Alexander the Great was one of the most successful and influential military leaders in ancient history. He was born in 356 BC in the kingdom of Macedonia and assumed the throne at the young age of twenty years old. One of his most notable accomplishments was the conquest of the Persian Empire, which he achieved through a series of decisive military victories. The reasons behind Alexander's campaign against the Persians were complex and multifaceted. Through his conquests, Alexander not only expanded his empire, but also left a lasting impact on the history and culture of the world. Alexander the Great's eastern campaigns were motivated by personal glory, Greek superiority, and a desire for revenge against the Persians. These motivations played …show more content…
As a young man, Alexander was raised by his father, King Philip II of Macedon, to become a great conqueror and leader. This motivation is foundational to understanding Alexander as a historical figure because they reveal his personality and worldview. After his victory over Darius and the Persian Empire, Alexander the Great's sense of self-importance and ultimate motive are revealed. According to Aelian, “after defeating Darius and making himself master of the Persian empire, Alexander was very pleased with himself, and because of the success that had attended him he felt like a god. He therefore sent an order to the Greeks to take a vote making him divine” (Aelian, Varia Historia 2.19; Heckel, Waldemar, and John Yardley 2008, 221). The attitude of Alexander the Great is illustrated after he defeated Darius and became the ruler of the Persian Empire. The statement suggests that Alexander was very pleased with himself and his success, and he felt like a god. From a historical perspective, this statement reflects Alexander's character and his belief in his own greatness. Alexander was a skilled military commander and conquered much of the known world during his reign. This behavior reveals the extent of Alexander's narcissism and megalomania, which were fueled by his motivation and desire for glory. His ambition for power was unmatched, and he was known for his belief that he was chosen by the gods to rule. As a result, Alexander's success and ambition led him to believe that he was above mortal