These results differed in many regions of the empire, because of the lack of success of Alexander's successors to follow his visions. Greece and Greek language were forgotten during the Dark Ages, but with the Renaissance their natural supremacy was recognized and became the basis for European culture. Hellenic culture continues to influence the world to this day. The technique of Hellenic art was adapted to Indian buildings and statues. Even in China, where Alexander never penetrated, the Buddha statues are modified by the gracious style of Greece. Alexander had started out as a crusader, to avenge the invasion and the destruction of Greece, but later had as his goal the extension of Hellenic ways of life throughout his empire. In this he succeeded. Greek democratic liberty-freedom to think and to speak, and the duty of the individual to take his share in the government of his city was instituted, wherever he became master. After the surrender of the robbers and semi-savage tribes of the mountainous regions of Persia. Alexander founded new towns and improved communications. The so-called " Foundation cities" were built at the junction of important roads, in positions specially chosen to assist the transit of merchandise and to command the valleys, a precaution necessary for adequate military supervision. The towns were planned on the Greek pattern, with a market square, school, offices, shops, temple, theater, gymnasium, and often a fountain. The young were given instructions in military methods and Hellenic culture with its ideals of chivalrous courage. The new cities were placed near enough already existing villages to permit association with the native population, yet so far apart that the Macedonian and Greek settlers could maintain their own custom of life. The new colonists, chiefly Greek mercenaries, old and wounded men, introduced Macedonian methods of farming and agriculture to the mountain tribes. Many married Oriental women,...
