July 26 Alexander's Birthday

Perhaps he was born July 20th or the 26th, nevertheless, this past week Alexander's fans around the world remembered his birthday. Whether you purchased a balloon or you burned incense to honor him, July 20-26 356BCE marks his birth. Lightning, Ephesus temple ablaze, and soaring eagles were signs visible the hour of his birth, retold by Plutarch and Arrian and many other ancient writers.  In the lovely Pella, Macedonia, was born the prophecy foretold by the prophet Daniel. Yes, Alexander is mentioned there, too!

Alexander the Great "Teenage Prince"

So much is written, blogged, and discussed about Alexander's adulthood and achievements in his adulthood, but he was a teenager, and to become 'Great' HOW did he get there?  He wasn't any different from today's teenager.  He became famous and historic, yes, but what influenced him?  Who influenced him?  Is it not true causes and conditions during adolescence gives rise to adult successes and failures? Alexander, as child and teenager, experienced tremendous events, wonderful and painful.  Was he a product of divorced parents?  Was he obsessed with making Dad (King Philip II)  happy or be better than Dad?  In his adulthood Alexander killed a friend/general because a comment was made regarding his father's successes.