Alexander great born

Alexander the Great, also known as Alexander III or Alexander of Macedonia is known as one of the greatest generals in all history.

Alexander was born in 356 B.C.E.

Throughout his reign, from 336 to 323 BCE, Alexander the Great achieved unparalleled military successes, facing formidable opponents such as Darius III of Persia and later establishing Macedonian colonies in the regions he conquered.

Despite these challenges, Alexander’s campaigns successfully established Macedonian colonies and promoted a blend of cultures that would resonate long after his untimely death.

His father's military campaigns often kept him away, leading to a strained relationship, while his mother instilled in him the virtues of ambition and strength. The son of King Philip II and Queen Olympia, he exhibited exceptional military and leadership qualities from a young age. Over the next few years, he achieved remarkable victories at Issus and Gaugamela, which led to the eventual downfall of Darius III, the Persian king.

Alexander began his reign by subduing rivals in the Greek and Macedonian regions. His empire continued to expand dramatically, including campaigns in the regions of modern-day Afghanistan and India. His ambition was not merely conquest; he envisioned a fusion of cultures, as he often encouraged marriages between his soldiers and local women and adopted elements of Persian customs.

Among the lessons, Homer’s "Iliad" particularly resonated with him, stirring his aspirations to become a heroic warrior. However, their marriage, along with their future, was cut short with Alexander's sudden death, leaving Roxana to navigate a world filled with political turmoil and uncertainty as she later struggled to protect her son’s claim to the throne amidst the ensuing power struggles following her husband’s demise.

This was united by a common Greek language and culture, while the king himself adopted foreign customs in order to rule his millions of ethnically diverse subjects.

Alexander was acknowledged as a military genius who always led by example, although his belief in his own indestructibility meant he was often reckless with his own life and those of his soldiers.

In addition to monetary wealth, Alexander's conquests facilitated the establishment of numerous cities, most notably Alexandria in Egypt, which became a vital center for trade and culture. At a council of the League of Corinth, he was chosen as the commander of a military invasion of Asia. He then set out to conquer the massive Persian Empire.

Against overwhelming odds, he led his army to victories across the Persian territories of Asia Minor, Syria and Egypt without suffering a single defeat.

His triumphs allowed him to declare himself King of Persia, marking a significant shift in power dynamics throughout the region. His campaigns led to the plundering of vast riches, including gold, silver, and precious artifacts, which significantly enriched both him and his troops. At this point, his army refused to continue further into India, exhausted and discouraged by heavy rains.

Alexander was 32 when he died in 323 B.C.E.

During his 13-year reign as the king of Macedonia, Alexander created one of the largest empires of the ancient world, stretching from Greece to northwestern India.

Alexander the Great in battle on his horse, Bucephalas  ©Alexander III of Macedon, better known as Alexander the Great, single-handedly changed the nature of the ancient world in little more than a decade.