Alexander the Great was one of those guys who wanted to leave an indelible mark on history and influence the course of events. Alexander III of Macedon’s life “356–323 BC” is replete with amazing tales of grandeur and awe, since he was one of history’s most successful military commanders who stayed unbeaten until his death. He was able to have genuine influence outside of his land, inspiring the vast Hellenistic period that spanned Alexandria to the rest of the globe. He aspired to construct a utopia in his image and realize the entire scope of his unfathomable ambition.
Alexander the Great Facts and History
Alexander III of Macedon (356 B.C. – 323 B.C.) was known as “Undefeated in Battle.” He was one of history’s most successful military commanders. He had a grandiose dream of reaching the ends of the globe and the huge outer oceans. In 356 B.C., he was born to “King Philip II” of Macedon. His mother was Olympia, Philip’s beautiful wife. They lived in Pella, the ancient capital of Ancient Greece in Macedonia.
Aristotle educated him until he was 16 years old. He studied literature, medicine, philosophy, and science. Like the rest of his people, he practiced Hellenism. This was a Greek polytheistic religion that honored gods such as Zeus, Apollo, Athena, and Poseidon. At the age of 20, he succeeded his father, who was assassinated in 336 B.C. He became the lawful monarch of a powerful country with an experienced army.
He assassinated all of his opponents and was given the generalship of Greece.
Alexander utilized his newfound authority to fulfill his father’s goal of leading the Greeks in the invasion of Persia. He spent most of his reign conducting unparalleled military expeditions in northeast Africa and Asia. He began conquering the Persian Empire in 334 B.C. and continued invading till he reached India in 326 B.C. One of his most famous engagements was the siege of Tyre in 332 BC, which he won over the Phoenician army.
Alexander the Great’s Wives and Children
In his lifetime, he married three times: Roxana of Bactria, Stateira, and Parysatis, daughter of Ochus. Alexander IV of Macedon, his only child, was born to Roxana shortly after he died in 323 BC.
Alexander the Great’s Most Important Achievements
After conquering Gaza, Alexander the Great defeated the Persian Emperor Darius. He then gained control of Syria and the Levant at the Battle of Pelusium. Next, Alexander went to Egypt, which was still part of the Persian Empire. On November 14, 332 B.C., he marched his army towards Pelusium, the eastern gateway to Egypt. He invaded Egypt without opposition.
The Egyptians viewed Alexander as a liberator. The Persians had little control over the Egyptian people. They also had no respect for Egyptian religion or culture. As a result, the Egyptians welcomed Alexander with open arms.
He easily entered Egypt and met no resistance from Persian forces. He then led his forces to the capital of Memphis and the Mediterranean coast. There, he saw a piece of land between the sea and a lake with a reliable freshwater supply. He ordered his architect, “Democrats,” to build a city on that site. This city became known as Alexandria. According to Alexander, Egypt was one of the foundations of Greek civilization.
He used his diplomatic skills by declaring himself the son of the god Amun-Ra. He renovated Tuthmosis III’s chapel and the temples of Karnak. Alexander also offered sacrifices to the god Ptah. On the temple of Amun-Ra, he was depicted as a pharaoh. A text identified him as “King of Upper and Lower Egypt, Lord of the Two Lands, Son of Re, Possessor of the Crowns, Alexander.” After conquering Egypt in October 331 BC, he went to Persia. There, he fought a major war and was able to enter India in 326 BC.
The Great Alexander’s Legacy
His instructor “Aristotle” instructed him as a young kid to constantly maintain the equilibrium between all parties. When it came time to create his administrative system, he picked Egyptian, Greek, and Macedonian delegates and generals so that they would all feel empowered and work to realize Alexander’s ambition of building a vast empire. Alexander also allowed all Greek and Macedonian immigrants to enter Egypt.
He aspired to create a multi-cultural province with diverse languages and cultures that would serve as a real emblem of collaboration between these ancient civilizations. Alexander barely stayed in Egypt for six months, yet he was able to undertake enormous restorations and changes, bringing Egypt into the circle of Greek culture.
The Death of Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great died of malaria at the age of 32 in 323 BC, leaving a vast legacy of cultural dissemination, magnificent buildings, syncretism, and a series of stories that changed history. After his death, his dominion was split, with each of his generals controlling a portion of his country. Ptolemy invaded Egypt, ruled it, and founded the Ptolemaic Dynasty, which lasted until the Roman dynasty captured it in 32 B.C.
Alexander the Great’s Tomb
Many think Ptolemy took Alexander’s remains and buried him at Memphis or Alexandria, making the burial of Alexander the Great one of life’s biggest mysteries. His tomb has yet to be discovered.
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