Throughout history, the actions of leaders have played a major role in the society they’ve ruled. As leaders spread ideas to various areas of the world, they’ve also influenced regions socially, economically and politically. The measures of two great leaders held major contributions to numerous parts of the world; these two leaders are Alexander the Great and Asoka the Great. After his father was assassinated in 336 B.C., Alexander became king at the age of 20. As a young boy he learned how to ride a horse, use weapons and command troops; which came in handy when he conquered lands from Greece to Indus River Valley. The Maurayan Empire began in 321 B.C. when Chandragupta Maurya took the throne. It wasn’t until 269 B.C. when Mauryan Empire was at its greatest heights due to Chandragupta’s grandson Asoka. Although the actions of leaders can lead to bloodshed and violence, leaders such as Alexander the Great and Asoka the Great brought people innovative ideas that were beneficial, and therefore, the actions of leaders have changed the society in which they lived. Alexander the Great wanted to further expand his empire after his first successful invasion. Alexander began conquering many empires in order to enlarge his own empire; this action influenced cultural diffusion. After the outcome of the Kalinga war, Asoka came to the conclusion to put an end to all acts of violence. Asoka established laws against the cruelty of all living things; this promoted peace throughout his empire. Alexander and Asoka the Great are two powerful leaders that have enhanced the community in which they’ve lived. As a leader there are many responsibilities, one being to take the initiative to solve problems and make decisions. Alexander the Great felt the urge to expand the Macedonia territory. Alexander was heavily influenced by his father, Philip II; who had once said to him, “You’ll have to find another kingdom; Macedonia isn’t going to be big enough for you.” His father was implying that he must conquer more land and Alexander was greatly influenced by this message. Philip II died after conquering Greece, leaving Alexander to stabilize new grounds. His first clash was when the people of Thebes rebelled. Leading his army, Alexander was victorious in the Battle of Thebes; this ended rebellions of neighboring Greek city – states. Confidently, Alexander began his trip to conquer the Persian Empire. The Persian king, Darius III and Alexander the Great first fought at the Battle of Issus in southern Anatolia. Darius was defeated however; this only gave Alexander control over Anatolia, not the whole empire. Alexander and Darius met again during the Battle of Gaugamela where the huge Persian army was defeated by Alexander’s men. In the aftermath, Darius was killed and Alexander took the throne of the Persian Empire. This great conquest didn’t stop this determined leader to further expand his land that extended to Northern Africa and India. Alexander the Great took many actions in times of need; when it came to battle he designed clear and precise layout of how to attack and defeat. His ability to conquer the Persian Empire proves how he is one of the greatest tacticians the world has ever known. For example, Alexander’s forces marched near the battlegrounds but did not attack. This kept the Persians on high alert throughout the night, Alexander however, allowed his men to sleep so they were well rested ready for the battle. During battles, Alexander made use of Macedonian phalanx which is a method where soldiers would stand very close together with long, powerful weapons and strike at the same time. The phalanx witnessed major battles along with cavalry and infantry. Alexander also used this 12 to 21 feet long spheres called ‘sarissa’ during his wars. When Alexander came across the city of Tyre, its citizens refused to surrender because it was built on an island and protected by high walls so, Alexander began building causeways and land bridges to allow his soldiers cross from the mainland to the island. During this time Alexander lost many of his men because of Tyrian counterattacks, however, when the causeways were built completely the army charged at the city. The Aztecs also used causeways that