It is probably more accurate to say that this is an exaggeration of Alexander’s transition from loving conqueror to fearing conqueror.

Source: The Better Angels Of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined

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