Alexander the Great

10 Pages 2417 Words

ant things about Alexander the Great, but the most significant is his rise to power.
Alexander never got along well with his father, although Philip was proud of Alexander for the things he accomplished. It seemed obvious that Alexander was closer to Olympias(his mother) than Philip. It was said that Olympias and Philip did not get along that well either. The family was finally split up when Philip married a woman named Cleopatra, not “thee Cleopatra”. A few events happened at the wedding that upset Alexander very much. It was said, “Cleopatra’s father made a remark about Philip fathering a “legitimate” heir, i.e., one that was pure Macedonian. Alexander took exception and threw his cup at the man, and some sources say Alexander killed him. Enraged, Philip stood up and charged at Alexander, only to trip and fall on his face in his drunken stupor. Alexander, rather upset at the scene, is said to have shouted: “Here is the man who was making ready to cross from Europe to Asia, and who cannot even cross from one table to another without losing his balance.” From this time to Philip’s assassination they remained a family in name only. Some people believed that Olympias might have even played a role in Philip’s murder.
When Philip was assassinated Alexander assumed the role of king of Macedonia. Alexander was 20 years old at the time. This would start a thirteen-year reign for Alexander. Taking this responsibility at this young of a age should show what a confident person that he was, and that confidence would lead him to being one of the greatest generals ever. He made his first military action very early, when Athens and Thebes were contemplating leaving Macedonia. Alexander made an example of Thebes by destroying them, by killing almost everyone in the town. Athens rethought their departure and remained faithful to Alexander. After this Alexander felt that he was invincible, which helped him beco...