Ancient history

How was Alexander the great son?

Alexander's relationship with his parents, King Philip and Queen Olympias, was complex. While they were influential figures in his life and upbringing, their relationship experienced strain and conflict.

1. Influence of Philip: Philip was a skilled military leader and diplomat, and Alexander greatly admired his accomplishments. He sought to emulate his father's military prowess and pursued martial training and education under Philip's guidance. Alexander inherited his father's political acumen, using it to craft strategies for conquest and governance.

2. Conflict with Philip: Despite their strong bond, Alexander clashed with Philip later in his teenage years. One notable incident occurred during a royal celebration, where Alexander got into a heated argument with Philip, leading to a physical altercation. This rift strained their relationship and demonstrated Alexander's desire to assert his independence.

3. Complex Maternal Relationship: Alexander's relationship with his mother, Olympias, was marked by both love and a significant amount of tension. Olympias was fiercely protective of her son and allegedly involved in plots against Philip, which may have further complicated Alexander's feelings toward her.

4. Deification after Philip's Death: Following Philip's assassination in 336 BCE, Alexander ascended the throne and embarked on a series of conquests. He eventually began claiming divinity, asserting that he was a divine figure like Zeus or Achilles, which some consider a deliberate distancing from his human family.

Overall, Alexander's relationship with his parents was not without its challenges and conflicts, but their influence and upbringing shaped him into the ambitious and skilled leader he became.