Impact of Teratogens Affecting the Prenatal Child

Impact of Teratogens Affecting the Prenatal Child Tracy Morrissey The aim of this discussion is to explore the impact of teratogens affecting the prenatal child and the interventions available to assist in preventing teratogens. For the purpose of this discussion three particular and prominent teratogens are highlighted including malnutrition, drugs which include alcohol/cigarettes and lastly exploring sexually transmitted diseases. These teratogens are highlighted because of the effects of the recession on Irish society today. A report by The Economic and Social Research Institute (ERSI) tells us that 22% of people living in households are unemployed, double the average within Europe. (ERSI 2012). The effects of this crisis includes further poverty which can lead to malnutrition and often a reliance on substances for comfort in these difficult times. ‘’Knowing, is not enough, we must apply, willing is not enough, we must do. ‘’ (J.W. Von Goethe). A teratogen, a Greek word, meaning monster is anything that creates a birth defect. (Santrock 2005). Teratology is the study of such teratogens. Teratogens can include environmental toxins, alcohol, drugs, incompatible blood types, diseases, inadequate nutrition, stress and advanced paternal and maternal age. (Santrock 2004). Exposure to potentially hazardous agents throughout pregnancy is common. Many exposures are unavoidable, as pregnancy is often unplanned or unnoticeable for a period after conception. (Queenan et al 2010). Abnormalities in prenatal development can be an outcome from exposure to teratogens. Each organ structure is at its most vulnerable to harm when it is developing at its quickest, during the first eight weeks of pregnancy, carrying the greatest risk of exposure to teratogens during this critical period. If a teratogen interferes during a critical period, a certain body structure will not form correctly. (Boyd and Bee 2012). The first twelve weeks of foetal life is a time of remarkable cellular configuration and development that is not fully understood, even to this day. By the completion of this time, the main anomalies that can affect the foetus are already in place and the sooner they occur, the more extreme the damage. There are pregnant women with the belief that everything they do has an effect on the unborn child and there are others who assume that nothing, or little, affects the unborn child. In fact, the truth is, it lies somewhere in the middle of both of these extremes. (Santrock 2005). A substantial number of already pregnant women are compromised or at risk symptomatic of things such as inappropriate nutrition, smoking, consumption of drugs and alcohol, medications, genitourinary infections, inadequate dental health and anaemia (WHO 2002). The most important factor in development of the foetus is the mother’s diet. (Carlson et al 2004). Maternal malnutrition during gestation can cause foetal growth limitations. Changes in foetal nutrition can result in developmental variations that can permanently alter the physiology and structure of the unborn child, predisposing people to endocrine, pulmonary and cardiovascular illnesses in adult life. (Lee 2011). Under normal conditions, the prenatal environment supplies the foetus with ample nutrients, this is the foetus’s single source of nutrition. An insufficient diet alone can be a factor in abnormal occurrences in the developing foetus. (Carlson et al 2004). The growing foetus relies completely on its mother for the nutrients it requires. The nutrients are released from the mother’s blood. (Santrock 2004). The reproductive system and its hormonal control structures are mainly formed in foetal life. There is an arising concern if this prenatal compromise t ranslates into any major functional deficit in reproductive functioning in adulthood. Epigenetic and possible intergenerational effects signify an exciting section of interdisciplinary research for the development of novel nutritional methods during pre and postnatal stages ensuring reproductive well-being in adult life. Maternal malnutrition can have substantial results on the developing foetal lung, this goes through rapid cellular differentiation and multiplication just before birth. (Lee 2011). Foetal growth is affected by the amount and the quality of maternal nutrition and the ability of the mother to aptly absorb and dispense maternal cardiorespiratory function, digested micronutrients, uterine blood flow, placental blood flow, placental transfer and suitable delivery and treatment of oxygen and nutrients by the foetus. (Queenan et al 2011). Studies