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What role did Alexander the Great play at the Battle of Chaeronea?

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Philip II
Philip II Bust, tentatively identified as Philip II of Macedonia, mid-4th century bce; in the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen.

At the Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BCE, the 18-year-old Alexander the Great played a pivotal role in securing victory for his father, Philip II.

Commanding the Macedonian left wing, Alexander faced the elite Sacred Band of Thebes. According to one prominent historical interpretation, a gap opened between the Greek center and the Theban forces after the Athenians were drawn out of position. Alexander, leading the hetairoi ("companion") cavalry, charged through this gap, allowing the Macedonians to attack the Thebans and their allies from the rear.

Alexander is credited with displaying significant personal courage during this engagement, where he was instrumental in breaking the Sacred Band. This victory effectively ended military resistance to Philip in Greece and established Macedonian hegemony in the region.12