Alexander the Great is one of history’s most illustrious leaders and military geniuses. Born in 356 BC in Pella, Macedonia, his conquests stretched from Greece to northwestern India, creating one of the largest empires of the ancient world by the age of thirty.
Despite his untimely death at 32, Alexander’s legacy as a strategic military leader and a visionary who sought to merge Eastern and Western cultures endures to this day.
Let’s delve into the remarkable life and the unparalleled achievements of this historical figure through twelve intriguing facts.
Facts About Alexander the Great
1. Alexander the Great was Tutored by Aristotle
At the age of 13, Alexander was tutored by the philosopher Aristotle, on the orders of his father, King Philip II. This education laid the foundation for his love of knowledge, philosophy, and Greek culture.
Under Aristotle, Alexander developed a passion for the works of Homer, considering the “Iliad” a sort of guidebook for leadership.
This mentorship lasted until he was 16 and significantly influenced his approach to leadership and governance.
2. Alexander the Great Never Lost a Battle
Over the course of his 15-year military career, Alexander fought in numerous battles and never once suffered defeat. He possessed an unmatched tactical genius for battlefield strategy, which allowed him to conquer vast territories.
His understanding of terrain, phalanx formations, and cavalry maneuvers were unparalleled at the time. This undefeated record is a testament to his skill as a military commander.
3. Alexander the Great Founded Over 20 Cities That Bear His Name
One of Alexander’s legacies was the founding of more than 20 cities that bore his name, the most famous being Alexandria in Egypt. These cities were established as administrative centers and played a key role in the spread of Greek culture.
They also served as hubs for commerce, arts, and education, fostering exchanges between East and West.
Alexandria in Egypt, in particular, became a renowned center for learning and housed the famous Library of Alexandria.
4. Alexander the Great’s Horse was Named Bucephalus
Bucephalus was Alexander’s beloved horse, renowned for its speed, strength, and loyalty. Legend has it that Alexander tamed Bucephalus at the young age of 12 after noticing the horse was afraid of its shadow.
The bond between Alexander and Bucephalus became legendary, highlighting Alexander’s charisma and capability to inspire loyalty.
When Bucephalus died in 326 BC, Alexander named a city, Bucephala, after him in his honor.
5. Alexander the Great’s Ambition was Influenced by the Iliad
Alexander’s love for the Iliad was instilled in him by his tutor Aristotle and remained a significant influence throughout his life. He regarded Achilles as a hero and sought to emulate his glory and prowess on the battlefield.
Alexander reportedly carried a copy of the Iliad with him on his campaigns.
This epic deeply influenced his vision of himself as a warrior destined for unparalleled greatness.
6. The Mysterious Death of Alexander the Great
The circumstances of Alexander’s death in 323 BC in Babylon are shrouded in mystery. Theories about his demise range from natural causes such as fever, to poisoning, and even some speculation of autoimmune disorders.
His body reportedly did not show signs of decomposition for several days, which some ancient writers took as a sign of his divinity. Despite extensive historical speculation, the exact cause of his death remains unknown.
7. Alexander the Great’s Body was Preserved in Honey
After his death, Alexander’s body was embalmed and placed in a gold sarcophagus filled with honey. The honey served as an excellent preservative and was a common method of embalming at the time.
This method allowed his body to be transported without decomposing.
His tomb became a site of pilgrimage but was lost to history over the millennia.
8. Alexander the Great Merged Greek and Eastern Cultures
Through his conquests, Alexander spread Greek culture throughout the Persian Empire, creating a fusion of Greek and Eastern customs known as Hellenistic culture. This cultural blend affected areas such as art, architecture, and government.
He encouraged marriages between his soldiers and local women and adopted Persian dress and customs himself to facilitate the amalgamation.
This approach to governance was revolutionary at the time and left a lasting impact on the subsequent development of Western culture.
9. Alexander the Great Exiled Macedonian Generals Who Opposed Him
Despite his military genius, Alexander’s leadership style was sometimes ruthless. He exiled or executed any generals who were perceived as a threat to his authority or who disagreed with his strategies.
This decisiveness was both a strength and a flaw, as it ensured loyalty but also bred resentment and fear.
His leadership style ensured the consolidation of his power but at the cost of creating internal tensions within his ranks.
10. Alexander the Great Studied Under Other Philosophers Besides Aristotle
Although Aristotle is the most famous of Alexander’s tutors, he also studied under other philosophers such as Leonidas, Lysimachus, and Anaximenes. These scholars taught him subjects ranging from medicine to rhetoric, shaping his diverse interests and skills.
This diverse education helped develop his critical thinking and leadership abilities. It also instilled in him a lifelong love for learning and inquiry.
11. Alexander the Great Was Recognized as a Pharaoh in Egypt
During his conquest of Egypt, Alexander was declared a pharaoh, making him a god-king in the eyes of the Egyptian people. He was welcomed as a liberator from Persian rule, and his coronation as pharaoh was a significant ceremonial event.
This recognition as a deity was crucial in consolidating his control over Egypt and integrating it into his empire.
His status as a pharaoh is a testament to his ability to blend political savvy with cultural sensitivity.
12. The Legacy of Alexander the Great’s Empire Did Not Last Beyond His Death
Despite his vast conquests, Alexander’s empire fragmented soon after his death due to the Wars of the Diadochi, fought by his generals. His lack of a clear successor and the vast cultural differences within his empire made it difficult to maintain cohesion.
The empire was eventually divided among his top generals, forming the Hellenistic kingdoms.
These kingdoms continued to spread Hellenistic culture but lacked Alexander’s unifying presence.
FAQs about Alexander the Great
How did Alexander the Great become king?
Alexander became king after the assassination of his father, King Philip II of Macedon, in 336 BC. He quickly took control of the Macedonian kingdom and quelled the unrest within its territories.
His swift action in consolidating power showcased his leadership and military skills from a young age.
What was Alexander the Great’s greatest military accomplishment?
Alexander’s greatest military accomplishment was the conquest of the Persian Empire, the largest empire in the world at the time.
This victory at the Battle of Gaugamela in 331 BC highlighted his tactical genius, as he defeated a vastly larger Persian army through innovative strategies and sheer determination.
Why has Alexander the Great been a controversial figure in history?
Alexander has been a controversial figure due to his ruthless tactics, including the destruction of cities and the mass execution of enemy soldiers. His ambition for power led to immense suffering and destruction.
Conversely, his efforts to blend Eastern and Western cultures and his significant achievements in expanding the Greek world have been highly praised.
What did Alexander the Great look for in his eastern campaigns?
In his eastern campaigns, Alexander sought to reach the “ends of the world and the Great Outer Sea,” expanding his empire and spreading Greek culture.
He also pursued the goal of integrating Eastern territories into his empire, aiming for a fusion of cultures that would unite his vast territories under a single administrative network.