Coleman Martinson:

Questions 1 & 2:

An old journal I found.

During the past 4 years, I, an archaeologists  have found many diaries and personal writings about many of the soldiers who were under the command of the great Alexander. Many of their writings answer some of the key questions on why Alexander, from Macedonia, was such a great and powerful leader. Here is one writing entry from a twenty year old male who spent most of his military career under the rule of Alexander the Great. I have had an expert translate as close as possible to modern day prose:

King Philip II died last month, his new son, Alexander, has taken over. He’s the youngest king ever, which concerns me at the age of 20. I have heard he’s strong minded and courageous, but that’s only a rumor. He just told us we are going to fight in Persia. I’m very excited.

*4 years later by same writer*

A map of Macedonia during its peak when Alexander the Great was under rule

nonstop, never letting us see our wives and children. Although I am very excited about growing and expanding Macedonia, and getting our name out there, I just want to see my family.We just won the battles in Persia, and I am excited about going home finally to see my family and kids. However, Alexander has other plans for us. We are continuing to keep on marching further east away from home. Not only is it exhausting physically having to walk so far with little to no rest in between stops, but also mentally. Whenever we go to a new place or culture, Alexander makes us learn and know the culture to pass it around to other places. Many people, including myself, are all confused about many of the cultures. Right as we learn a new one, their is another one to learn and study. We all are so confused. Last week, we found a city along the Nile delta which combines all the cultures we have learned so far. Alexander calls this place Alexandria. His goal so far is to unite all the lands east of Greece and Macedonia, which makes since, but for us the soldiers, we all are very confused when trying to learn and understand a new culture.

People are starting to call him “Alexander the Great” in Macedonia, but as his soldier, I strongly disagree. He makes us, his soldiers, March thousands of miles 

One of the many reason why I think Alexander the Great is "great" is he did not have as advanced technology as we do today. Although he did have the most advanced technology for his time, his army did not have guns, just swords and sharpened sticks. Also why I think he is so great is because he controlled nearly half the world at that time.

Question 3:

Alexander the Great and Napoleon Bonaparte

There are many people and figures throughout the past who were very powerful. Both Alexander the Great and Napoleon Bonaparte are considered to be one of the greatest military leaders of all time. Napoleon Bonaparte was the Frances Emperor during the time of 1804 to 1815. He rose to power during the late stages of the French Revolution. Napoleon is known for his vigorous achievements and his perseverance to never give up. During his Rule, Napoleon was deported and exiled from France twice, always finding a way to return to power. Alexander the Great reminds me of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Just like Napoleon, Alexander had a great need for power. Both of them tried, and failed, to be the ruler of all parts of the world. Napoleon stopped at nothing to try and make France a bigger and better nation, so did Alexander except with Macedonia. The two should both be considered "great" when defining the accomplishments they made in such little time and with not as advanced technology as we have today.

Napoleon Bonaparte

Alexander the "Great"

Works Cited

Clode, George. “Alexander The Great- Greatest Leader of all time?” Military History Monthly. 10 October 12. Web. 19 September 2013. <http://www.militaryhistory.org/intel/alexander-the-great.htm>

Robinson, Charles. Ancient Greece. New York. Franklin Watts. 1984. Print. Pages 52- 56

Us History. Ancient Civilization Online Textbook. Alexander the Great. 2008. Web. September 18, 2013. <http://www.ushistory.org/civ/5g.asp>

      Worthington, Ian. How “Great” was Alexander?. 1999. Page 1. Web. September 18, 2013. <http://www.utexas.edu/courses/citylife/readings/great1.html>

BBC, . N.p.. Web. 26 Sep 2013. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/bonaparte_napoleon.shtml>.

Unknown 2, . N.p.. Web. 26 Sep 2013. <http://www.history.com/topics/napoleon>.

Images
Artlip, Steven. "old book". Photograph. March, 2008. Platform Nation. web. 26 sep 2013.

Popovic, John. "Alexander the Greats map". Drawing. 2002. Alexander the Great. Web. 26 Sep 2013.

Hooper, David. "Statue of Alexander the Great". Picture. April 2009. Flickr. Web. 26 Sep 2013.

Leeming, Stewart.  "Napoleon". Picture. September 2011. History Onyx. Web. 26 Sep 2013.