Alexander III The Great Research Paper

The Life of Alexander III the Great

Alexander III the Great is believed to be the greatest military genius to have ever lived He rose to be the King of Macedonia, and managed to conquer the great Persian Empire; something his predecessor could not accomplish. The list of the tasks Alexander accomplished goes on and on, but they did not all happen at once. The question most ask is… why was Alexander always known to be so great? Based on detailed research, it seems in fact that since birth, Alexander was destined for greatness. The year is 356 B.C. in the month of June. In the capital city of Macedonia, Pella, a baby boy was born to the royal family, King Phillips II, of Macedonia, and his wife Olympias. This baby boy was known
He began to march towards Egypt and along the way came across Gaza. Gaza put up a resistance to Alexander and his army but fell short. After the defeat of Gaza, the entire Eastern Mediterranean Coast was firmly in control by the Macedonians. Alexander entered Egypt in 331 BC, and was welcomed by the Egyptian people. It is said that “…the Macedonians were welcomed by the Egyptians as liberators for they had despised living under Persian rule for almost two centuries” (Alexander the Great Alexander of Macedon Biography). It was here that Alexander demanded a city be built as a trade and military post for the Macedonians. This area still exists today and is known as Alexandria, located at the mouth of the Nile River. Sadly, Alexander never was able to see the completion of Alexandria. “He never lived to see it built, but Alexandria will become a major economic and cultural center in the Mediterranean world not only during the Macedonian rule in Egypt but centuries after” (Alexander the Great Alexander of Macedon Biography).
Returning to Tyre, Alexander prepared for his battle with Darius III and his Persian Army. Heading toward Babylon, he found a Persian army near the plains of Gaugamela. “According to the exaggerated accounts of antiquity was said to number a million men. The Macedonians spotted the lights from the Persian campfires and encouraged Alexander to lead his attack under cover of darkness” (Alexander the Great Alexander
The proclaimed King of Asia was on the move once more. In 327BC, Alexander began his march through India. “The greatest of Alexander 's battles in India was at the river Hydaspes, against king Porus, one of the most powerful Indian rulers. In the summer of 326 BC, Alexander 's army crossed the heavily defended river during a violent thunderstorm to meet Porus ' forces” (Alexander the Great Alexander of Macedon Biography). Porus and the Indians fought with elephants, something the Macedonians and Alexander have never seen nor heard of before. Still no cause for alarm, Alexander prevailed. After his defeat, Porus was captured and pitifully allowed to continue to govern his people. Seems not everything was won in this battle, however. Alexander’s trusted stead was wounded, and died shortly after the fighting. “Alexander had ridden Bucephalus into every one of his battles in Europe and Asia, so when it died he was grief-stricken. He founded a city which he named Buckephalia, in his horse 's name.” (Alexander the Great Alexander of Macedon