from Holland and Leningrad during World War II imply that when maternal calorie intake fell to 800 kcal per day, birth weight was reduced to 535g in Leningrad and 250g in Holland. In modern day, the urban war creates comparable stress through domestic violence, lack of social supports and drugs. In 2011, the same as 1944-5, the connection between pregnancy and maternal nutrition status relies on a moderate weak proxy for women’s nutritional status, BMI (Body Mass Index). (Queenan et al 2011). A malnourished woman during pregnancy has a larger chance of delivering a low birth weight infant who could have intellectual problems in childhood and can be an important risk factor for mental illness as an adult. (Bee and Boyd 2012). Children who are born to malnourished mothers are more prone to having malformed offspring. (Santrock 2004). The largest impact of malnutrition appears to be on the developing nervous system. Some studies have shown severe prenatal malnutrition can even cause death in the foetus or new-born. (Bee and Boyd 2012). Folic acid (a B-complex vitamin) is very important for normal prenatal development, insufficient folic acid can be associated with neural tube defects in the unborn child, such as spina bifida. It is advisable to consume a minimum of 400 micrograms per day. It is also advisable to take a multi vitamin prior to pregnancy. (Santrock 2004). It is important for the pregnant woman to take adequate calories and protein to prevent malnutrition. (Bee and Boyd 2012). Maternal medical conditions during pregnancy can have a vast effect on foetal development, this can be compounded by drugs, smoking and alcohol use in pregnancy. Parents using opiates or misusing alcohol may also have additional difficulties, predisposing them to their lifestyle of choice, which can include a range of mental health and neurodevelopmental health problems. Mothers abusing drugs and alcohol often do not look after themselves during pregnancy, and their chaotic lifestyles do not permit optimum health. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term for outcomes in pregnancy in relation to alcohol, including Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), partial FAS and Alcohol related Neurodevelopmental Disorder. (Pacey 2010). Alcohol during pregnancy signifies the typical form of behavioural teratogenesis which can cause not only bodily malformations but also interference with development of the brain, attention control, substantial impairments in behaviour and language development. There is also an increased risk of behaviour difficulties throughout life. (Preece and Riley 2011). Studies have shown that alcohol can adversely affect the ovum before ovulation or whilst on its journey down the fallopian tube into the uterus. A zygote can also be affected by alcohol even before implantation in the uterine lining. (Bee and Boyd 2012). Up to 50% of women in the UK continue to drink alcohol in pregnancy in spite of many advisory bodies recommending avoidance of alcohol use. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists state that binge drinking in early pregnancy may be of particular harm. The larger the consumption of alcohol, the greater risk. There is double the increase in small for gestational age (SGA) when the mother consumes more than 52g of alcohol per day and a 23% increase in premature birth with more than 36g of alcohol per day. A particular study of alcohol and the effects on pregnancy which included the UK, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia showed that in Ireland and the UK 65-80% of the participants consumed alcohol in pregnancy in comparison to 38% in New Zealand and Australia. (McCarthy et al 2013). Mothers who drink heavily, or alcoholics, are at a much greater risk of delivering infants with FAS. These children are usually smaller than average, having smaller brains. They often have heart defects and loss of hearing. Their faces are characterised by a rather flat nose and a long space between the nose and the mouth. Their intelligence scores when older indicate mild mental retardation. They often have behaviour and learning difficulties that sometimes continue into adolescence and adulthood. (Boyd and Bee 2012). The estimated incidence of FAS in Europe is 0.4 per 1000 births. (Mullally et al 2011). According to the British Medical Association (BMA) in 2007 FAS is the primary known source of non-genetic intellectual disability in the western world. The BMA recommends nurses make formal diagnoses of FAS in order for early intervention and programmes for treatment. Early interventions from midwives, nurses, better education from