This investigation attempts to answer the question "What are the similarities and differences between the leadership traits of Darius I and Alexander?" » This question is important because it impacted the leadership of other leaders and the way people lived under their leaders. The questions that will be addressed are how they succeeded and what was their greatest failure in their power. This investigation will focus on the period from 550 to 486 and 356 to 323 BCE, as this is the period of the lives of Darius I and Alexander. Locations studied will include Greece, the Persian Empire, Macedonia, Syria, and Egypt, as these are the central locations of the reign of Darius I and Alexander. This will be accomplished through a thorough examination of what led to the fame and end of the power of Alexander and Darius I, examining the biographies of Darius I and the life of Alexander, as well as the books that are secondary sources. lived from 550 to 486 BCE and was king of Persia from 522 BCE until his death. In just one year, Darius I fought nineteen battles and was able to dispatch eight men who were vying to become king. Once he became king, Darius I divided the empire into twenty sections, called satrapies, which led to better governance of the people within the empire. Also leading to a better organization of society, Darius I launched the daric currency. The Daric system was composed entirely of coins, which also improved trade. Before the reign of Darius I, Susa, a major trading area, was very weak. In addition to inventing currency, Darius I completely renovated this city to ensure that it would be safe from any threats and further improve trade. Darius I also ordered that the cons...... middle of paper ......itaries may have had to face. Darius I and Alexander the Great are known for their success as rulers. Their leadership traits are very different but have a clear similarity. Darius I spent most of his time focusing on the internal improvement of his empire, as shown by his major improvements in trade. He identified what needed to be improved before the empire could expand and renovated it. Alexander the Great did exactly the opposite. Its main goal was to unite and conquer the world. He wanted to rule as much land as he could conquer. Alexander managed to maintain a strong army and win many battles, which led to the expansion of his empire. Darius I and Alexander the Great protected their own empire whenever they needed to, using their army. This is the main similarity between the leadership traits of Darius I and Alexander the Great..