How Did Alexander The Great Become A Hero

Alexander the Great lived for just 33 years, but he left a mark on history that has survived for over two millenia. Born in 356 BCE in Macedonia, Alexander spent his childhood envious of his father's conquests. He watched his father, Philip of Macedonia, head off to great battles and Alexander read of Greek heroes who were celebrated for their bravery. All the while, he wished that he too could become a hero in history. With the sudden death of his father, Alexander received his chance to be the hero that he always dreamed of becoming. Consolidating Greece and raising an army, he prepared for conquests in the Persian Empire. Through barren deserts and snowy mountain peaks, his men marched as they sought total conquest over the Great King's empire. When the empire had finally been won and the Great King eliminated, Alexander was not prepared to give up his dreams quite yet. While his men were ready to return to their homeland and enjoy their booty, Alexander wanted more. He dreamed of riding elephants into war in India, fighting desert tribes and taking over the pyramids of Egypt. In short, only conquering the entire known world would be enough for his limitless ambition. It would only be the reluctance of his men or the admonitions of his general, Parmenion, who would hold Alexander back from achieving his dreams. …show more content…
Without the support of his troops, he would no longer be able to make fight new lands and expand his empire. Consenting to bring his troops home, they suffered during a nearly fatal crossing of the Gedrosian Desert before arriving back in Persia. After traveling the world and becoming one of, if not the, greatest leaders in history, Alexander was undone by an unmixed glass of wine. Ill with fever and potentially suffering from typhoid, he died just a short time before his 33rd birthday. Today, he remains one of history's most influential