the teaching professions and more support for the families will improve life and opportunities of young people, especially moving into adulthood. (Callanan 2013). Doctors have not identified safe levels of alcohol consumption, but experts do know that FAS is preventable by not drinking any alcohol during pregnancy. It is also advisable to refrain from drinking alcohol if trying to conceive and if there is an alcohol problem, to address this before conceiving. (Mayo Clinic 2011). According to the U.S. Surgeon General, it is recommended that no alcohol is consumed during pregnancy. (Santrock 2004). There is an association between smoking throughout pregnancy and low birth weight in infants. (Boyd and Bee 2012). The main problem with smoking is nicotine, it constricts the blood vessels, reduces nutrition and blood flow to the placenta. (Boyd and Bee 2004). The infants of mothers who smoke are on average about half a pound smaller than infants of non-smokers, the same can be said of marijuana users. (Boyd and Bee 2012). The older the smoking mother is, the higher chance of lower birth weight. (Boyd and Bee 2004). The exposure to tobacco can also have long term effects on a child’s development, with larger rates of learning difficulties and behaviour problems. Moreover, there is a likelihood to be diagnosed with an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Infants of marijuana users seem to have little interest in their surroundings for approximately two weeks after birth. At age six, these children are smaller in height than six year olds who were not exposed to marijuana. (Boyd and Bee 2012). Research shows the amount of nicotine and the severity of consequences for the unborn child. If a pregnant woman cannot quit smoking, she should at least cut back. (Boyd and Bee 2004). Some helpful ways to quit include, setting a quit date, use clove oil, this will reduce the need for a cigarette, rub a few drops onto the throat, the back of the neck or on fingertips and suck on a whole clove in order to lower cravings. The homeopathic remedy Nux vomica helps with irritability associated with the withdrawal from nicotine. (Kane 2009). Intervention programs devised to assist pregnant women discontinue smoking can help to reduce the negative effects of smoking, particularly in order to raise birth weight. (Santrock 2004). Cessation advice by health care providers, one to one, group and telephone counselling can all assist in the cessation of smoking. (Malarcher et al 2011). Use of cocaine All too often rubella and cervical cytology status is unidentified. Prenatal care and promotion is of significant importance. (WHO 2002). http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0013/131521/E79235.pdf 1

“On the spirit of obligations” and “Friendship” – how each text views friendship pointing out to the meeting points

We have before us two texts; one, â€Å"on the spirit of obligations† the other, â€Å"friendship†. Both very different in terms of structure, style and images, yet both are closely linked thematically. The notions expressed in the text are ideas of friendship (as implied by the title of one of the texts) and human relations. It is interesting to explore how each text views friendship pointing out to the meeting points. The texts are of extremely different style and structure simply because they each serve a very different purpose. The first is an essay written by William Hazlitt taken from â€Å"on the spirit of obligations†, the second is a song- â€Å"friendship† by Cole Porter. Only from this we can asses that the essay is written as continues prose and is meant to publicize some opinion. An essay usually exists to be informative, present a view and thus will be serious, explanatory and detailed. This is very different from a song that is publicly released that in order to be popular has to be catchy, short verses, short snappy ideas that will be remembered, rhymes and a wider sense of appeal. The use of language in both texts differs, with relation to their purpose and their notion of friendship. In the essay, the use of language is more sophisticated, delicate more complex, almost as the friend or person Hazlitt is describing. The language also matches the nature of the friendship- more of the intellectual- â€Å"practical benevolence is not is forte†, meaning that it wasn't a friendship on the day to day basis, or that he will offer help and favors. It sees this idea as â€Å"idle and vulgar†. This stands in such contrast to the song, almost making a mockery out of it because the language and situations described in it is at times so vulgar â€Å"if you are ever lost your teeth