The Differences Between Alexander the Great and Napoleon Essay

The Differences Between Alexander the Great and Napoleon - Essay Example Either way, they were both men of great power. By comparing their differences in personality and ambition, it becomes clear what traits are dominant among those who wish to lead and rule, and what traits are merely quirks of the person. Alexander the third, more commonly known as Alexander the Great of Macedonia, was not the first in his family to be a warrior. His father, King Philip the second had also been a great warrior, bringing together the country of Macedonia. (Brown). For him, conquest was inevitable, as was the taming of his great horse, Bucephalus. Believing himself to be one of the Gods, Alexander took over his father's empire at the age of twenty, when his father was killed. Alexander won conquest after conquest, eventually being named Pharaoh of Egypt. (Brown). Yet as he pushed his men on, they grew resentful, and eventually refused to continue. It was not long after that he because very ill, and died. For Alexander, his ambitions were actually small, but they took on a large meaning. At the time, to be truly the best was to be Greek. Yet he was from Macedonia, a land the Greeks despised. Alexander the third, more commonly known as Alexander the Great of Macedonia, was not the first in his family to be a warrior. His father, King Philip the second had also been a great warrior, bringing together the country of Macedonia. (Brown).   For him, conquest was inevitable, as was the taming of his great horse, Bucephalus. . Believing himself to be one of the Gods, Alexander took over his father’s empire.... force the land and power necessary to become someone great, and indeed, near the end of his conquests he was called the "Lord of Asia" and had conquered many countries. His motivations and ambitions were clear, wealth, fame, power. He also wanted to finish the work of is father, and destroy the Persians, whom the Macedonians thought to be horrible, filthy people. As for his personality, there is much to be seen in some of his earliest moves a nd actions. Bucephalus, his horse, was tamed by him at the age of twelve, when no other man could tame him. Not only was his intelligence clear, but also his sheer determination. When none of the king's men could tame the horse, Alexander said that he could or would pay the cost of the horse. Easily, he noticed that the horse was not unwilling, but his own shadow was scaring him. Turning him into the sun, Alexander easily tamed and rode the horse. It was at this point that his father told him "Oh my son, look thee out a kingdom equal to and worthy of thyself, for Macedonia is too little for thee." (Lamb) The death of his horse some eighteen years later was tragic to Alexander, and he buried his horse in a tomb near a town he named Bucephala, to honor his horse. His kindness to his animals was important; as was his kindness to the people he conquered. Although, like others, he sold women and children into slavery, he was remarkably good to those who did not oppose his rule, and did n ot rape and murder the women, as other leaders might have. He wanted power, but in many ways, it is clear that he also wanted respect. His intelligence is also clear in his ability to understand and learn from Aristotle, one of the greatest philosophers in history.