Alexander the Great was the king of Macedonia, conqueror of the Persian Empire, and
one of the greatest military geniuses of all times. Even at an early age, Alexander had the
promise to become a great leader. Through all his victories and conquests, he has become
a great hero and has had a large impact on history. Alexander, born in 356 BC in Pella,
the ancient capital of Macedonia, was the son of Philip II, king of Macedonia, and of
Olympias, a princess of Epirus. Alexander's tutor, Aristotle, taught him from age 13 to 16
and stimulated his interest in science, medicine, and philosophy. He was well prepared to
take over the throne. In the summer of 336 BC Philip was assassinated, and Alexander
ascended to the Macedonian throne. He soon showed his power when the large city of
Thebes revolted in 335. He stormed the city with mighty force and took 30,000 people as
slaves. Alexander's next attempt was to defeat Persia. He could never be the dominant
force in his area as long as the Persian ruler Darius was still living. After beating Persia
the second and final time in 332, Darius, who managed to survive, fled to the mountains.
He died in the mountains when one of his own noblemen killed him. With Darius dead,
Alexander was crowned King of Persia and became known as the king of all Asia.
Babylon surrendered after Gaugamela, and the city of Susa with its enormous treasures
was soon conquered. Then, in midwinter, Alexander forced his way to Persepolis, the
Persian capital. After plundering the royal treasuries and taking other rich booty, he
burned the city during a drunken binge and thus completed the destruction of the ancient
Persian Empire. His domain now extended along and beyond the southern shores of...