and you are out to dine, borrow mine†. This is part of the songs' purpose- to be humors, silly, fun. The song talks about a very different notion of friendship- one that's always there to help, almost to un-realistic measures â€Å"when other friendships have been forgot, ou rs will still be hot† The tone and register are also influenced by the purpose of the text. The account of friendship in the essay is of someone describing a very specific, special person, who is very important to him. This, although he knows it is a friendship with out obligations, and that he should not look to his friend for help, we as readers still get the notion that this friend is still very important to the writer and that he, by his own description, feels very secure and welcomed, at the presence of his friend. This is again seen in the language, where the writer carefully chooses imagery and words to describe the person in question â€Å"the husk, the shell of humanity is left at the door, and the spirit, mellowed by time, resides within!†. In the song the register is different. It seems like the singer is addressing the ‘friend' directly, telling him that he will always be there. However, there is not one single line telling us about the friend in more detail, or any clue at any de eper emotions or more complex relationship. This is because of the nature of songs. Very smartly it allows us to apply it to anyone- because of the lack of specifics it can be affiliated with any per of people, but at the same time the direct form of address allows for the feeling of personalization; it can be used between two people. In both texts the imagery used is closely linked with the notion of friendship it is describing. The essay using â€Å"his silver accents, beautiful, venerable as his silver hairs, but abundant, flows as a river† creating gentle, delicate images. From the imagery we learn that the man described is probably older, and has and air of knowledge and advice to him. â€Å"his hand is closed, but what if that? His eye is ever open†¦Ã¢â‚¬  his eye is ever open suggests that he is very observant, knows a great deal and constantly aware of the situation around him. The closed hand, however, is a powerful metaphor for the lack of obligation and physical help. This stands in such contrast to the song, where it seems that the friendship is based on constant physical being. All the imagery stands along the lines of ‘if you need a hand when in trouble just call my name†¦', everything is to do with actions not words. Further more, all imagery is vulgar, everyday colloquial language, funny unreal situations. Is this the reflection of the friendship? I believe it is merely because of the appeal it has to have to the public. Thus we get imagery like â€Å"if they ever cook your goose, turn me loose†. To conclude, I think the differences of the texts out-weigh the similarities, and that they are quite noticeable. I got the feeling that the essay is almost mocking the song and that in light of the essay it shows that the song has no real message or statement concerning friendship. It almost ridicules itself, the imagery and the rhymes flattening the notion of friendship making it something so explicit, so out of touch with reality and how friendships truly work, with all the subtleties. The song is there for the sake of entertainment alone. However, it interesting to see how in both texts the language, imagery and tone were so effected by the purpose.

The Death Penalty Should Be Used For Every State - 1960 Words

The death penalty is an extremely controversial topic. The death penalty should be in use for every state. Ever since America became a nation, Americans have argued about it. There are many people who agree and disagree over the use of it. The government is deemed to punish criminals, but the main question is to what extent. Capital punishment, such as the death penalty, should be used as a deterrent for crime. The death penalty is mostly institutionalized in the Southern and Midwestern states; Texas has instituted it the most. While there are many ways for one to find oneself on death row, homicide is the most common of these. Treason and kidnapping are also prevalent examples of crimes that could land one on death row. The punishment for a criminal depends upon the complexity, and seriousness of the crime. If one were to commit a crime of that extremity, one should have a penalty that is equivalent to ones crime. â€Å"In ancient history, criminals were brought to an arena to be killed in public games.