Who was Alexander the Great?

Alexander the Great, (Alexander III) was the King of Macedonia. Born in July of 356 B.C., he was the son to Philip II of Macedonia. During his lifetime and brief reign, he conducted extensive military campaigns, which resulted in bringing the largest empire of the ancient world together. His massive holdings spread far and wide. He was one of the most brilliant military tacticians of all time and remains celebrated for this feat today.

As a young man, he was tutored by one of the greatest Greek minds, Aristotle. It is said that Aristotle gave young Alexander a copy of Homer’s annotated work, The Iliad, which was reported to be one of the young man’s favorite books, even accompanying him on military campaigns. After his education was over, he entered the military arena. There, he and his companions, the generals that helped him conquer much of the known world, began illustrious careers.

At the beginning of his reign, he removed any rivals that might be close to the throne. After these persons had been dispatched, he turned his eye to the known world. His goal was to bring Greek influence, art, and culture with him. Egypt was one of the territories conquered by Alexander that fully embraced the Greek culture. After ending his military campaigns in India after the mutiny of his army, Alexander prepared to return home. He died from an unknown cause in June of 323 B.C. in Babylon.