Alexander the Great was born around July 20, 356 B.C in the Pella region of the Macedonia. He was the son of king Philip II and Queen Olympia, daughter of King Neoptolemus. While Alexander was growing up, he barely saw his father because most of the time he was engaged in military campaigns and extra-material affairs. So, his mother became a role model for him since his father was usually absent (Biography).
Alexander’s father ensured that his son received a significant education. His father hired the tutor Aristotle, whose teaching made Alexander the Great to love Philosophy, drama, logic, music, and culture. Aristotle taught him concepts about government and virtues that inspired him to become a heroic warrior and would help him to rule an empire in the future (Biography).
At the age of 16, his father put him in charge of Macedonia, which he took advantage of to organize his first military expedition to defeat the Thracian people. Alexander was also inspired by his father by watching his victory after victory of his campaign. His father prepared alexander to be a good king and warrior (Biography).
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Alexander the Great became the Macedonian king after the death of Philip in 336 B.C. He gained support from the Macedonian army, which included his troops which he had fought with at Chaeronea (Biography). Leaders, generals and soldiers throughout the empire trusted him because he was a great warrior and an intelligent leader. Alexander the Great’s army helped him throughout that time period.
After Alexander conquered Thebes and Greece in 335 B.C, he launched a campaign against the Persian Empire as his father had desired. In 334 B.C, he invaded Persia by defeating King Darius III’s armies at the Granicus River and at Issus. After these victories, he made himself the ruler of Persia and created an empire (LiveScience).
Alexander’s success and pride became his failure. His arrogance and pride eventually killed him because he always saw himself as above everyone. Alexander became paranoid and because of his mental condition, he killed Parmerio, his former second in command and his close friend. He also killed Cleitus, who saved his life at the battle of Granicus (LiveScience).
He slowly lost control and trust from his people because of his harsh and prideful behavior. He killed those whom he believe were challenging his authority. He never appointed a successor for his kingdom after his death. So, because of that nobody was there to take care of his empire after his death (Bloomsbury). His kingdom therefore fell apart when people start battling against each other for power (Biography). Alexander’s weakness was that he was living in the present rather than making plan for the future.
Work Cited
- “Alexander the Great.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 9 July 2019, www.biography.com/political-figure/alexander-the-great.
- “Alexander the Great: Facts, Biography & Accomplishments.” LiveScience, Purch,
www.livescience.com/39997-alexander-the-great.html. - Bloomsbury.com. “Alexander the Great Failure.” Bloomsbury Publishing, www.bloomsbury.com/us/alexander-the-great-failure-9780826443946/.
