Alexander the Great

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Alexander III of Macedon was commonly known as known as Alexander the Great. He was born in an ancient capital of Macedonia known as Pella in July 365 BC. His father was the king of Macedonia, Philip II, and his mother was the princess of the neighboring Epirus Olympias. Throughout his childhood, Alexander watched his father carry out transformations in Macedonia making it a great military power (Brien, 2002). He also saw his father emerging victorious in various battlefields all over Balkans. When he was 12, he exhibited his equal skill to his father and other people who were watching when he fearlessly tamed Bucephalus, a stallion that was unruly. It was unable to be ridden and devoured on flesh of anyone who had made attempts to tame it. At the age of 13, his father hired the great Greek philosopher as his personal tutor. He received training in literature and medicine which stimulated his interests in medicine, science and philosophy which all became very crucial in his life.

After his father, Philip 11 was assassinated Alexander the Great inherited the very powerful, but violent kingdom headed by his father. At the time of his father’s demise, he was very young but even at this early age he was capable of handling the kingdom. Upon taking charge, he dealt with the enemies at home and also reasserted the power of Macedonia within Greece. He then started his mission of conquering the huge Persian Empire. Against all odds, he successfully led his army and emerged victoriously against Persian territories such as Syria, Asia Minor and Egypt without being defeated. In 331, he registered his greatest victory was during the battle of Gaugamela in what is currently known as Iraq. At the age of 25, he became known as the greatest king that has ever lived in Persia (Brien, 2002). Over the next eight years, he held the title of a commander, King, scholar, politician and explorer. He led his army over 11,000 miles that saw him found 70 cities. He created an empire that stretched over three continents and a size of two million square miles (Phillips, 2000).

Alexander the Great is termed as the greatest military geniuses that ever lived. He led by example, but he firmly believed in his indestructibility that made him lead a reckless life. He inspired later conquers like the Romans Pompey, Hannibal the Carthaginian and Caesar. His army refused to follow him only on one occasion during his 13-year reign when there was constant fighting a clear indication that he inspired a lot of loyalties (Phillips, 2000). Alexander died in June 323 BC of fever in Babylon.

References

Brien, J. (2002). Alexander the Great: The invisible enemy: A biography. London: Routledge.

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Phillips, H. (2000). Alexander the Great: A Life in Legend. Folklore, 328-329.