The Life of Alexander the Great Essay Example for Free

The Life of Alexander the Great Essay At the age of twenty years old, Alexanders reign of the Macedonian throne began in 336 B.C. following the death of his father, Philip II. Olympias, Alexanders mom, was thought to have assassinated her own husband so that the throne would be prepared for her son. When Alexander became King, he wanted to do great things so that everyone would know that he is King. From the beginning of his reign, he always had a passion for fighting and winning wars. He also noticed that he had many enemies and conspirators and to immediately get them out of the way, he had them all executed. In 335 B.C. he destroyed Thebes, located in upper Egypt, for rebelling against him. In the following year, Alexander had the most amazing military campaign by guiding an army consisting of Greeks and Macedonians fighting against the Persian empire with the goal of taking revenge on Greece in order top fulfill his fathers dream. Throughout his lifetime, he accomplished many things, had incredible defeats, and conquered many countries. By this, he earned his title of the great and was most excellently admired for it. His people saw him as an outstanding motivator, leading men into dangerous, unknown regions, earning much respect and inspiring countless soldiers. Alexander didnt much care about his own safety yet placed all of his concern straight on the goal and the ways in which he would complete it. When in battle, he would like to show his equality between him and his soldiers by riding his war horse on the enemys front line, experiencing the same risks and threats as they were. People started urging him to get married and have a child to carry on his great title but he was too busy with his conquests. He had much hope and faith in his troops and thought out his plans well for only the greatest of successes. He was the ideal of male Greek culture. (pg. 130) Seen as a great hero, he helped his troops along to continuous triumphs. When visiting Gordion in Anatolia, he was given the opportunity to be rewarded the lordship of Asia if only he could make loose an unmoving knot binding the yoke of a chariot. Leaving everyone in awe, he sliced the tough knot with a quick slice of his sword. His never failing most high reputation  among the people never failed and the empire continued to grow. He kept a very close eye on the latest technology and techniques in order to keep up with his war successes. Alexanders unique fighting styles made enemies doubt themselves and their abilities to stand strong against him. He always had his plans all laid out and precise and after conquering Egypt and Persia, his strategy showed to be this : establish colonies of Greeks and Macedonians in conquered territory and keep the traditional administrative system in place. (pg. 131) Alexander began his journey of the founding of new cities by naming the first Alexandria after himself, located in Egypt. His maintaining passion for capture and exploration ruled so greatly in his life that his next goal would be to travel to India. Alexandria the Furthest was established on the way and he ended up settling for an alliance sealed by a marriage to the Bactrian princess Roxanne. (pg. 131) Voyaging into India, seventy days of marching through stormy weather led to the disappearance of the soldiers will to win. In 326 B.C., located on the banks of the Hyphasis River, they forced Alexander to turn back. Finally returning back to Persia, he started on the plans of his next attack without delay. His next target would be the Arabian peninsula followed by all of North Africa. Ruling over the Greeks became less important to him and he decided to restore citizenship within the city-states and he made the declaration that he wanted to be honored as if he were a god. Feeling astonished by this peculiar request, the other leaders complied by sending religious gifts showing their respect. Alexander thought so highly of himself because of all of his great and praiseworthy actions , that he started to believe that he was actually the son of Zeus. He felt that he showed to have godlike power therefore he must be as he proclaims he is. On the somber day of June 10, 323 B.C. , the young Alexander passed away due to extreme drinking and high fever. His future plans were ended by his sudden death not too long after the death of his best friend, Hephaistion . Following Alexanders death, a child was born to him and Roxanne. Despite his short reign, he greatly impacted and benefited the future for geography and many other scientific fields. Altogether, Alexander III immensely  extended the influence of Greek civilization and arranged the way for the empire of the Hellenistic period and the annexation of the Roman Empire.