Alexander the Great - King of Macedonia , Conqueror
Birth Date - 356 BC
Death - 323 BC
Place of Birth - Pella, Macedonia
-Known for -
Destroying opposition as he saw necessary, but allowing subservient conquered societies to retain traditions and organizational structure, observing and adopting their practices as suited his needs
Conquering Persia and portions of India and Egypt, adapting military tactics for success against diverse enemies
-Milestones -
338 bc Commanded the left wing of the Macedonian army in defeat of the Greeks at Chaeronea
336 bc Ascended the throne of Macedonia after the assassination of his father, King Philip II
335 bc Established control of Greece by crushing uprisings in Thebes
334 bc Began the conquest of Persia with victory in battle at Granicus
333 bc Defeated the main Persian army of King Darius III at Issus
332-331 bc Began conquest of Egypt and founded the city of Alexandria
331 bc Defeated and occupied Babylon
330 bc Assumed the title of Emperor of Persia after Darius III was assassinated by one of his own satraps, and consolidated control of Persia and Central Europe over the following three years
326 bc Completed conquest of the Persian Empire with the invasion of northern India
-Did You Know -
Alexander is believed to have killed his friend Clitus while in a drunken rage.
As a child, Alexander was tutored by the philosopher Aristotle.
Alexander was inspired by the feats of the warriors in Homer's Iliad and always kept a copy of the epic poem under his pillow.
When Alexander attacked Thebes, he ordered all structures destroyed except temples and the home of the poet Pindar.
Alexander founded some 70 cities within his empire, many of them named Alexandria.
Alexander's horse Bucephalas was a magnificent black stallion which had a white blaze on his forehead and had been a gift to Alexander. Originally Phillip II was going to purchase the horse for himself, but thought Bucephalas was too unmanageable. Alexander made a wager with his father that he could tame and ride the horse, for Alexander had noticed Bucephalas was afraid of his shadow on the ground. After turning the horse into the sun and away from the shadow, Alexander quickly quieted the mount down and proceeded to ride the horse. From that day on, Bucephalas was Alexander the Great's horse. Who carried Alexander into most of his battles over the ensuing years, when Bucephalas finally died in 326 B. C. Alexander had a state funeral for him and built a city in India where he died, naming it Bucephala.
