Embodiment of a True Leader
Exceptional leaders have come from many different backgrounds and have existed in many different time periods, but they always share a few traits that distinguish them from the rest. The same goes for not so great leaders while they may share some of the traits mentioned before by not possessing as little as one of the aforementioned traits they earn their place among the most notorious leaders of all time.
The leaders I will discuss, in chronological order are Alexander the Great, Cyrus the Great, Augustus, Nero, Caligula, and Chinggis Khan. The size of their empire and their military success will not be the only factors considered in their judgment. Instead they will all be subject to identical concepts to determine …show more content…
to King Phillip II of Macedonia, and Olympias the daughter of King Neoptolemus of Epirus, Alexander the Great was destined to be one of the greatest leaders of all time. In his early years he was instructed by the Greek philosopher Aristotle, who instilled in Alexander a love for learning and a solid moral foundation. Alexander was first thrust into battle at the age of sixteen when he was appointed by Phillip as the leader of Macdonia during his own campaign at Chaeroea. In the year 336, Alexander inherited his father’s throne following Phillip’s assassination. Alexander’s first conquest was to finish what his father started and attack Persia to free Greeks living under their rule in Asia. This quest was also the first of many instances where Alexander exhibited compassion as he marched down the coast of the Mediterranean only fighting in Persian cities that opposed him. In those that affirmed their allegiance to himself and Greece he left them as he found them, only installing Greek style democracies. Alexander’s superior military strategy allowed him to easily defeat Darius and Persia earning him the title Alexander the Great. Throughout his time as King of Macedonia Alexander was commended for his compassion and acceptance of those he conquered, going as far as wearing Persian dress and marrying a Persian Princess. Not only was Alexander a great military leader, he was also a person that attempted to unify people without violence, and was …show more content…
Augustus (born Gaius Octavian) was named successor to his uncle Julius Caesar following his assassination. Augustus’ was not immediately accepted as successor however, and only received his inheritance as a result of several deals with the Senate and Marc Antony who was a close associate of Caesar. Once Augustus did come into power and defeat his uncle’s killers, and his once associate Marc Antony, he was able to transform the republic of Rome. Although Augustus was distinguished on the battlefield as a result of his excellent strategy, his true claim to fame was his ability to unite the citizens of Rome. Possibly the best example of this was after gaining full power Augustus instead of becoming a dictator like his uncle, which led to his demise took the role of consul or tribune in the senate. His unofficial title however was “First Citizen” which cemented his importance while also not offending anyone. In 27 B.C.E Octavian was named Augustus by the Senate. As ruler he focused mainly on defense of Rome and internal reformation with particular interest in ridding Rome of immorality, famously exiling even his own daughter for numerous
Exceptional leaders have come from many different backgrounds and have existed in many different time periods, but they always share a few traits that distinguish them from the rest. The same goes for not so great leaders while they may share some of the traits mentioned before by not possessing as little as one of the aforementioned traits they earn their place among the most notorious leaders of all time.
The leaders I will discuss, in chronological order are Alexander the Great, Cyrus the Great, Augustus, Nero, Caligula, and Chinggis Khan. The size of their empire and their military success will not be the only factors considered in their judgment. Instead they will all be subject to identical concepts to determine …show more content…
to King Phillip II of Macedonia, and Olympias the daughter of King Neoptolemus of Epirus, Alexander the Great was destined to be one of the greatest leaders of all time. In his early years he was instructed by the Greek philosopher Aristotle, who instilled in Alexander a love for learning and a solid moral foundation. Alexander was first thrust into battle at the age of sixteen when he was appointed by Phillip as the leader of Macdonia during his own campaign at Chaeroea. In the year 336, Alexander inherited his father’s throne following Phillip’s assassination. Alexander’s first conquest was to finish what his father started and attack Persia to free Greeks living under their rule in Asia. This quest was also the first of many instances where Alexander exhibited compassion as he marched down the coast of the Mediterranean only fighting in Persian cities that opposed him. In those that affirmed their allegiance to himself and Greece he left them as he found them, only installing Greek style democracies. Alexander’s superior military strategy allowed him to easily defeat Darius and Persia earning him the title Alexander the Great. Throughout his time as King of Macedonia Alexander was commended for his compassion and acceptance of those he conquered, going as far as wearing Persian dress and marrying a Persian Princess. Not only was Alexander a great military leader, he was also a person that attempted to unify people without violence, and was …show more content…
Augustus (born Gaius Octavian) was named successor to his uncle Julius Caesar following his assassination. Augustus’ was not immediately accepted as successor however, and only received his inheritance as a result of several deals with the Senate and Marc Antony who was a close associate of Caesar. Once Augustus did come into power and defeat his uncle’s killers, and his once associate Marc Antony, he was able to transform the republic of Rome. Although Augustus was distinguished on the battlefield as a result of his excellent strategy, his true claim to fame was his ability to unite the citizens of Rome. Possibly the best example of this was after gaining full power Augustus instead of becoming a dictator like his uncle, which led to his demise took the role of consul or tribune in the senate. His unofficial title however was “First Citizen” which cemented his importance while also not offending anyone. In 27 B.C.E Octavian was named Augustus by the Senate. As ruler he focused mainly on defense of Rome and internal reformation with particular interest in ridding Rome of immorality, famously exiling even his own daughter for numerous