Webster's New World Dictionary defines greatness as being extraordinary or far above the average. In the case of Alexander the Great, the term is a perfect fit. Alexander was much more than just a king. He was responsible for the spread of Greek culture throughout Asia, and he helped liberate the civilized people from the barbarian tyrants of Persia, thus aiding in the growth of civilization as we know it. Alexander was not just a conqueror, however. He was also known for his philosophical thinking. His accomplishments have helped to shape the world as we know it today. This paper is meant to describe the life of Alexander the Great as well as detail his accomplishments both on and off the battlefield. .
Alexander was born on or around July 20, 356B.C. It is believed that he was fair skinned with a reddish tint in his face and chest. He enjoyed drama, the flute, the lyre, poetry, and hunting. Unfortunately, he also had a great fondness for liquor that caused some of his outbursts of rage. What Alexander truly wanted in life was honor and bravery, rather than easy living and wealth.
Even as a young boy, Alexander showed great potential for excellence. His parents, Philip and Olympias, arranged for his education while he was still young. Alexander's first teacher was Leonidas, who may have been Olypmias" uncle, was a strict disciplinarian. Alexander probably inherited his frugal nature from Leonidas" teachings. After Leonidas, Lysimachus began tutoring Alexander. Lysimachus taught the young prince to play the lyre and gave him an appreciation for music, drama, and poetry. Alexander's parents wanted nothing but the best for him, so when Alexander was thirteen, they hired Aristotle from Athens to be the boy's personal tutor. Aristotle taught Alexander ethics, philosophy, politics, and medicine. Unfortunately, a disagreement on the status of foreigners resulted in the estrangement of the two men.