† Also, being nailed to a cross, beheading and hanging were other penalties for the serious crimes committed. These are all different ways of carrying out the death penalty, but they are ‘out-dated’. One never sees the death penalty used the way they were in ancient times anymore. â€Å"Executions were once public events of high drama.† In the colonial times executions were considered to be celebrations for the community by uniting the good people against the face of evil. HangingsShow MoreRelatedEssay on The Death Penalty1554 Words   |  7 PagesAlmost all nations in the world either have the death sentence or have had it at one time. It was used in most cases to punish those who broke the laws or standards that were expected of them. Since the death penalty wastes tax money, is inhumane, and is largely unnecessary it should be abolished in every state across the United States. The use of the death penalty puts the United State s in the same category as countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia which are two of the world’s worst human rightsRead MoreEssay on Fair Punishment and the Death Penalty739 Words   |  3 PagesFair Punishment and the Death Penalty 94 federal attorneys have the power to submit a case to Janet Reno (Willing 3A). These attorneys seek the death penalty for these cases, and why should they not? Whys should one who has taken a life, or even several, deserve the air that they breathe? Capital punishment is a harsh punishment created for people who have committed harsh crimes. The death penalty should be used to punish violent criminals. Some believe that capital punishment is unfairRead More Capital Punishment Essay - Death Penalty is Neither Cruel Nor Unusual1166 Words   |  5 PagesDeath Penalty is Neither Cruel Nor Unusual A man sits immobile in a steel chair with a metal cap resting on his bald head. A priest reads selections from the Bible telling him he will go to Heaven if he confesses his sins to God. The man just smiles as the security guard pulls the switch, and one thousand volts of electricity flows through the mans body. His entire frame shakes in convulsions as his head bobs up and down with the shock. In a couple of seconds the mans life is over. The priestRead More Capital Punishment: Not Cruel and Not Unusual Essay1276 Words   |  6 Pages Capital punishment and the practice of the death penalty is an issue that is passionately debated in the United States. Opponents of the death penalty claim that capital punishment is unnecessary since a life sentence accomplishes the same objective. What death penalty opponents neglect to tell you is that convicted murders and child rapists escape from prison every year(List of prison escapes, 2015). As I write this essay, police are searchin g for two convicted murders who escaped fromRead MoreEssay The Death Penalty: Cruel and Unusual1291 Words   |  6 Pages The death penalty is the most inhuman and crucial punishment. Even though it is not applied in every state, the death penalty is a very strong debate and argument within our own government. There are people who support it and those who are against it. The death penalty is a punishment to those who due to their actions and circumstances commit crimes. All people are all equal under the eyes of the law and those people in the end are still humans no matter the crimes they have committed. The deathRead MoreEssay on Capital Punishment863 Words   |  4 PagesCapital Punishment Capital punishment is the lawful infliction of the death penalty, and since ancient times, it has been used to punish a large variety of offenses. The penalty of death is reserved for the most serious and detested crimes. The legal system must sentence the death penalty to capital crime offenders. Criminals convicted of murder or rape need to be executed because they are dangerous to the world and the human race. However, America seems to to always want to put people in prisonRead MoreThe Death Penalty Of The United States1746 Words   |  7 Pagesanswer? Then why is there such thing as a death penalty? Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishment inflicted. This is what is stated in the 14th amendment of the Bill of Rights. So why is there still a death penalty in the United States? The first laws created towards the death penalty dates back as far as the Eighteenth Century B.C. in the Code of King Hammaurabi of Babylon, which allowed the death penalty to be carried out for 25 different crimesRead MoreThe Death Penalty Is An Ethical Practice1111 Words   |  5 PagesThe Death Penalty According to the Death Penalty Information Center, there has been a total of 1,434 executions since 1978 (Part I). The death penalty is the penalization of execution, administered to someone legally convicted of a capital crime (Part I). According to DPIC, there are 5 ways to do execution. Lethal injection (1977), electric chair (1888), gas chamber (1924), hanging (1890), and the firing squad (2010) all have a history of their own (Part I). These different methods are used to killRead MoreThe Death Penalty Is Also Commonly Referred As Capital1729 Words   |  7 PagesThe death penalty is also commonly referred as capital punishment. The definition of the death penalty is defined as by Merriam-Webster as â€Å"Execution of an offender sentenced to death after a conviction by a court of law of a criminal offense.