Alexander the Great's
Parents
Alexander's father was Philip II,
the king of Macedonia, who put together a great army and crushed
his foes. Under his superb political leadership, the once fractious
Greek city-states codified into a confederation. He controlled
everything and used the Corithian League for his own conquests.
One of Philips many wives was Olympia,
Alexander's mother and Daughter of the late king Epirus. It was
due to no small feat on her own part, that her son, the young
crowned prince, succeeded as mightily as he did. She had an iron
will, and did everything to protect and advance Alexander's interests,
constantly instilling the notion of greatness.
It was through his mother that Alexander
could claim a lineage that included both Achilles, and at least
indirectly, Hector, the two Great combatants of the Trojan War.
This was to have a profound effect on Alexander, and his own
self-awareness.
Philip as well, was deeply committed
to Alexander's success. He was neither aloof, nor standoffish
toward his son. And though he was away on many campaigns for
long stretches, his attitude toward Alexander showed every indication
of parental pride and affection. The feeling was unfortunately
not mutual. To be sure, Alexander loved his father but also did
everything in his power to distance himself from Philip. Even
when he was older, and having achieved great success of his own,
Alexander would minimize the influence and down-play the achievements
of his father; but make no mistake, Philip built the empire with
which Alexander would conquer the world.
Philip II was killed on the second
day of his daughter's wedding. In an attempt to make it look like
he wasn't a petty tyrant he was dressed in a white robe. After
placing his bodyguards far behind him, one stepped forward and
slew the king with a dagger. The assailant was then descended
upon immediately and slaughtered in a hail of javelins.