Information Related to "Thankless Self-Absorption: One for Whom the World Was Not Enough"
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A few hundred years before the time of Christ, a young man lived who practically owned the world. His father had inherited a kingdom in Macedonia at the age of 24, and expanded the kingdom considerably through military campaigns. In 336 B.C., the father was assassinated. At the age of 20, his son ascended to the throne of a then-sizable kingdom in northern Greece.
Shortly after he inherited the throne, there were rumors of revolt in various parts of the kingdom. The young man proved to be an astute ruler and brilliant general. He marched immediately to some areas, putting down rebellions quickly and ruthlessly. After consolidating power and training his troops for about two years, he was ready for conquest.
Persia was the dominant power at the time, with military forces far greater than that of the Greeks and Macedonians. Nevertheless, the young ruler attacked the Persian forces, meeting an army of about 600,000 assembled by the Persian king Darius.
Outnumbered 10 to 1, the Greeks maneuvered the Persians into a battle in a narrow plain between two mountains, thus neutralizing the size advantage of the Persians. The Macedon ian leader led a cavalry charge himself, routing the Persian forces. The Persian king fled the field.
The young Macedonian king was admired by his troops for his brilliant military strategy and great courage. He was also feared because of his terrible temper and insatiable thirst for more power. His desire for conquest knew no bounds. His name was Alexander of Macedonia. Today, of course, we know him as Alexander the Great.
Even the world wasn't enough
After the rout of the Persian forces, Alexander turned his attention to the island kingdom of Tyre, considered unconquerable because of its high walls and location off the coast. Nevertheless, Alexander and his forces conquered Tyre through use of new equipment and methods of siege warfare.
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