Vjollca Ismaili
October 19, 2016
History A101-804
Mid-term Essay
Alexander III of Macedon, better known as Alexander the Great was born to parents King
Philip II and Queen Olympias. In the course of his youth, King Philip assigned Leonidas of
Epirus to coach Alexander how to master the art of fighting and riding but thought that
Alexander required much more to be a strong king. King Philip then hired Lysimachus of
Acarnania, who would educate Alexander on reading, riding, and to play the musical instrument
lyre. He later meets Greek philosopher Aristotle, who becomes Alexanders tutor. Only at the age
of 18, and still just a prince, Alexander managed to oversee the Companion Cavalry, an elite
army. This prepared him to aid his father in defeating the Athenian and Theban armies in the
