Background and rise to prominence Flashcards
Philip II
Claimed descent of Herakles (
Kidnapped by Thebes -> received his military and diplomatic education.
Came to power at age 21 and took complete power in 359 BC -> focused on territorial expansion
Taught Alexander military skills & royal responsibilities.
Olympus
Daughter of Epirus political marriage to King Phillip II
Claimed to be decentes of Achilles
Bad relationship with Phillip II court, ‘stormy’ relationship.
Taught Alexander writing & learning + installed a strong will.
Education
Phillip II, taught Alexander military tactics and poltics. While mother taught him writing and learning.
Horsemenship: besepborulous evident in Plutarch accounts.
Educated alongside fellow nobles, many of whom were relatives -> who later formed his king companions such as Hepestatus.
Age 12: Experience at court at Pella with courtiers, soldiers & diplomats -> developed skill of perception & deduction + unshakable confidence.
Educators:
Taught by Aristotle -> ‘A man with a great soul’
-> encourages deep sense of friendship
Leiondias: Military attributes + rigid military life.
Early career:
Regency and Revolt of the Maedi (340 BC) - named regent while Philip was away -> crushed Maedi revolt -> demonstrates military skill -> founded Alexandroupolis
-> someone who belives their different: driven
Battle of Chaeronea (338 BC) - commanded left wing of cavalry
-> establishes him as great military leader. MOD Worthington sources, Alexander cavalry charges against the elite Thebans played a major role.
Bucephalus - tamed a dangerous and unruly horse -> demonstrates bravery and skill.
Ambitions:
To conquer the world ‘pothos’ (to go beyond)
To become a god -> due to his mother telling him he had a special relationship with the Gods.
To be better than his father -> Plutarch highlights Alexander frustration at his father achievements
