History Alexander The Great Questions Medium
Alexander the Great became the king of Macedonia following the assassination of his father, King Philip II, in 336 BCE. At the time of his father's death, Alexander was only 20 years old. Despite his young age, he quickly consolidated his power and secured the support of the Macedonian army and nobility. Alexander's legitimacy as the new king was initially challenged by some factions within Macedonia, but he swiftly took decisive action to eliminate any potential threats to his rule. He executed several prominent individuals who posed a threat to his authority, including his cousin Amyntas IV and other potential claimants to the throne. By eliminating these rivals, Alexander solidified his position as the rightful king of Macedonia. Additionally, he skillfully utilized his military prowess and charisma to win the loyalty and admiration of his soldiers, which further strengthened his claim to the throne. Overall, Alexander the Great's ascent to the throne of Macedonia was marked by a combination of political maneuvering, military strength, and the elimination of potential rivals.