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The idea cultural influence on the Western way of war is proven in battles, specifically, The Battle of Gaugamela (331 BC). This battle proves the qualities of Western civilian because although the West won this battle, they would survive and return to battle regardless if the West had lost this battle. The Greek " whether he was an influential politician, an ordinary seaman, a rich merchant, or a subsistence farmer " fought not only for his city, but also to preserve both his own home and his own way of life; the Persian, on the other hand " whatever his individual station; slave or free " fought for his King. This proves the strengths and habits the Western culture influenced on the soldiers fighting in the Battle of Gaugamela.
Additionally, from taking this battle into consideration, Hanson's theory was even more supported. The Western way of war was more culturally influenced rather than technologically influenced because of the soldier's efforts. It is proven in history that the Chinese were developing technological influence on their warfare. They were inventing gunpowder and advancing their war technologically. Whereas, in the West the soldiers and people were solely basing their warfare on their cultural believes and efforts. It was obvious that the West for the most part was technologically declined than the other countries, but their culture is what strengthens them to continue to fight. Even though this factor is a huge one in the warfare they still made their armies the most deadly soldiers in the history of civilization. In the end this is what made their armies the strongest and most powerful to defeat. .
Hanson further talks about his theory, "I have selected these collisions for what they tell us about culture, specifically the core elements of Western civilization. They are ˜landmark' for what they reveal about how a society fights, not necessarily because of their historical importance.