Final answer:
A special-purpose map of Alexander the Great's empire shows routes of conquests, chronological territorial acquisitions, and the cultural spread, providing historians with valuable context on military and geopolitical developments.
Step-by-step explanation:
A special-purpose map of Alexander the Great's empire would provide targeted information beyond what regular physical or political maps offer. Special-purpose maps can illustrate the routes of Alexander's conquests, the chronological order of his territorial acquisitions, and the spread of Greek culture as a result of his empire's expansion. This type of map might also highlight strategic battle sites, the locations of significant events, and how the borders of the empire changed over time. Such detailed, thematic information is extremely useful for historians because it helps them understand the historical context, the impact of military campaigns on cultural diffusion, and the geopolitical shifts that occurred during Alexander's reign.
Mapmaking, being a prized innovation especially in the Islamic world for supporting trade and travels, was also an important endeavor during Alexander's time. However, it's important to acknowledge that most historical maps, including those of Alexander's empire, were created from the perspective of the mapmakers and were influenced by the political and cultural biases of the time. Therefore, a special-purpose map can help historians critically analyze historical narratives and assess the long-term effects of Alexander's rule in different regions, such as Gandhara, Afghanistan, and Egypt, through the lens of geography.