Who Was Alexander the Great
Who was Alexander the Great!
What does it mean to be GREAT? The Webster’s dictionary defines the word great as notably large in size, predominant, or remarkable. The Oxford’s dictionary defines the word great as, of ability, quality, or eminence, considerably above average. Alexander the 3rd’s greatness has been questioned in the past and even scholars have long debated the question was Alexander the Great really Great? But one must ask how his legend has survived for thousands of years and his name well known? Many would venture to say that Alexander was great because he was able to rule his father’s kingdom at a very young age. He was able to build an army and conquer several cities in a short amount of time. Others would argue that he was not great because he was known for the unnecessary slaughter of innocent people, murdered his friends and it was suggested that he participated in the assassination of his father King Phillip although never proven. In Joseph Mitchells, Taking Sides, each author discusses unique but different opinions. The question “Does Alexander the Great deserve his historical reputation has two distinct viewpoints; Yes, or No. Professor Hammond defends Alexander’s reputation and states that research has proven Alexander the Great is deserving of his esteemed historical reputation. On the other hand, Worthington states, that Alexander’s actions were self-serving and eventually weakened the Macedonian homeland; and he does not merit the historical reputation he has been given. Hammond’s explanation is stronger on why Alexander should keep his historical reputation because he argues that Alexander was destined to be great from the time he was a child. He was born the son of a king Phillip who expanded his knowledge in the areas of warfare and politics. He was tutored by Aristotle who taught him all about Greek philosophy, literature and military tactics. His mother Olympias taught Alexander that he was a descendant from the
What does it mean to be GREAT? The Webster’s dictionary defines the word great as notably large in size, predominant, or remarkable. The Oxford’s dictionary defines the word great as, of ability, quality, or eminence, considerably above average. Alexander the 3rd’s greatness has been questioned in the past and even scholars have long debated the question was Alexander the Great really Great? But one must ask how his legend has survived for thousands of years and his name well known? Many would venture to say that Alexander was great because he was able to rule his father’s kingdom at a very young age. He was able to build an army and conquer several cities in a short amount of time. Others would argue that he was not great because he was known for the unnecessary slaughter of innocent people, murdered his friends and it was suggested that he participated in the assassination of his father King Phillip although never proven. In Joseph Mitchells, Taking Sides, each author discusses unique but different opinions. The question “Does Alexander the Great deserve his historical reputation has two distinct viewpoints; Yes, or No. Professor Hammond defends Alexander’s reputation and states that research has proven Alexander the Great is deserving of his esteemed historical reputation. On the other hand, Worthington states, that Alexander’s actions were self-serving and eventually weakened the Macedonian homeland; and he does not merit the historical reputation he has been given. Hammond’s explanation is stronger on why Alexander should keep his historical reputation because he argues that Alexander was destined to be great from the time he was a child. He was born the son of a king Phillip who expanded his knowledge in the areas of warfare and politics. He was tutored by Aristotle who taught him all about Greek philosophy, literature and military tactics. His mother Olympias taught Alexander that he was a descendant from the