† Capital punishment has been widely being used for centuries it is known today, as well as the debates that arise with this subject. The history of the Capital punis hment goes back as far as Ancient Laws of China. The death penalty was established as punishmentRead MoreThe Death Penalty Is Not Accepted Essay1173 Words   |  5 PagesAmericans, â€Å"more than 60% of them support the death penalty† (Harden 1). Many people in the United States support this decision because they feel like justice needs to be rightfully served to those who committed unforgivable crimes. In some cases, this may seem inhumane but in other cases, it is what is best for the community for the people. The death penalty has been around for many years and it is still a debatable topic for some individuals. The death penalty was created to help, not harm; however,

Alexander the Great Essay - 13163 Words

ALEXANDER THE GREAT BY: JOHN J. POPOVIC CATEGORY: HISTORY – GREEK HISTORY ALEXANDER THE GREAT ΑÎ »ÃŽ µÃŽ ¾ÃŽ ±ÃŽ ½ÃŽ ´Ã ÃŽ ¿ÃÆ' ÃŽ  ÃŽ ·ÃŽ ¹ÃŽ »ÃŽ ¹Ãâ‚¬Ãâ‚¬ÃŽ ¿Ãâ€¦ ÃŽÅ"ÃŽ ±ÃŽ ºÃŽ µÃŽ ´ÃŽ ¿ÃŽ ½ÃŽ ¿ÃŽ ½, Alexander the Invincible, later renamed by the Romans, Alexandros Philippou Makedonon, Alexander III the Great of Macedon (356-323 B.C.) PROJECT by John J. Popovic Alexander accomplished greater deeds than any other ruler before or after him. This project is dedicated to the most charismatic and heroic king of all times. Edition 9.2 SYNOPSIS Introduction Alexanders Parents Prince Regent Alexander and Philip Philips Reign Alexander becomes the King Alexanders European Campaigns Invasion of Persia The Battle of Granicus Asia Minor and the Battle of Issus Conquestof the Phoenicia AlexanderinEgypt†¦show more content†¦The animal dedicated to the cult of Ammon was ram-aries, one of the astral fire signs, with the active male principle and the symbol of Pure Will strength, that stands behind everything , which initiates each significant event and crushes all obstacles (like aries or thunder). The thought and vision, now become action. Only through action does it take form, power and is transformed into reality. The purely spiritual can not be stopped and is invincible. Alexanders historical mission was to prepare the impulse of a new astrologic era, to terminate the old one and to transform ancient-obsolete forms of culture and world dominion. (This transition period from Aries to Pisces astrologic era in history is known as the Hellenistic period, and it has lasted for more than two centuries. One astrologic era has a duration of 2000 years.) Related articles on the net: Alexanders Origins , Plutarch The dynasty of Argeidos List of the Kings of Macedonia @ macedonia.com Alexanders Birth, Plutarch Alexanders origin and controversies according various traditions The Temple of Artemis DIONYSOS LINKS Return to index. Alexander, Prince of Macedon 344 Even as a young boy Alexander was fearless and strong. At the age of twelve, he tamed the beautiful and spirited Bucephalus (ox-head in Greek), a horse that no one else could ride. Philip was so proud of Alexanders horsemanship that he said: O my son, seek out a kingdom worthy ofShow MoreRelated Alexander The Great Essay869 Words   |  4 Pages Alexander the Great Alexander the Great, was born in June, 356 BC, in Pella, the ancient capital of Macedonia. His parents were Philip II and Olympia. Some say that Zeus was his father but it is probably just a myth. Aristotle taught Alexander in his early teen years. He stimulated his interest in science, medicine, and philosophy. In the summer of 336 BC, Alexanders father was assassinated, and Alexander ascended to the Macedonian throne. He found himself surrounded by enemies at home and threatenedRead More Alexander The Great Essay1379 Words   |  6 PagesAlexander The Great Alexander the Great was a man with no equal in History. He was one of the most important forces known to man. Alexander the Great then crossed the Hellespoint, which is now called the Dardanelles and, as head of a Greek army undertook the war on Persia that his father