The King of the World

This drawing (which might be a study for a painting) was partially inspired by Alexander the Great, the Macedonian King who conquered most of the known world during his lifetime. Allegedly, he wept when he learned there were no more lands to conquer. He died in Babylon at age 32 (of a fever, apparently) & his mummified corpse spent the next several centuries (before it was lost in the debris of history) on semi-public show in Alexandria (the city that bore his name) in Egypt, after a sojourn in Memphis. His body was mummified in honey & encased in a gold coffin (later replaced by a glass or crystal one). Roman Emperors would pay homage to his body over the centuries, until a combination of the end of the pagan era & natural catastrophes erased his tomb and mortal remains from the world...

In any case, for anyone who wants to "rule the world", it's an interesting cautionary tale. Here is the Wikipedia page, which is quite comprehensive.

The King of the World, 2015, ink on paper, 16.5" x 14"