Perhaps, every person from school still remembers who Alexander the Great is. It was under Alexander the Great that a whole historical period known as the Hellenistic era began, and the cultural influence of Greece in Europe, Asia and Africa reached its peak during his reign. In our review, little-known facts about this amazing man who lived only 32 years, but managed to change the world beyond recognition.
1. Alexander III the Great
Coins with the image of Alexander the Great.
Alexander the Great, also known as Alexander III the Great, was the king of Ancient Macedonia, the pharaoh of Egypt, the king of Asia, and the Persian king. It belonged to the ancient Greek dynasty of the Argeads from the Peloponnese. His name comes from the Greek words "Alexo" (to protect) and "Andr" (person). Thus, his name means "protector of the people."
2. Alexander was taught by Aristotle
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Aristotle.
Alexander's father, Philip II of Macedon, hired Aristotle, one of the greatest philosophers in history along with Socrates and Plato, as a teacher for the thirteen-year-old Alexander. Aristotle taught Alexander everything he knew himself for three years (until Alexander's sixteenth birthday, when he ascended the throne of Macedonia). Alexander's mother, Olympias of Epirus was the daughter of the daughter of the king of Epirus Neoptolemus I.
3. Alexander had two children
Alexander III and Roxanne.
There is still controversy regarding the sexual orientation of Alexander the Great. However, he had three wives: Roxanne, Statyra, and Parisat. It is believed that Alexander had two children: Hercules (illegitimate son from Barsina's mistress) and Alexander IV (son from Roxana). Unfortunately, after Alexander's death, his children were killed before they reached adulthood.
4. Founded cities
Favorite horse Bucephalus.
Alexander founded more than seventy cities, of which at least twenty named after himself (the most famous is Alexandria in Egypt). In addition, near the site of the battle near the Hydaspa River (today it is known as the Jelam River in India), Alexander founded the city of Bucephalus, named after his beloved horse, who was mortally wounded in the battle.
5. Pilgrimage to the tomb of Alexander
Rome's most revered foreigner.
He was one of the most revered foreign figures in Rome, even many years after his death. Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, and Augustus made a pilgrimage to Alexander's tomb in Alexandria.
6. Ailurophobia
Fear of cats.
Few people know what Alexander, Genghis Khan and Napoleon had in common. The first thought that comes to mind is that these are plans for world domination, but in fact all these people suffered from ailurophobia - a fear of cats.
7. Not a single lost battle
The military art of Alexander the Great is studied in academies.
The tactics and strategy of Alexander the Great are still being studied in military academies. From the time of his first victory at the age of eighteen until his death (at the age of thirty-three), the great general did not lose a single battle.
8. Greco-Buddhism
Rise of the Kushan Empire.
Few have heard of Greco-Buddhism. This term refers to a cultural syncretism between Hellenistic culture and Buddhism that developed between the fourth and fifth centuries AD in Bactria and the Indian subcontinent (territories of present-day Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan). This unusual culture was the cultural result of a long chain of events that began with the Greek forays into India during the time of Alexander the Great. Further, its development took place during the creation of the Indo-Greek kingdom and the heyday of the Kushan Empire.
9. Gordian knot
A method of simplification that went down in history.
One of the most famous legends associated with Alexander the Great is the legend of the Gordian knot. The myths say that the Phrygian king Gordius tied an intricate knot and declared that whoever could untie it would become the next king of Phrygia. In 333, when Alexander conquered Phrygia, he, without hesitation, cut the famous knot with a sword.
10. First Macedonian state
Modern Macedonia has nothing to do with the Macedonian kingdom.
The Republic of Macedonia is a modern country located in the center of the Balkan Peninsula in Southeastern Europe and has no historical connection with the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedonia. The first Macedonian state was founded in the 8th century BC. e.
11. Drinking competition
The troops are delighted, the losses are acceptable.
Once, Alexander held a competition for drinking alcohol among his soldiers. Although the troops were delighted with the idea, in the end, forty-two soldiers died from alcohol poisoning.
12. Tolerance of Alexander
The winner in the clothes of the vanquished.
After defeating the Persians, Alexander began dressing like a Persian king and had two Persian wives. The reason for this is simple - he believed that the peoples he conquered would feel more comfortable when their new ruler adhered to their customs.
13. Cause of Alexander's death
Alexander is on his deathbed.
Despite the fact that there were a lot of theories over the years, the real cause of Alexander's death remains one of the mysteries of the ancient world. Modern medical experts argue that malaria, a lung infection, liver failure, or typhoid could be the cause. However, no one can say anything for sure.
14. Hero of Alexander
Achilles.
His favorite books were The Iliad and The Odyssey. From childhood, Alexander the Great was inspired by the heroes of Homer, he even slept with the Iliad under his pillow. The imagination of the future great commander and ruler was conquered by the Greek warrior Achilles, who fought in Troy.
15. Alexander's idol
Hercules.
However, the greatest idol of Alexander who had a significant influence on him was Hercules (Hercules). His admiration for the most famous Greek mythological figure of all time was so profound that Alexander called himself the son of Zeus (just like Hercules) and always boasted that he was a descendant of Hercules.