Alexander The Great, was known to most people as a great king that lead his country well. But most people don't know about his personal life. Alexander had many depressing tragedies that changed his life. When he was young, his household was not what we would call "normal." Alex's father was always on the go, he was always away on campaigns and other work-operated functions, therefore he was raised mainly by his mother. When his parents were at home together, they were constantly arguing and fighting.
As a child, when his father died, he was left with a problem-filled country. Alex also had a horrible drinking problem. It was told that he often had rages, in which he killed many people. People know him as a great king, but if they knew his personal life, many opinions would be reversed.
How did Italy's location benefit Roman power?
First of all, Italy isn't broken up into small, isolated valleys. Also, the Apennine Mountains, which were like a back bone of Italy because they run down the length of the Italian Peninsula, are less rugged than those of Greece.
Italy has a big advantage of their land. They had broad, fertile plains, in the north under the Alps, and where the Romans settled, in the west. The plains contributed to help the Romans because they supported growing population.
Nobles and Serfs
There is a big difference between nobles and serfs. Serfs and nobles are in two very different social classes. First, the nobles are pretty high up on the social class, only ones above them are the Kings. The nobles are men, land owners whom are usually rich, and own slaves. The slaves work on their land, and serve them for no pay. The servants who work for them on the land are called serfs. Serfs work long hours with no pay. They have a very rough life and it's not to fun for them.
Nobles are wealthy, have large castles, lots of money, nice clothing, lots of land and peasants to work on it. Nobles are the pretty boys of the Middle Ages. Their nails are perfectly cut, clean shoes, new cologne, nicest foods, and comfortable beds. The peasants were the hard workers, they got down and dirty. Not all people have fathers or grandfathers that are the monarch so, some are less fortunate than others, and their parents didn't have the money to raise they into a rich family.
The guilds of the middle Ages were similar to those of the 21st century. The word guild means associations. Merchant guilds dominated life in medieval towns, they passed laws, levied taxes, and decided whether to spend funds to pace streets, build protective walls for the city, or raise a new town hall. Artisans resented merchants, so they organized craft guilds. Each guild represented workers in one occupation, like bakers, brewers, and goldsmiths. Some towns, struggles between Merchant guild and Craft guilds let to fighting. They cooperated to protect their economic interests. Only guild members could work in any trade. Regulated hours of labor and prices, provided social services, opening schools, hospitals, and helped widows and children of guild members. To become a guild, you had to be an apprentice first. They guilds are just like our government. They pass the laws, deal with taxes, etc. And also, just like our government, you have to have experience as an apprentice.