Alexander The Great Research Paper

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While many see Alexander as a heroic figure, Alexander’s place in history is elusive. Alexander the Great was a Macedonian king who ruled from 336-323 BCE. Inheriting the crown from his father Philip II of Macedon at age twenty, Alexander was still an adolescent when he received the great responsibility of ruling a kingdom. He went on to conquer Persia, Syria, Egypt, parts of India, and Asia Minor. After many battles, Alexander died in 323 BCE from an unknown cause. Although some may say Alexander was a courageous leader who inspired his army, Alexander’s young age, alcoholism, and impulsivity made him a reckless leader and led to his demise.
Alexander’s young age prevented him from considering the consequences of his actions. In 330 BCE at age 26, Alexander decided to plunder the Persian city of Persepolis. According to ancient Greek historian Arrian of Nicomedia, “He [Alexander] also desired to punish the Persians for all the other injuries they had done the Greeks” (Arrian of Nicomedia and Chinnock). Alexander’s need of vengeance was so strong that he set fire to the whole city. Without much premature thought, Alexander wanted to avenge the Persian plunder of Athens. The next day, Alexander had felt …show more content…
In 328 BCE, Alexander was at a banquet where “all had drunk heavily” (Plutarch). Cleitus, a Macedonian commander who was also Alexander’s friend, disputed with Alexander about bravery and cowardice. Cleitus wanted to be recognized for being brave, but Alexander took responsibility for his courage. In his anger, Cleitus called Alexander a coward. In response to the disrespect, Alexander spontaneously killed Cleitus by throwing an apple at his head, then by stabbing him with a spear. Once Alexander came to his senses he “snatched the spear out of the corpse, and would have thrust it into his own neck” (Plutarch) out of regret. Since Alexander was under the influence, he was incapable of making responsible
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