...Alexander the Great was one of the greatest military leaders in history. When Alexander died, he had ruled the largest Western Empire. Alexander’s teacher was the philosopher and scientist, Aristotle. The science, literature, and philosophy he learned helped him become a great leader. At sixteen, Alexander was left in charge of Macedonia while his father, Philip, was at battle. During this time, a town rebelled against Macedonia and Alexander put together an army and saved his city. This was the beginning of Alexander the Great’s life. I picked Alexander the Great because he was very smart, tough and loyal and that is why he won all his battles. Alexander the Great was born in 356 B.C. to Philip II, King of Macedonia, and Olympias, the Princess of Epirus. Alexander’s father, the ruler of Macedonia, was assassinated in 336 B.C. After his father’s death, Alexander became the ruler of Macedonia. Alexander the Great won battles and took over many cities from the time he became King in 336 B.C. until his death in 323 B.C. Alexander’s army became stronger with each defeated city that joined his empire. Alexander and his army eventually created the Macedonia Empire, the largest Western Empire. The Macedonia Empire was created from battles that included Greece, Asia, Persia, Egypt, Iran and India. Alexander also became known as the King of the Four Quarters of the World in 331 B.C. Alexander died in 323 B.C. and did not name another King of Macedonia. The Macedonian...
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...Alexander the Great was a conqueror and King of Macedonia prior to the Hellenistic Period. He succeeded to the throne after Phillip II of Macedon’s death brought his reign to an end. However, the continuance of the promised legacy his father left behind did not satisfy this power crazed King for fame and glory. Alexander the Great’s resentment towards his father led him to continue conquering because he wanted to overshadow his father. Under his headship, his unification of Greek city-states led to one of the largest empires known today. Alexander was born in the summer of 356 B.C. to Phillip II King of Macedon and Olympias of Epirus. Born into a royal household with a great military leader as the head of it, Alexander spent most of his early childhood watching a distant father transform Macedonia. Alexander was always left behind for his father’s military conquests and expansion. “Whenever he heard of Philip's having taken some city or won some famous victory, he used to look unhappy at the news, and would say to his friends, "Boys, my father will forestall us in everything; he will leave no great exploits for you and me to achieve." Indeed, he cared nothing for pleasure or wealth, but only for honour and glory; and he imagined that the more territory he inherited from his father, the less would be left for him to conquer.” Alexander realized that his father’s absence meant that he was out conquering ("Plutrach Lives: The Life of Alexander" p. 304). This led to tension between...
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...Alexander the Great When most people hear of Alexander the great they think back to Oliver stone’s 2004 film. Although the film was somewhat accurate I prefer fact over fiction, especially when it involves a tremendous historical figure such as Alexander the great. In 356 B.C.E Alexander was born to King Philip II of Macedonia and Olympias of Epirus. Being born into royalty didn’t seem to be enough for this young prince which was recognized by his father. When a trader brought a horse for the king it refused to be mounted or tamed and King Philip ordered it away. Alexander asked his father for the horse so that he may try to tame it, which he eventually did. King Philip was pleased with the amount of courage and ambition his ten year old son displayed and told his son “My boy, you must find a kingdom big enough for your ambitions. Macedonia is too small for you” Alexander was introduced to war and conflict at an early age. Alexander was sixteen years old when his father marched on Thrace and Alexander was left in charge of Macedonia in his absence. While his father was gone, a rebellion started at the north east border of Macedonia, Alexander immediately assembled an army and led them against the rebels. After Alexander defeated the rebels he changed the name of their stronghold to Alexandropolis, at eighteen, King Philip put Alexander in charge of the cavalry during the battle of Chaeronea which some historians believe the Macedonians won due to Alexander’s bravery...
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...Alexander the Great, War Hero Alexander is one of the greatest war geniuses in history. He was the conqueror of the Persians and the king of Macedonia. He was an inspiration to many other military geniuses, such as Napoleon, Caesar, Pompey of Rome, and Hannibal of Carthage. Alexander was a king in the Ancient Macedonia kingdom of Greece. During his reign, he conquered Indus, Punjab, Bactria, media, Persia, Babylonia, and Egypt. He was also a student of Aristotle. He took over the kingdom of Macedonia after assassination of his father, King Philip. At one point in history, Alexander’s kingdom stretched from the Indus River to the Adriatic Sea. He is remembered for his vast spreading of Greek civilization and culture to other parts of the world. He is often regarded as one of the most influential individuals of all times together with his tutor Aristotle. Alexander was born in Macedonia in 350 BC. His mother was Olympias and his father was Phillip, the ruler of Macedonia. Alexander’s mother was Philip’s fourth wife. Several myths surround Alexander’s birth. According Plutarch, an ancient Greek biographer, Olympia experienced a thunderbolt and flames on her womb after getting married to King Phillip. King Philip is said to have dreamt seeing a lion seal on the womb of his wife just before Alexander was born (Bose23). Plutarch argued that Alexander’s father was Zeus because Olympia got pregnant before getting married to King Phillip. On the day Alexander was born, various extraordinary...
