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The Early Life of Alexander the Great
Johnny K. and Matt B.
Alexander’s life started around July 20, 365 B.C. He was the son of Macedonian king, King Philip II. When Alexander was young he was tutored by one of the world’s most well known philosophers, Aristotle. But Alexander not only showed potential in education, but he also showed great strength and courage. He proved this when, at a young age, he tamed a wild horse, Bucephalus, which would be his horse for many years to come(''Alexander the Great'').
Alexander the Great's Youth
In 340 B.C. while Alexander’s father, King Philip II, was away fighting rebels, Alexander was put in the regent position in Macedonia. A regent is one who rules during the minority, absence, or disability of a monarch. While Alexander was in charge the Maedi of northern Macedonia revolted against him. Alexander was easily able to defeat them and he renamed their city after himself. (scroll) After ruling in place for his father he had a feel for what he would soon be taking over. And in 336 B.C. King Phillip II was assassinated, and Alexander the Great would become ruler of Macedonia(''Alexander the Great'').
Alexander the Great's Rise to Power
Philip's death had sparked many rebellions in conquered nations. The Illyrians, Thracians, and Greeks were ready to take back their independence. But they never got the chance; Alexander marched into Greece, Thrace, and Illyria and was quick to silence them. But the land of Thebes, where Philip had previously been held captive for three years, refused to cooperate and attempted a revolt against their Macedonian superiors. (scroll) After marching roughly 240 miles to Thebes, Alexander swept in with his army, slayed 6,000 Thebans(including women and children) and captured and additional 30,000. Alexander had instilled fear in all of Greece before even reaching is 22nd birthday. In the spring of 334 B.C. Alexander left Greece and set sail for Asia Minor. Shortly after arriving his army (roughly 39,000 soldiers), where confronted by King Darius III and 40,000 Persians and rebelious Greeks at the river Granicus near Troy. Although a well fought battle ensued, the Macedonians victoriously killed 18,000 out of 20,000 Greeks who were fighting on the Persian side. According to tradition the Macedonians only lost about 120 men. After the Battle of Granicus, Alexander the Great took his army south across Asia Minor. After defeating into many other rebelious Greek colonies on the coast of Asia Minor, he turned north towards the city of Gordium. Gordium was home to the famous ''Gordian Knot.'' The legend of the Gordian Knot proclaimed that he who could unravel the knot would be destined to rule the entire world. But Alexander cunningly cut the knot with his sword, thus unraveling its ends(''Alexander the Great of Macedon Biography'').
Alexander the Great's Early Accomplishments
Conco, Sebastiano. Alexander the Great in the Temple of Jerusalem. 1750. Photograph. Wikimedia commons. 10 Feb. 2007. Web. 17 Nov. 2009. .
Alexander the Great in the Temple of Jerusalem
Jastrow. Bust Alexander. 1857. Photograph. Wikimedia commons. 2006. Web. 17 Nov. 2009. .
Edelinck, Gerard. Alexander and Hephaistion. 1852. Photograph. Wikimedia commons. 21 June 2008. Web. 17 Nov. 2009. .
Alexander and Hephaistion visit the family of Darius in their tent after the battle of Issus.
