Alexander the Great - Conqueror

Describe the Conquests of Alexander the Great and analyze the legacy of his empire.

Who exactly was Alexander the Great? According to his biography on BBC, Alexander III of Macedon ( a state in northern Greece), who later became popularly known as Alexander the Great, was born on 20th July, 323 B.C to parents King Phillip II of Macedon and his fourth wife, Queen Olympia, daughter of King Neoptolemus. He was raised in Pella’s royal court by a nurse, Lanike, who happened to be the sister of Alexander’s future general, Cleitus the Black. Because of his father’s strong devotion to the military, Alexander hardly bonded with him and later resented him because of his absence. His earliest education was received under tutelage of Leonidas, Lysimachus and Aristotle in the noble manner of the Macedonian youths. He was taught medicine, philosophy, morals, religion, logic and art.

According to George Clode, writer of the article “Alexander the Great – the greatest leader of all time”, Alexander grew up to be one of the world’s most legendary military commanders who was born in an era of petty tyrants and brutality. His victory over one of the largest empires ever seen was won over a period of thirteen (13) years. It was an empire that stretched over 10,000 miles and included the Mediterranean, most of Europe and on touched on the borders of India. During his leadership, he united Greece, re-established the Corinthian League and conquered the Persian Empire. What some might describe as ruthless behaviour, other historians have described as heroic.

Having completed his education, a young and ambitious Alexander was ready to take over his father’s throne. This was not too far away, as his father was assassinated by one of his own bodyguards and became King at the age of twenty. He was prepared to rule by his father who took him along on a few military campaigns and had given him the control of the battles at times. Alexander believed in succeeding his...