Alexander The Great Research Paper

Words: 1499
Pages: 6

Significance of Alexander the Great

Alexander the Great is remembered as one of history’s most successful rulers and military leaders. Born in 356 B.C. in Pella, he accomplished and achieved many things in his short lifetime. From ruling the flourishing Macedonia and its territories, to defeating the Persian Empire, by many he is regarded as a genius of his time. Born to King Phillip II and Queen Olympias from close by Epirus, he observed the rise of Macedonia throughout his childhood, witnessing the many victories under his father’s rule. The relationship between father and son though was not a strong one; due to the fact King Phillip II spent a great deal of his time involved with military activities and with other wives and women. Along
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Egypt quickly fell with little resistance. He created Alexandria, which flourished with Greek culture. In 331 B.C., Alexander defeated the rest of the remainder of the Persian army. With the absolute fall of the Persian army, Alexander became King of Babylon. Darius III fled again in battle, and Alexander set out to find him only to discover him dead. He gave Darius III a royal funeral, honoring the defeated king. In 330 B.C., many members of the court were unhappy with Alexander’s combining of cultures and Orientalizing. Allegations of plans to murder Alexander appeared, planned by father and son Parmenios and Philotas. Philotas was tried and executed as being the master mind of the plot, and after orders were sent to murder his father. The murder of Parmenios did not go over well with the court, provided that he was a beloved general of Phillip II and a well-regarded man. This caused tension to escalate in the …show more content…
In Sogdiana, Alexander marries Persian princess Roxana. It is unknown if the marriage is out of love or an attempt to connect Greek and Persian culture. The court once again was outraged by his actions; they were insulted that Alexander chose to marry a Persian woman over a Macedonian. The Macedonian court expressed their disapproval. Alexander did not care about the court’s opinions what so ever, angering them and making them feel like Alexander was becoming less Macedonian and more Asian. Alexander was hoping Roxana would provide him with an heir to the throne. Throughout his falling outs with the Macedonian court, Hephaestion, Alexander’s closet friend supported him and stood by his side. Hephaestion was a nobleman, childhood friend, and cavalry commander. Due to their shrines and dedications, Alexander’s to Achilles and Hephaestion to Petroclus, it can be assumed that they were possibly lovers. After his marriage, the Macedonian army moved on to India. Battling King Porus in 326 B.C., Macedonian forces emerged victorious once again. Like many other areas Alexander gained control of, he granted Porus the ability to continue rule over his territory. Also, in this battle, Alexander’s horse Bucephalus is killed. Together for many years, Alexander is heart broken when he