Final answer:
The letters showcase Alexander the Great's qualities as a military genius and unifying leader, as opposed to Darius's more desperate leadership. Alexander's use of letters can also be seen as a form of psychological warfare to decrease Persian morale and demonstrate his superiority.
Step-by-step explanation:
The letters between Darious and Alexander showcase their contrasting leadership qualities. Alexander the Great was a military genius, known for his bravery and strategic prowess. He engaged directly in battles and presented himself as a unifying figure after conquering Persian territories. This can be seen in his efforts to marry Greek and Persian nobility, maintaining Persian bureaucracies and respecting the conquered royal family.
Conversely, Darius III is portrayed in the mosaic as desperate and disorganized, a leader removed from the direct conflict and ultimately fleeing from the battle. The depiction of Darius III implies a leadership style that was less engaged and perhaps less respected by his own people.
Regarding psychological warfare, Alexander's letter can indeed be seen as an example of this. The manner in which he composed himself and the messages he broadcasted served as a way to demonstrate his superiority and undermine the morale of Persian forces. Alexander was not only a physical warrior and tactician but employed psychological tactics to gain an advantage over his opponents.