Both Alexander the Great and Ferdinand Magellan are prominent historian figures, who made a significant contribution to the world’s record. Though they lived in the different centuries, were born in families with a diverse background and each is known for completely opposite endeavor, they do have something in common. The aim of this paper is to compare and contrast these two personalities.
Early Years of Life
Alexander the Great is the son of King Philip II. His mother is Queen Olympia. From the early age, he was taught to fight and at the age of 18 he had already took part in the Companion Cavalry. That is why, when his father died, it was not difficult but rather interesting for him to reign. His teacher of literacy was Aristotle. It is clear from this fact, that Alexander was a very intelligent and educated person ("Alexander the Great - Ancient History - HISTORY.com", 2009).
Ferdinand Magellan was born in Portugal in a minor noble family. His parents died when he was only ten years old. At the age of 12, Ferdinand Magellan and his brother served as pages at the Queen’s court. There the interest in sea exploration arose due to the stories about sea adventures. Therefore, here lies the difference between Alexander the Great and Ferdinand Magellan, mainly in the family background ("Ferdinand Magellan - Exploration - HISTORY.com", 2009).
Alexander the Great and Ferdinand Magellan’s Careers
Alexander the Great commanded cavalry at the age of 18. At the age of 20, he was declared a king. At the age of 22, Alexander the Great conquered the Persian Empire. At the age of 30, he explored the Indian territory. Alexander was a military genius. His father, Philip, left him a powerful army, in spite of this fact, Alexander the Great managed to improve that army. He was a though-out commander; he knew precisely what to do and how. First of all, “he strengthened the cavalry arm, utilized weapons specialists, and employed a corps of engineers” ("Alexander the Great - Ancient History - HISTORY.com", 2009). He was also strategically careful. He thought through every step as well as possible consequences. Perhaps, this feature of his character led him to the worldwide glory and helped to create the empire comprising three continents amounting to two million square miles and to found more than 70 cities. He died young, in his thirties, form malaria ("BBC - History - Alexander the Great", n.d.).
Ferdinand Magellan wanted to explore sea from the early childhood, mainly being aspirated by the stories heard at the Queen’s court. In the 15th century, spices were very popular as made food taste better. Magellan determined to travel to the Spice Islands. At that time, he was already an experienced seaman. However, the king disallowed him to realize the idea. On that, the inspired man renounced the Portuguese citizenship and went to Spain. There he gained the support of the Spain king and started his journey. Then he was married and has a son ("Ferdinand Magellan - Exploration - HISTORY.com", 2009).
Magellan’s crew consisted of 270 people on five ships. In spite of all the circumstances, Magellan managed to cross the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. However, he lost many of the crew in that voyage. In 1521, Magellan was killed, however, one ship returned Spain in 1522 with only 18 people aboard. Thus, the first circumnavigation was done ("BBC - History - Ferdinand Magellan", n.d.).
Main Contributions
Alexander the Great is thought of as a magnificent military leader and one of the history’s most influential rulers, in spite of his young age. He built the empire as great as Alexander was himself. Actually, he “changed the nature of the ancient world in little more than a decade” ("BBC - History - Alexander the Great", n.d.). Together with his army, Alexander brought numerous victories during the reign. He also improved international trade as due to the invasions, many people spoke Greek ("BBC - History - Alexander the Great", n.d.).
Ferdinand Magellan led the sea expedition that proved to change lives of many. In the 15th century, during Magellan’s lifetime, little was known about the geography of the world. People used to think that the earth was flat, but after the return of the expedition, this myth was dispelled. Though he was killed during the voyage, the importance of his leading the expedition is without a shadow of doubt. Ultimately, two ships came back to the shores of Spain full of various spices, and that was the main aim of the expedition, the aim that was reached ("Ferdinand Magellan - Exploration - HISTORY.com", 2009). Ferdinand Magellan was “the first European to cross the Pacific Ocean, he also played a crucial role in the first circumnavigation of the world” ("BBC - History - Ferdinand Magellan", n.d.).
Conclusions
In conclusion, it should be said that these two historical figures played their specific roles in the formation of the modern world. At first sight, they seem to be totally different but if to examine their biographies more carefully, it comes clear that they have something in common. Actually, they both were leaders. Alexander the Great led his army to plenty of victories; Ferdinand Magellan led the fleet across the Pacific Ocean. Unfortunately, he did not get to the end, but 18 members of his crew did. The ship with these members was called Victoria, a fateful ship name, to my mind. After all, if Magellan’s contribution were not so significant, the strait would not have born his name. If Alexander the Great were not a powerful ruler, he would not have been depicted in many historical movies.
References
Alexander the Great - Ancient History - HISTORY.com. (2009). HISTORY.com. Retrieved 22 April 2016, from http://www.history.com/topics/ancient-history/alexander-the-great
BBC - History - Alexander the Great. Bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 22 April 2016, from http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/alexander_the_great.shtml
BBC - History - Ferdinand Magellan. Bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 22 April 2016, from http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/magellan_ferdinand.shtml
Ferdinand Magellan - Exploration - HISTORY.com. (2009). HISTORY.com. Retrieved 22 April 2016, from http://www.history.com/topics/exploration/ferdinand-magellan
