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

Alexander. He lost his balance and fell on the floor. Alexander sneered and publicly insulted his father saying "the man who makes preparations to pass out of Europe into Asia, overturned in passing from one seat to another." (Plutarch, 1952) (Philip had been planning on invading Asia Minor) Both Alexander and his mother were banished.

3. Was the unity of Alexander's empire destined to fail after his death? How could he have ensured the survival of this unity?

Although Alexander was very patient and fair with his follower's mistakes, he could not tolerate them in himself. After slaying Clitus, a good friend who had saved him earlier during a war with the Persians, during a heated argument Alexander was devastated.

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