r his education.
             His first teacher Leonideas, a relative of Olympias, some say her uncle, was a strict disciplinarian and gave Alexander his ascetic nature. Leonidas was replaced with Lysimachus who taught Alexander to play the lyre and taught him an appreciation of the fine arts. Philip wanted nothing but the best for his son, so at the age of 13, Philip hired Aristotle to be Alexander's personal tutor. Under Aristotle, Alexander learned philosophy, ethics, politics, and healing. All of these would greatly help Alexander later in his life during his conquests. Aristotle and Alexander later became estranged due to their difference of opinions over foreigners.
             Following the death of his father, Alexander took over the throne of Macedonia. At the time, the kingdom was in trouble. Many of the Greek States did not know whether they wanted to pledge an allegiance to Alexander, at the time he was only twenty years old. In the north, barbarians that Philip had subdued were threatening to break away from Macedonia and cause trouble. Ignoring the
             suggestions of his advisors, Alexander marched north with his army and drove the barbarians across the Danube River.
             Now that Philip was gone, Thebes and Athens had to be dealt with again. Under the impression that Alexander had been killed during his battles in the north, both Athens and Thebes decided it would be a perfect time to withdraw from Macedonia. Alexander had other plans. In the fall of 335 B.C., Alexander marched up to the gates of Thebes and explained that it was not too late for them to change their minds. Thebes however responded with an attack by a small group of soldiers, which Alexander repelled. The following day, one of Alexander's generals attacked the gates and broke through into the city, with Alexander moving his forces to the rear of the city preventing any kind of escape. The Macedonians then stormed the city, killing almost everyone in sight, includi...