How can I explain the phenomenal rise of Alexander the Great?

My first thought is he possessed a lot of charisma and military abilities. For more ideas check these sites.

http://www.biography.com/people/alexander-the-great-9180468#king-of-macedonia

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/alex/hd_alex.htm

Thanks, I'll take a look.

You always save the save the day!:D

:-) You're welcome.

To explain the phenomenal rise of Alexander the Great, we need to look at his background, military tactics, political strategies, and historical context. Here's how you can approach explaining it:

1. Background: Start by explaining Alexander's upbringing and education. He was the son of King Philip II of Macedonia, growing up with access to an excellent education under Aristotle. This education helped shape his intellect and prepared him for future leadership.

2. Military Tactics: Discuss Alexander's brilliant military tactics and strategies. Mention his use of the phalanx formation, a disciplined formation of heavily armed soldiers, combined with cavalry charges and the innovative use of siege engines. Emphasize his ability to adapt to different terrains and weather conditions, as well as his tactical maneuvering during battles.

3. Political Strategies: Highlight Alexander's diplomatic skills and political maneuvers. Explain how he gained the loyalty of his soldiers and established good relations with conquered territories by adopting local customs and integrating them into his empire. Discuss his use of marriage alliances, both strategically and personally.

4. Historical Context: Contextualize Alexander's rise within the historical setting of his time. Mention his ambitions to avenge the Persian invasion of Greece, his desire to build an empire, and his pursuit of glory and immortality.

To delve deeper into this topic, you can read biographies and historical accounts of Alexander the Great, such as "Alexander the Great" by Robin Lane Fox and "The Campaigns of Alexander" by Arrian. These sources provide comprehensive insights into Alexander's leadership and conquests. Additionally, studying key battles, such as the Battle of Gaugamela and the Siege of Tyre, will provide a more detailed understanding of his military prowess.

Remember, while explaining the rise of Alexander the Great, it's important to consider multiple factors, such as his military tactics, political strategies, and historical context, to provide a comprehensive explanation.