Alexander III of Macedon, more commonly known as Alexander the Great, was born on July 20 or 21, 356 BC, in the city of Pella, ancient Macedonia, which is now in Greece. He was the son of King Philip II of Macedon and Olympias of Epirus.
From a very young age, Alexander showed great ambition and a thirst for conquest. He was educated by the philosopher Aristotle, who taught him history, politics, literature, and sciences, and instilled in him a love for Greek culture and philosophy.
In 336 BC, at the age of 20, Alexander succeeded his father to the throne of Macedon after Philip’s assassination. Immediately after ascending the throne, Alexander consolidated his position and crushed any attempt at rebellion or resistance.
Alexander’s greatest achievement was his campaign of conquest, which began in 334 BC. He invaded the vast Persian Empire, defeating its armies in significant battles such as Granicus, Issus, and Gaugamela. His campaign’s main goal was to avenge the Persian invasions of Greece and expand his dominion to the far East.
In just a decade, Alexander conquered a vast territory that stretched from Greece to Egypt and reached India. He founded numerous cities, many of which bore his name, and implemented a program of Hellenization in all the conquered lands, spreading Greek culture and language.
However, in 323 BC, Alexander died suddenly in Babylon at the age of 32. The exact cause of his death is uncertain, but it is believed to have been due to illness or poisoning.
Alexander the Great’s legacy is immense. His conquest and fusion of cultures influenced the ancient world and laid the foundation for the Hellenistic era, characterized by the spread of Greek culture beyond Greece’s borders. His military audacity, leadership, and strategic vision make him one of the most prominent military leaders in history.
Values of Alexander the Great
Some of the values attributed to Alexander the Great include:
- Ambition: Alexander had great ambition and desired to conquer the known world of his time. This drove him to undertake an unprecedented military campaign and expand the Macedonian empire.
- Determination: Alexander was known for his great determination and was undeterred by challenges. His determination allowed him to overcome obstacles and achieve his goals, even in difficult situations.
- Leadership: Alexander was a charismatic leader. He inspired his followers through his personal example and courage on the battlefield. He also had the ability to generate loyalty and respect among his followers.
- Bravery: Alexander was famous for his bravery on the battlefield. He personally led his troops and did not hesitate to put himself in danger to achieve victory. His bravery was one of the qualities that allowed him to win numerous battles.
- Adaptability: Alexander was a flexible leader who quickly adapted to changing situations. This allowed him to adjust his military strategies according to circumstances and make quick and effective decisions.
- Respect for Culture: Despite being a conqueror, Alexander had great respect for the diverse cultures he encountered in his conquests. He believed in promoting Hellenization, spreading Greek culture, but also valued and respected local traditions and customs.
- Education and Appreciation for Knowledge: Alexander was fortunate to receive a privileged education from Aristotle. He valued knowledge and culture and promoted the spread of Greek philosophy and science in the lands he conquered.
These values, along with his military skill and strategic vision, contributed to Alexander the Great’s success in his conquests and made him a pivotal historical figure.
Famous Quotes by Alexander the Great
Some of Alexander’s most inspiring quotes:
- “I would rather excel in the knowledge of what is excellent, than in the extent of my power and possessions.”
- “There is nothing impossible to him who will try.”
- “The anger of a man is his worst enemy.”
- “My treasure lies in my friends.”
- “Toil and risk are the price of glory, but it is a great thing to live with courage and die leaving an everlasting fame.”
- “I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.”
- “Remember upon the conduct of each depends the fate of all.”
- “I am indebted to my father for living, but to my teacher for living well.”
- “A tomb now suffices him for whom the whole world was not sufficient.”
- “Heaven cannot brook two suns, nor earth two masters.”
These quotes reflect Alexander the Great’s mindset and vision, as well as his determination and leadership in his military campaigns.