Monarchs have been pivotal factors in shaping the future directions and potential of their nations. Alexander the Great and Charles the Great were monarchs who through their leadership changed history in a positive way.
Alexander III was born in 356 BC, son of the king of Macedon, Philip II and Olympias, a princess from Epirus. "Alexander learned from his father that he was the descendant of Hercules, the son of Zeus, and from his mother that he was an ancestor of Achilles." (3) In being brought up this way he had to believe that he was destined for greatness. Philip II was an ingenious king in his own right and a good role model for his son Alexander. His achievements of turning his army into a "great military machine" (13, 70) and the conquests of the Greek city-states, taught Alexander great military and leadership skills. .
Alexander was given a "classical" (3) education based on the Greek principle of "a sound mind in a sound body." He was tutored by Aristotle; "Aristotle taught Alexander an appreciation for Greek culture" (13, 105), literature, philosophy, and politics; he also received training in sports, physical fitness, and warfare. Even after he left school, he and Aristotle continued to correspond until Alexander's death in 323 BC. The schooling he received gave him a love of Greek culture and these teachings helped mold Alexander into the great leader he later became, with very high morals and values. "At age 16 Alexander was taken out of school to fulfill duties of government."(5) .
Alexander showed his leadership skills at a young age. "In 338 B.C., the 16 year old led an attack into a wild region (Bulgaria today) where he won against the barbarians and established his first city, Alexandropolis. His father then made him a general in his royal army. His next great feat was when the 18-year-old Alexander was in command of the cavalry and he helped to win the Battle of Chaeronea, this battle brought Greece under Macedonian control.