Alexander's Early Life
Plutarch discusses Alexander's heritage by stating that on his father's side he was descended from Hercules and from his mother's side from Aescus, a relative to Achilles. This was included by Plutarch as descending from powerful and strong warriors would indicate that Alexander would become a powerful and strong warrior. Furthermore, it could be Plutarch suggesting that, as he descends from demi-gods, would do great acts.
Plutarch claims that on the night before Phillip and Olympias' consummation of marriage, Olympias' "womb was struck by a thunderbolt" - this is associated with Zeus so it is Plutarch suggesting both that Alexander has divine blessing and that Alexander himself would be god-like. Plutarch continues and says there was a "blinding flash" that spread "far and wide" - this suggests Alexander will become a great leader and travel great distances.
According to Plutarch, Phillip had a dream in which he sealed Olypmias' womb "with a seal of a lion", suggesting that Alexander would be brave and fearless like a lion. He also goes on to claim that "at another time a serpent was seen stretched out at Olympias' side as she slept" - this again suggests that Alexander has divine blessing and also foreshadows that Alexander would strike quickly.
Plutarch writes that Alexander was born on the same day on which the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was burnt down. This was seen as Alexander bringing forth a "great scourge and calamity for Asia".
Plutarch refers to Aristoxenus and claims that in his memoirs, Alexander's skin was fresh and sweet-smelling. This was associated with gods in the ancient world so suggests that Alexander was god-like. That he appeared fresh can also show that he cared about his image. Modern historians have inferred that he may have been diabetic!
Plutarch includes a story in which Persian ambassadors arrived to visit Phillip who was absent so Alexander received them in his place. Plutarch claims that "he did not trouble them with any childish or trivial inquiries, but questioned them about the distances they travelled by road, the nature of the journey into Persia" so can show that Alexander was already planning to attack the Persians from a young age. It also shows that Alexander was a good talker, inquisitive and intelligent beyond-his-years.
Another interesting anecdote included in Plutarch's account of the life of Alexander is that Alexander declared "boys, my father will forestall me in everything, there will be nothing great for you and me to show the world" after news of further triumphs by Phillip. This shows Alexander's aspirations to become famous for his military achievements.
After Alexander managed to tame Bucephalus, whom Alexander noted was initially scared of his own shadow, Plutarch claims that Phillip said to him: "my boy, you must find a kingdom big enough for your ambitions. Macedonia is too small for you". This suggests that Alexander will expand outside of Greece and that he will be a good cavalry leader.
Plutarch claims that Alexander "regarded the Iliad as a handbook on the art of war took on his campaign a text annotated by Aristotle" - Aristotle was Alexander's tutor so Alexander was well-educated in all sorts of learning. This also shows Alexander's firm belief in the events of the Iliad, and the legendary status of Achilles - somebody who inspired Alexander.
Plutarch claims that on the night before Phillip and Olympias' consummation of marriage, Olympias' "womb was struck by a thunderbolt" - this is associated with Zeus so it is Plutarch suggesting both that Alexander has divine blessing and that Alexander himself would be god-like. Plutarch continues and says there was a "blinding flash" that spread "far and wide" - this suggests Alexander will become a great leader and travel great distances.
According to Plutarch, Phillip had a dream in which he sealed Olypmias' womb "with a seal of a lion", suggesting that Alexander would be brave and fearless like a lion. He also goes on to claim that "at another time a serpent was seen stretched out at Olympias' side as she slept" - this again suggests that Alexander has divine blessing and also foreshadows that Alexander would strike quickly.
Plutarch writes that Alexander was born on the same day on which the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was burnt down. This was seen as Alexander bringing forth a "great scourge and calamity for Asia".
Plutarch refers to Aristoxenus and claims that in his memoirs, Alexander's skin was fresh and sweet-smelling. This was associated with gods in the ancient world so suggests that Alexander was god-like. That he appeared fresh can also show that he cared about his image. Modern historians have inferred that he may have been diabetic!
Plutarch includes a story in which Persian ambassadors arrived to visit Phillip who was absent so Alexander received them in his place. Plutarch claims that "he did not trouble them with any childish or trivial inquiries, but questioned them about the distances they travelled by road, the nature of the journey into Persia" so can show that Alexander was already planning to attack the Persians from a young age. It also shows that Alexander was a good talker, inquisitive and intelligent beyond-his-years.
Another interesting anecdote included in Plutarch's account of the life of Alexander is that Alexander declared "boys, my father will forestall me in everything, there will be nothing great for you and me to show the world" after news of further triumphs by Phillip. This shows Alexander's aspirations to become famous for his military achievements.
After Alexander managed to tame Bucephalus, whom Alexander noted was initially scared of his own shadow, Plutarch claims that Phillip said to him: "my boy, you must find a kingdom big enough for your ambitions. Macedonia is too small for you". This suggests that Alexander will expand outside of Greece and that he will be a good cavalry leader.
Plutarch claims that Alexander "regarded the Iliad as a handbook on the art of war took on his campaign a text annotated by Aristotle" - Aristotle was Alexander's tutor so Alexander was well-educated in all sorts of learning. This also shows Alexander's firm belief in the events of the Iliad, and the legendary status of Achilles - somebody who inspired Alexander.