Alexander Seeks Persian Support by Plutarch
He (Alexander) began to adapt his own style of living more closely to that of the country and tried to reconcile Asiatic and Macedonian customs: he believed that if the two traditions could be blended his authority would be more securely established when he was far away, sine it would rest on goodwill rather than on force. For this reason he selected thirty thousand boys and gave orders that they should be taught to speak the Greek language and to use Macedonian weapons... His marriage to Roxane was a love match, which began when he first aw her at the height of her youthful beauty taking part in a dance at a banquet, but it also played a great part in furthering his policy of reconciliation. The (Persians) were encouraged by the feeling of partnership which their alliance created, and they were completely won over by Alexander’s moderation and courtesy.
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