# Alexander the Great — Discourses on Livy character guide

> Alexander the Great in Discourses on Livy by Niccolò Machiavelli.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Alexander

**First appearance:** 0004-i

## Who they are

Macedonian conqueror whose empire-building is compared to Roman methods.

## Relationships

### [Philip of Macedon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters/philip_of_macedon)

_family_

Alexander the Great was the son of Philip of Macedon, inheriting his father's kingdom and military ambitions.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/i)

Founder of Alexandria, used as an example of a city built by a prince for renown.

### [That the consecutive reigns of two valiant princes produce great results: and that well-ordered commonwealths are assured of a succession of valiant rulers by whom their power and growth are rapidly extended.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xx)

Cited as the son of Philip of Macedon, continuing the succession of valiant princes that led to world conquest.

### [LVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/lviii)

Cited as a prince who committed cruel acts similar to those of an uncontrolled multitude, e.g., mourning Clitus.

### [Chapter X: The True Sinews of War](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/x)

Mentioned in Livy's analysis and as a conqueror who defeated the wealthy Darius, illustrating that good soldiers prevail over treasure.

### [Chapter XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxvii)

Alexander initially rejected Tyre's submission, then after a costly siege offered terms, which the Tyrians foolishly refused, leading to their city's destruction.

### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxviii)

Son of Philip; present at the wedding when Philip was killed.

### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxxi)

Mentioned as the Macedonian king who passed into Asia while his brother-in-law Alexander of Epirus went to Italy.

### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xiii)

His death left the Macedonian army without a good leader, leading to restlessness.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters/alexander_the_great
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters