ALEXANDER THE GREAT

ALEXANDER AND HIS HORSE -- 
A STATUE IN EDINBURGH

Alexander the Great became a legend and yet he only ruled for12 years. He has gone into history as the greatest conqueror and general ever lived.

He became the hero of dozens of romantic myth. There exist more than 80 versions of his story and written in 24 different languages. They cover countries from Britain to Malaysia. Some people even belief he is a God and they tell stories of great conquests in places of China, Tibet and Europe. 

It had been said that he mostly avoided women and never founded a dynasty but whole nations are supposed to be descended from him. In spite of all these unbelievable tales he still in his short life managed to achieve an incredible amount.

KING PHILIP II -- ALEXANDER'S FATHER

Alexander’s father was Philip II transformed his small kingdom of Macedon into a powerful country within the League of Greek States. At the same time he build-up the most efficient army ever seen. In 345 BC Philip was assassinated. The army proclaimed Alexander as their king even so he was only 20. However, by that time Alexander was already an accomplished administrator and soldier.

His characteristics were from his father’s great practicality and a talent to be a great soldier to the point of genius. From his mother Olympias he inherited a dreamy, passionate nature and also an uncontrollable temper. It is said that in one of his rage Alexander murdered his best friend Cleitus. When he realised what he had done he went to bed for three days and was sick with remorse.

He had a great, forceful personality. His generals were kings and princes in their own rights. One was called Cassander and he stated that he couldn’t even pass a statue without shivering.

ARISTOTLE LECTURING ALEXANDER

HIS ACHIEVEMENTS

After his father’s death Alexander made sure that the League of Greek States did not fall apart. His first two years were spent defeating rebellions at home. When he thought it was safe in 334 BC he crossed from Europe to Asia.  He went ashore and in front of his army; he drove his spear into Trojan soil and declared Asia a gift from the Gods.

The next eight months he marched down the east Mediterranean coast as far as Egypt to secure his claim.

 From there he moved into Mesopotania, Babylonia, Parthi and India. He wanted to go further but his troops mutinied at the river Indus. By then they marched nearly 34,000km in 10 years and they wanted to go home.

Alexander’s favourite horse was named Bucephalus and was give to him by his father. Apparently he was quite wild and only Alexander could ride him. He went with him on all his campaigns. The horse died what is now northern India and a city was named Bucephala in his honour.

He was forced to go back to Babylon where he died of a fever at the age of 32 in 323 BC.

ALEXANDER SPREADS GREEK CULTURE

He led his troops into battle but his Macedonians were at the front. He also used soldiers from other parts of Greece, from the Balkan and Asia. He trained 50,000 Persians in the art of Macedonian’s warfare and made them speak Greek.

On his long crusade through Asia he founded 70 cities and 25 were named Alexandria to honour him. Every city had roughly 10,000 inhabitants of which there were Macedonians, Creeks, Balkans and Asians. They had their own government but were subjects to Alexander’s edicts.  They were centres of capital in his vast kingdom.

The greatest side of Alexander’s personality was that he treated everyone as equal. He saw his multiracial empire as a community and wanted everybody to be equal.

Another great achievement of Alexander was that throughout his cities he spread Greek culture and laws and opened Asia up to European trade and communication.

To achieve all that in the very short time he was alive is even today incredible.

KINGDOM OF MACEDONIAN  IN 336 BC