Alexander’s existence was determined around 358 BC where his parents, Philip II and Myrtale, later known as Olympias (O’Brien p.13), met. At this time, Philip was king of Macedonia only because his elder brother, Perdiccas III died without leaving someone to assume to the throne. Olympuis on the other hand was the orphaned daughter of the former King of Epirus, Neoptolemus. Both Philip and Olympias had dreams that warned them of Alexander’s birth. Olympias’ had dreamt about a loud burst of thunder and lighting hitting her womb while Philip’s dream was about him sealing her womb with the seal of the lion. (Green p.35) A notorious prophet named Aristander Telmessus interpreted the dreams and determined that Olympias was pregnant, and that the child would have a character of a lion. Thus, Alexander was born in late July of 356 BC in Pella, Macedonia and he would g

o on to become one of the greatest military leaders in history.

Alexander’s childhood was, for the most part, laid out in front of him. At the young age of thirteen, his father and mother had hired the legendary Aristotle to be his personal tutor. Under Aristotle’s teachings, Alexander had learned about medicine which he used to treat his soldiers’ wounds, prescribe cures for friends, and give advice to doctors. Aristotle also taught Alexander the subjects of zoology and botany. These subjects were ones that Alexander would keep interest in for the rest of his life. But one of the most important ideas that Alexander learned was to treat every situation as unique and only draw conclusions after all of the evidence has been gathered and analyzed. (O’Brien p.20) With this knowledge, Alexander would go on to complete one military victory after another. The teachings ended in 340 BC when Aristotle left Pella while Alexander was sixteen years of age.

Philip, who is now losing his attempts to capture Byzantium and Perinthus, is joined by Alexander in hopes to have better success northward towards the Danube. This time, Philip’s efforts rewarded victory. On the return home though, the Macedonian army encountered a Thriballian resistance. It is said that Alexander saved Philip’s life during this battle. ( But the battle of Chaeronea was a crucial turning point in Alexander’s life. At the age of eighteen, Alexander would confirm his status a crown prince and show his ability to lead an army into battle while at the same time, becoming a hero. The Thebans and Athenians were the opposing army. Philip was the take the right, while Alexander flanked from the left. The battle was won with the Macedonian army still standing. Thebes was punished for their role at Chaeronea, but Athens was spared on the terms of an alliance.

Alexander still wasn’t through. His next objective was to push through Egypt. While there, he presented himself worthy of the double crown. Now he was the king of both Upper and Lower Egypt. (O’Brien p.86) Being king, Alexander was now in search of an ideal spot to build a city. The spot he found was close to the delta and this new city was to be called Alexandria, the first and most prominent of the many cities to bear that name. (O’Brien p.87)

Then, sometime in the summer of 336 BC, another royal wedding was to take in Aegae place for the king of the Macedonians. This time the marriage was going to be between King Alexander of Epirus and Cleopatra, Philip’s daughter. Seeing this as a big event, Philip invited high ra

Some topics in this essay:
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