Alexander of Macedon: The Extraordinary Life of a Conqueror

When we think of great conquerors, one name that quickly comes to mind is Alexander of Macedon. Born in 356 BC, Alexander the Great, as he is commonly known, is revered as one of the most significant figures in world history. His conquests are legendary, and his empire stretched from Greece to Egypt and Persia to India. In this comprehensive historical biography, we will delve into the life and accomplishments of this remarkable leader.

Early Life and Education

Alexander of Macedon was born into royalty on July 20, 356 BC, in the ancient city of Pella, the capital of Macedonia. His father, King Philip II, was a renowned military general who had united various Greek city-states under Macedonian rule. Alexander's mother, Olympias, was from the ancient kingdom of Epirus, and she is said to have instilled in him a sense of divine destiny.

Alexander of Macedon, 356–323 B.C.: A Historical Biography

by Peter Green (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6104 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	674 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

From a young age, Alexander showed exceptional intelligence and a thirst for knowledge. He received his education from renowned Greek philosopher Aristotle, who would later become one of his most influential mentors. Aristotle taught Alexander various subjects, including philosophy, mathematics, literature, and medicine, shaping his intellectual growth and preparing him for a life of leadership.

Conquests and the Persian Empire

At the age of 20, Alexander ascended to the throne following his father's assassination. Determined to fulfill his father's dream of conquering the Persian Empire, Alexander quickly rallied his troops and embarked on a series of military campaigns. His extraordinary military tactics, combined with his charismatic leadership, led to a string of victories.

One of Alexander's most famous conquests was the Battle of Gaugamela in 331 BC, where his forces defeated the Persian King Darius III, securing Alexander's control over the vast Persian Empire. From there, he continued to march eastward, overthrowing rulers and establishing his dominance over vast territories.

Egypt and the City of Alexandria

During his conquest of Egypt, Alexander founded the city of Alexandria, which would later become a center for learning and trade. He was hailed as a liberator by the Egyptians, who saw him as an end to the Persian oppression they had experienced for centuries. Alexander embraced the Egyptian culture and even proclaimed himself as the pharaoh.

Under Alexander's vision, Alexandria flourished, attracting scholars and intellectuals from all over the known world. The Great Library of Alexandria was established during his reign, housing countless manuscripts and becoming a beacon of knowledge in the ancient world.

The Indian Campaign and Legacy

Alexander's conquests eventually brought him to the borders of India. He faced fierce resistance from local rulers, but his determination and military prowess allowed him to penetrate deep into the Indian subcontinent. However, his troops grew tired, and longing for home, Alexander decided to turn back.

On June 13, 323 BC, Alexander the Great died in Babylon at the age of 32. His death left his empire in a state of political turmoil, as generals and former allies fought for control. However, his legacy stretched far beyond his lifetime. Alexander's conquests unleashed a significant cultural exchange between the East and the West, forever shaping the course of history.

Alexander of Macedon was undeniably one of the most influential and significant figures in ancient history. His military genius, combined with his vision for a diverse and interconnected world, left an indelible mark on civilizations that followed. Despite his short life, he accomplished what many rulers could only dream of. Alexander's legacy continues to captivate historians and inspire leaders to this day.

Alexander of Macedon, 356–323 B.C.: A Historical Biography

by Peter Green (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6104 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	674 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Until recently, popular biographers and most scholars viewed Alexander the Great as a genius with a plan, a romantic figure pursuing his vision of a united world. His dream was at times characterized as a benevolent interest in the brotherhood of man, sometimes as a brute interest in the exercise of power. Green, a Cambridge-trained classicist who is also a novelist, portrays Alexander as both a complex personality and a single-minded general, a man capable of such diverse expediencies as patricide or the massacre of civilians. Green describes his Alexander as "not only the most brilliant (and ambitious) field commander in history, but also supremely indifferent to all those administrative excellences and idealistic yearnings foisted upon him by later generations, especially those who found the conqueror, tout court, a little hard upon their liberal sensibilities."

This biography begins not with one of the universally known incidents of Alexander's life, but with an account of his father, Philip of Macedonia, whose many-territoried empire was the first on the continent of Europe to have an effectively centralized government and military. What Philip and Macedonia had to offer, Alexander made his own, but Philip and Macedonia also made Alexander form an important context for understanding Alexander himself. Yet his origins and training do not fully explain the man. After he was named hegemon of the Hellenic League, many philosophers came to congratulate Alexander, but one was conspicuous by his absence: Diogenes the Cynic, an ascetic who lived in a clay tub. Piqued and curious, Alexander himself visited the philosopher, who, when asked if there was anything Alexander could do for him, made the famous reply, "Don't stand between me and the sun." Alexander's courtiers jeered, but Alexander silenced them: "If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes." This remark was as unexpected in Alexander as it would be in a modern leader.

For the general reader, the book, redolent with gritty details and fully aware of Alexander's darker side, offers a gripping tale of Alexander's career. Full backnotes, fourteen maps, and chronological and genealogical tables serve readers with more specialized interests.