had been planning. The march he had begun was to be one of the greatest in history. Alexander was one of the biggest influenced on people of all time and one of the most powerful personalities. He really moldedRead MoreAlexander the Great Essay1747 Words   |  7 PagesAlexander the Great, son of King Philip II of Macedonia, underwent a journey of overwhelming odds. Alexander led his army through multiple victories across the Persian territories of Asia Minor, Syria and Egypt without the agony of a single defeat. A noteworthy battle of Alexander was the Battle of Gaugamela in 331 B.C.E. The Battle of Gaugamela is significant because it ended Darius’s rule over Persia. [new par.] There are several forces and fac tors that contribute in making Alexander the GreatRead MoreAlexander the Great Essay1358 Words   |  6 Pagesman named Alexander III of Macedon or more commonly known as, Alexander the Great. His father, King Phillip II, took the throne of Macedonia in 359 B.C.E and was able to turn Macedonia into the strongest military power in the entire Greek world. Macedonia was a state in the north eastern region of Greece. Alexander III of Macedon was born in 356 B.C.E in Pella; the ancient capital of Macedonia, Alexander grew up in the shadow of his father’s success in transforming Macedonia into a great militaryRead More Alexander the Great Essay702 Words   |  3 Pages Alexander was born in July 356 B.C. to Philip II and his third wife, Olympias. The parents were far from a happy couple, and Alexander was raised primarily under the influence of his mother. At the age of thirteen, he was sent to study with Aristotle—an education that was for the most part formal. Aristotle promoted the belief that non-Greeks were naturally slaves, thus encouraging the princes thirst for conquest. Ultimately, however, Alexander would reject this belief, at least implicitly, asRead More Alexander The Great Essay1042 Words   |  5 Pages Alexander the Great is, arguably, the most famous secular figure in history. His magnetism in life was rivaled only by his magnetism in death, and the story of his career has evoked vastly different interpretations in his age and ours. Young romantic hero or megalomaniac villain? Alexander III of Macedon conquered all who stood before him, but usually in order to free the lower class. He did more to spread the Hellenistic culture than anyone before or after him. My credibility comes from much studyingRead MoreEssay on Alexander The Great1050 Words   |  5 Pages Alexander the Great is said to be one of the greatest conquerors of all time, and yet, his significance in battle showed up late in his life. His early years were spent in poverty, and as the years progressed, his dream of being a war hero grew dimmer and dimmer.Ironically, while he was later known as a war hero, he was still feared by all because of his reputation as a drinker and murderer. But first, his background. He was born in 356 BC. His parents were Philip, the brother of King PerdiccasRead MoreAlexander the Great Essay1129 Words   |  5 PagesAlexander the Great In the ancient world there have been several leaders that brought immense glory to their empires but there was one particular leader that marked his legacy on much of the known world at that time. He was Alexander the Great: King of Macedonia, Pharaoh of Egypt and Lord of Persia. Alexander had become the King of Macedonia in 336 BC after his father’s assassination. He led his army to victories across the Persian territories, Syria, Egypt and to some extent IndiaRead More Alexander the Great Essay833 Words   |  4 Pages Alexander the Great was born in June, 356 BCE in the ancient capital of Macedonia called Pella. He was the son of Philip II, King of Macedon and Olympia, Princess of Epirus. Alexander inherited his father’s excellent organization skills and his mother’s hot temper. When Alexander was a young boy his mother had taught him that Achilles was his ancestor and that his father is a descendant from Hercules. This inspired Alexander to lear n the Iliad by heart and always carry with him. Alexander showedRead MoreAlexander The Great Essay584 Words   |  3 PagesWhat is a hero? Alexander is a great example for a hero! Alexander was a great ruler throughout the history. He had the largest empire in the world, and was a successful ruler! Despite Alexander the Great slaughtered lots of people while he conquered other countries, Alexander the Great is a hero because he unified a big piece of land and helped the Greeks to conquer Persia(took revenge) while successfully spreading the Greek culture to other people. First, Alexander is a hero because he unified