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Alexander the Great

Alexander the Great, also known as the King of Macedonia, was a famous Greek king who came to the throne in the year 336BC. He is widely regarded as being one of the most successful military commanders in all of history and was responsible for changing the face of the ancient world.

Birth, Family, and Ascendancy

Alexander the Great was born in 356 BC in Pella, the ancient capital of Macedonia. He was the son of King Philip II of Macedon and Queen Olympias, daughter of King Neoptolemus of Epirus. Born into a world of intrigue and power, his lineage was both a blessing and a burden. His father, Philip, was a brilliant military leader and strategist. While Alexander takes credit for building a great empire, his father truly laid the foundations on which it was built. Alexander’s mother, Olympias, was known for her intelligence and political acumen, traits that Alexander would inherit and utilize throughout his life.

From an early age, Alexander was groomed for greatness. His ascendancy to the throne was not without its challenges, even at home. He needed to navigate the complex dynamics of Macedonian politics and his own family’s ambitions. Upon the assassination of his father in 336 BC, Alexander ascended to the throne at the young age of 20. He quickly demonstrated his capability to lead, consolidating his power and setting the stage for his legendary conquests.

Education

Alexander’s education was befitting of a future king. He was tutored by none other than the famed philosopher Aristotle. With such a fine tutor, he was instilled with a love for learning. Including a keen interest in philosophy, science, medicine, and literature. This education not only shaped Alexander’s approach to leadership and governance but also influenced his strategies in warfare and diplomacy. Aristotle’s teachings on the importance of unity and the pursuit of excellence stayed with Alexander throughout his life. Guiding his vision to create a vast empire that blended the cultures of the East and West.

Famous Battles

Alexander’s military genius was evident in several key battles that defined his conquests:

  • The Battle of Issus (333 BC) against the Persian Empire showcased his tactical brilliance, where he defeated a much larger force led by King Darius III.
  • The Siege of Tyre (332 BC) demonstrated his perseverance and innovative siege tactics. This battle lead to the capture of the seemingly impregnable island city.
  • The Battle of Gaugamela (331 BC), also known as the Battle of Arbela, was perhaps his most significant victory. It was here that Alexander’s forces decisively defeated the Persians. Leading to the fall of the Achaemenid Empire and Alexander’s control over a vast territory.

Titles – More Than Just A King

Throughout his life and his conquest, Alexander acquired numerous titles that reflected his achievements and ambitions. First and foremost, his inherited title was that of the King of Macedonia. Beyond this though, he came to be known as the Pharaoh of Egypt, King of Persia, and King of Asia. Each title represented his dominion over different regions, and his empire was vast!

​Alexander sought not only to conquer but also to integrate these diverse cultures under his rule. He aspired to create a unified empire. One that combined the best of Macedonian, Greek, Egyptian, and Persian traditions.

Legacy

Alexander the Great’s legacy is unparalleled in history. He is celebrated as one of the greatest military geniuses of all time. A leader whose strategies and tactics are studied in military academies to this day, around the world. Beyond his military achievements, Alexander’s vision of a Hellenistic world significantly influenced the cultural and political landscape of the ancient world. His empire, although short-lived, paved the way for the spread of Greek culture and ideas throughout the known world. You don’t get much more epic than Alexander the Great!

Facts about Alexander the Great:

  • Alexander the Great’s real name is Alexander III of Macedon.
  • He was born in July 356BC in Pella, the ancient capital city of Macedonia, during the Greek month of Hekatombaion.
  • His exact birth date is unknown as the Ancient Greeks followed their own calendar.
  • When Alexander took the throne he ordered for all of his rivals to the throne to be killed to ensure no-one would try to take his new position.
  • Alexander the Great was taught by the famous philosopher Aristotle between the age of 13 to 16 years old.
  • When Alexander took to the throne in Greece he commanded the Greek army to continue his father’s legacy and try to take control of the Persian Empire. The army was successful and after 10 years of battles, Alexander overthrew the King of Persia (Darius III) and took on his title.
  • In 326BC, Alexander the Great invaded India, declaring that he wanted to conquer the entire world (the Ancient Greeks thought that India was the end of the Earth). However, many people died and his army decided to turn back.
  • Alexander the Great founded more than 70 cities in the ancient world. He named more than 20 of them ‘Alexandria’ after himself.
  • In total, Alexander the Great led his army 11,000 miles and created an Empire that covered over 20 million square miles.
  • He was named Alexander ‘the Great’ because he and his army had never been defeated.
  • Alexander the Great was married three times during his life: a girl called Roxana whom he loved and then two Persian princesses named Stateira and Parysatis whom he married for political reasons. He also had a harem of women.
  • It’s thought that Alexander the Great produced two heirs in the form of two sons although this fact has never been confirmed.
  • His invasion techniques were so successful that military academies around the world still teach some of his tactics.
  • It’s believed that Alexander the Great died of fever in Babylon in June 323BC. He died in the palace of Nebuchadnezzar II and was 32 years old.
  • Even today, historians are still unsure as to what exactly caused Alexander the Great’s death. Some think that he may have been poisoned whereas others think he may have developed typhoid or malaria.
  • After his death, Alexander the Great’s body was placed in a gold sarcophagus filled with honey, which was then placed in a gold casket

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