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...King Alexander III By Author Unknown Alexander III, king of Macedonia from 336 until his death in 323 B.C. continues to be the subject of study and debate into the 21st century A.D... Some scholars have devoted their lives to the man who was king, king of kings, and a god in his lifetime. The scarce evidence tantalized and invited speculation and theory. He has been pictured as everything from an alcoholic, homosexual, mass murderer, to the precursor of Christ sent to bring brotherly love to the world. He has been a Christian saint, an Islamic prophet, and a benefactor of the Jews. He remains a folk hero from Sophia to Kabul. To this day his name is invoked for good luck. For centuries Alexander has been erroneously judged by standards of conduct which have no relationship to 4th century B.C. Macedonian culture. He has been called an alcoholic in a time when consuming amounts of alcohol in excess of current limits is social unacceptable. Among Macedonian warriors it was not. Indeed, the drinking of large amounts of unwatered wine after battle was expected and may even have had a religious connotation. Yet ancient Athenians, Victorians and modern day twelve steppers have stigmatized him for doing exactly what was acceptable at a time and place where strong warriors fought hard and drank hard far into the night. Throughout his life Alexander was scrupulous about behaving in a manner appropriate for a 4th Century B.C. warrior king of Macedonia. Jewish, Christian, and Moslem...
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...Alexander the Great Alexander the Great was one of the greatest conquers in all of the history of Rome. His genius and ability to think in hard situations helped greatly to the country of Macedonia, which he ruled. Most of his life he lived as a fighter and warrior. Alexander was a smart, brilliant man who used his brains when it came down to fighting. Alexander was born in an age of violence, conquest, and civil war. Alexander was born in 356 B.C. in Pella. His father was Phillip the second who ruled all of Macedonia. He was a shrewd king and general who conquered Greece. He stole the reign of Macedonia from his brother’s son. Alexander’s mother was Olympias. She was brilliant yet hot-tempered. Her father was King Neoptoelemus the first of Epirus. Alexander’s sister was Cleopatra (but not the Egyptian queen.) Alexander’s ancestor was a man known as the hero Achilles. Alexander through his life carried a copy of “Iliad.” Phillip taught Alexander that all the Macedonian kings were descendents from the hero Hercules, son of Zeus, and the high god. Alexander’s parents hated each other. Philip had lesser wives and children. One child was Philip Arridaeus who was retarded. The rumor was that Olympias had poisoned the mother of Arridaeus. Olympias once told Alexander that Philip was not his real father. Philip never admitted to it though. Yet he always had made fun of Alexander because of his high voice. There were many legends about Alexander. As a boy Alexander tamed a horse...
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...29, 2012 Alexander the Great Alexander the Great was one of the greatest conquers in all of the history of Rome. His genius and ability to think in hard situations helped greatly to the country of Macedonia, which he ruled. Most of his life he lived as a fighter and warrior. Alexander was a smart, brilliant man who used his brains when it came down to fighting. Alexander was born in an age of violence, conquest, and civil war. Alexander was born in 356 B.C. in Pella. His father was Phillip the second who ruled all of Macedonia. He was a shrewd king and general who conquered Greece. He stole the reign of Macedonia from his brother’s son. Alexander’s mother was Olympias. She was brilliant yet hot-tempered. Her father was King Neoptoelemus the first of Epirus. Alexander’s sister was Cleopatra (but not the Egyptian queen.) Alexander’s ancestor was a man known as the hero Achilles. Alexander through his life carried a copy of “Iliad.” Phillip taught Alexander that all the Macedonian kings were descendents from the hero Hercules, son of Zeus, and the high god. Alexander’s parents hated each other. Philip had lesser wives and children. One child was Philip Arridaeus who was retarded. The rumor was that Olympias had poisoned the mother of Arridaeus. Olympias once told Alexander that Philip was not his real father. Philip never admitted to it though. Yet he always had made fun of Alexander because of his high voice. There were many legends about Alexander. As a boy Alexander tamed a horse...
