III KING ALEXANDER (336-335)

Philip is killed at a festival and while people are still in disarray, Alexander mounts the stage and assumes command of the audience, his leadership abilities boldly apparent. The first thing Alexander did after he assumed command was to kill anyone who he believed might challenge his right to the throne, including his younger half-brother. He was announced the Captain-General of the League at Corinth and thus in charge of the war of revenge on Persia. Along with this position came the benefits of having many more soldiers to use in battle. Early in 335 B.C. Alexander marched for Thrace leading his army at the age of 21. He marched 240 miles in just thirteen days to Thebes and defeated the Thracians in his first major battle. During the battle 6,000 men are killed defending the city and the remaining 30,000 inhabitants, women and children alike, were sold into slavery as the city is destroyed. This victory and subsequent dismantling of the city sends a strong message to those other cities interested in revolt.

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