Alexander "The Great" (356 - 323 B. C.)
Alexander was born in 356 B.C. His father was, Philip, the King of Macedonia and his mother was Olympias, daughter of King Neoptolemus I of Epirus (Albania). Philip was very proud of his son Alexander, but they had a very stormy relationship. Philips multiple marriages took a toll on Alexander. Olympias was very jealous and spiteful towards Philip's "lesser" wives. Alexander had a half-sister named Cleopatra (not the famous Egyptian Queen) and a half-brother named Arrhidaeus. Arrhidaeus was brain-damaged, it was rumored that Olympias had given the boy drugs in vengeance and fear for Alexander's inheritance.
Philip made sure that Alexander was well educated. He sent for Aristotle to be one of his tutors. Alexander became friends with a boy named Hephaestion, they would remain loyal to each other for life.
He had a thirst for knowledge•
Philip often left Alexander in charge when he was taken away from Macedonia on business. At the age of sixteen, during one
20-year-old Alexander became King Alexander III of Macedonia. Philip was murdered during the celebration of his daughter's arranged marriage.
He had a passion for fame - he lamented over his father's victories,• worried that there would be nothing left for him to conquer.
King And Conqueror
After his father's murder in 336 B. " (Plutarch, 1952) (Philip had been planning on invading Asia Minor) Both Alexander and his mother were banished. After this, he became the general of his father's army.
During the celebrations for Philip's marriage to his final wife, a falling out occurred between Alexander and his father.
Alexander could see the strengths of the Persians and the Macedonians, he tried to amalgamate them accordingly. Alexander was devastated and reeked havoc on the doctor who had treated his friend. In a few years he managed to acquire and merge half of the known world.
He ruled with the people, not over them. Was the unity of...