Alexander the Great was a very successful leader who conquered much of the known world in his short span of ruling Macedonian. He only lived to be thirty-three and died of what may have been the common flu, however this is speculated and the true cause of Alexander’s death is unknown. However not many people mention the many tragedies that occurred in his life.

            Alexander was born in 356 B.C., and was the son of Phillip II. His life was full of many tragedies, which started at a young age. When he was a child his father was often away on campaigns and unable to see Alexander. When his parents were near they were often fighting and in disagreement. Alexander was still a young boy when his father was murdered at his daughters wedding. Alexander was the son of king Phillip II, so it was his duty to fulfill the throne as the new king of Macedonia. Unfortunately the country was in bad shape and in disagreement with its neighbors. Alexander dealt with these disputes and overcame them. As a grown man Alexander killed many close friends when he became drunk. Some of these people he killed had even saved his life at one time or another. He even killed his close friend while in a drunken rage one night, when he was told this he became upset and attempted to kill him self, but was stopped by a bodyguard who restrained him. After this he went into seclusion for three days.

            Alexander the Great died at the age of thirty-three which is speculated to be because of the common flu. Alexander suffered after his death as well. He had no son, which meant there was no one person to take over his vast empire. His empire was split up and given to many different rulers, his empire soon crumbled. In 89 B.C., Ptolemy IX dug up Alexander the Greats tomb, and melted it to make gold coins, as he needed money. These are some of the tragedies that Alexander the great dealt with.