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...Alexander the Great was born July 356 B.C. to Philip II and his third wife Olympias. Alexander the Great is a hero because, any historians consider him the greatest military leader of all time, military genius, and bravery drove him to conquer many lands. Alexander the Great was born on July 20, 356 B.C., in Pella, Macedonia. His parents were King Philip II of Macedon and Queen Olympia. Alexander got the support from Macedonian Army and eliminated his enemies to become king and leader of the Corinthian League. Alexander the Great is a hero because, like Beowulf, he was brave enough to conquer many lands, founded many cities, and he was considered one of the best military leaders. Alexander was as Alexander III then later he got the title Alexander the Great. He was born in Pella, the capital of Macedonia. His father got assassinated in 336 BC and that caused Alexander to inherit a powerful yet uneasy kingdom. He ended up receiving the support of the Macedonian Army, and he took out his enemies to become the king/leader of the Corinthian League. Alexander had passed away at the age of 32, just 14 years after becoming the King. Beowulf comes from the...
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...How Great Was Alexander the Great? Innovative, strategic, focused. These are a few words that describe Alexander the Great. Alexander the Great was trained in philosophy by Aristotle then became king of Macedonia at the age of twenty after his father died. After being crowned king, Alexander wanted to expand his kingdom. He and his well trained army fought their way across the world, defeating the Persians, conquering land, and founding cities. After eight years of tough terrain and long battles, Alexander’s men become weak. Even after Alexander’s beseeching implorement, the army refused to go any farther. Once Alexander had returned home, he was diagnosed with a fever, caused by the unhealed wounds surrounding his body, and died at the age...
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...These are the words of Alexander the Great. These words spoken so truly to reflect his passion of Greek culture, Alexander the Great expressed these words throughout his entire being. This famous man, who to some, was like a god, accomplished many impossible tasks to any ordinary person while spreading his love of Greek culture around the world. On July 20, 356 BC, a legend was born to King Philip II and Queen Olympia. Alexander the Great was recognized early that he could change the world. He studied under an astonishing, Greek philosopher, Aristotle where he learned literature, exceptional writing skills and knowledge that broaden Alexander III into horizons that not many could imagine. Alexander had an obsession for knowledge which showed throughout his battles in his later years. He had very skilled military tactics and which he combined his vast knowledge to conquer all that he put his mind to. At the age of 18, Alexander took charge of the Companion Cavalry and helped his father in defeating the Athenian and Theban armies of Chaeronea. Learning from past warriors, from their feats to their fails, he was able to figure out how to achieve his own goals on the battle field along with skilled decision making. Alexander the Great wanted to continue the expansion of Macedonia in which is father, King Philip was doing when Alexander was younger. After the death of his father, the Macedonian army supported Alexander the Great. When Alexander expanded Macedonia, he decided to go further...
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...Alexander the Great Alexander the Great, son of King Philip II and Queen Olympia and born in Macedonia on July 20th, 356, developed into a strong and influential explorer and conqueror who was respected by many. Much of his early education and success can be attributed to being tutored by Aristotle, the famous philosopher. Alexander rarely saw his father, who was often engaged with military-related activities. He was raised by his mother and although he enjoyed being with her, Alexander grew to resent his father for being absent in his early life. His mother even attempted to turn Alexander against his father due to his absence and lack of morality. However, even though Alexander resented his father, he still had true admiration for him and followed his...
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...Alexander the Great By the end of the fifth century Macedonia started emerging as a kingdom of importance amongst the greek world. Its ruler Phillip II had built an efficient army which turned Macedonia into a military force that defeated the Greek's at the battle of Chaeronea in 338 B.C.E. Now Phillip was free to focus his ambition's on conquering Persia. He would never have that opportunity, Phillip was assassinated before he could undertake the invasion of Asia. Alexander the Great was only twenty when he succeeded his father Phillip as king of Macedonia. It would have been very tempting for Alexander to relax and enjoy the spoils of his new kingdom. Instead, he quickly asserted his authority and turned his attention to achieving his father's dream, the invasion of the persian empire. This was a huge risk and one that almost cost Alexander his life at the first battle which took place at the Granicus River in 334 B.C.E. However, Alexander survived and won a major victory which help lead to Alexanders control of the entire western half of Asia Minor. Alexander continued his conquests and by the winter of 332, Syria, Palestine, and Egypt were under his control. He took the title of Pharaoh and founded several cities which he named after himself. Alexander did not rest on his accomplishments. He soon turned his attention to conquering the territory of the ancient Mesopotamian kingdoms. Alexander fought many brutal battles and ultimately took control of Babylon, the...
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...Attack! The warrior king said as they went into battle. Alexander the great has the story of a true hero. If you take a look behind the story of the man you will come upon the story of a model philosopher king. Alexander’s story starts as a young boy. Growing up under the wing of the historic philosopher Aristotle, who in turn came from a line of the most elite philosophers in history, and as the observant son of the great king Philip of Macedonia, Alexander had the makings of a great philosopher and king. Alexander had a competitive nature, which played a big role in his claim to greatness. As a young adult he claimed many victories, including taming the wild thoughtless untamable horse, which he named Bucephalus, and being a prized combat specialist. It came as no shock after his father’s assassination that he would avenge him, and in turn take the path of becoming one of the greatest kings in history. This leads to the next part of his story which his name the great was derived. As an attempt to avenge his father, Alexander sought after his murderer, who was believed to be king of the vast Persian Empire, Darius. This chase lead him to a conquest of which inspired the philosopher and warrior in him to conquer and explore the unknown lands and civilizations that were under Persian rule. As a philosopher he enjoyed trying new things, and was not partial in taking part in other cultures as he became more...
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...Alexander the Great Webster’s Dictionary as “the quality of being great, distinguished, and having intensity considerably above the normal or average” defines the word greatness. There are very few people in this world that have ever lived that can fall under the category of greatness. One person whom I consider to exemplify greatness is Alexander III of Macedon, better known as Alexander the Great. People come and go in this world and few are remembered, but even fewer will go down in history. Alexander the Great went down in history as a legend. Many stories were conveyed about his greatness, his tactics, his theories, and his thoughts. His legacy is still spoken about today. Before you can truly understand whom Alexander the Great was, you have to appreciate where he came from. Alexander’s father, Philip II, was King of Macedonia at the beginning of is reign. Macedonia was known as a barbaric state. They were thought to be beneath all other Greek states. When Philip became king, he assembled the greatest engineers to help design weaponry, like the sarissa. The sarissa was a 20-foot spear with a counter balance at the end to make it easier for the soldiers to lift it up. Philip also crafted a military formation called the phalanx that the Macedonians fought in. Alexander continued the legacy of his father by using the same formation when he gained control of the army. Philip started taking over Greece and by the time Alexander was old enough to help, they had already conquered...
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...THE STORY OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT IS ONE OF COURAGE, GENIUS, AND GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENT; BUT IT IS ALSO SOMEWHAT BITTERSWEET, ENDING WITH HIS TRAGIC DEATH DURING THE PRIME OF HIS LIFE, AT THIRTY-TWO. ALEXANDER WAS BORN TO PHILIP II OF MACEDONIA AND OLYMPIAS, IN 356 BC. PHILLIP II WAS THE KING OF MACEDONIA UNTIL HE WAS ASSASSINATED IN 330 BC. PHILLIP KNEW THAT ONE DAY ALEXANDER WOULD SUCCEED HIM SO HE DID MUCH TO PREPARE HIM FOR A MILITARY AND POLITICAL FUTURE. ALEXANDER WAS GIVEN AN AMAZING EDUCATION BY HIS TUTOR WHO WAS ALSO A GREEK PHILOSOPHER. ARISTOTLE TAUGHT HIM RHETORIC AND LITERATURE, AND OPENED HIS INTEREST TO SCIENCE, MEDICINE, AND PHILOSOPHY. ALEXANDER BECAME KING IN 336 B.C. WHEN PHILLIP WAS ASSASSINATED. HE MAINTAINED HIS RULE AT HOME BEFORE MAKING ANY PLANS OF ATTACK. First he attacked Thessaly in order to restore Macedonian rule. Then in 335 B.C. he defeated the Thracians, up through the Danube River. On his way back, he defeated the Illyrians, but rushed back afterwards to Thebes. Thebes was ravaged by Alexander, sparing only temples and the house of Pindar, a well known Greek poet of the 5th Century B.C. Many more Greek states then turned to Alexander's control. Alexander declared war on Persia in 334 B.C., and defeated a Persian army near the city of Troy. This resulted in the submission of all states in Asia Minor to him. Alexander then traveled southward, where he defeated King Darius III, leader of the main Persian army. This battle occurred in...
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