About Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great, also known as Alexander III of Macedon (20/21 July 356 BC – 10/11 June 323 BC), was a monarch of the ancient Greek state of Macedon and is thought to have amassed a fortune of $500 billion. One of the finest commanders ever, Alexander the Great is a famous hero from ancient history. He was born in 356 BC, the son of Philip II, King of Macedon, and Olympias, Princess of Epirus. There are many myths surrounding his birth; some claim that his father was the Greek God Zeus, who descended to his mother in a lightning bolt; others claim that one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World was destroyed on the day of his birth.
What Led Alexander the Great to Power
Aristotle taught him as a young child, and in 340 BC he was given the responsibility of ruling Macedon while King Philip II was at war with Byzantium.
During their time in power, there was an uprising. The first of around 70 cities that Alexander would create in his lifetime, Alexandropolis was founded after he immediately intervened, routing the rebels.
When Philip II saw his son’s strength, he made him serve under him in command. After his father was killed in 336, Alexander succeeded him as king of Macedon and started cementing his position by thwarting any potential rivals.
The Thracians, Illyrians, and Greeks revolted after learning of Philip II’s death; Alexander put an end to the uprisings by dispatching 3,000 Macedonian cavalry.
Alexander the Great launched an Asian campaign after securing the borders of Macedon, which would eventually allow him to expand his dominion all the way to the Himalayas. Highlights of this conquering series include the discovery of Alexandria in Egypt, which would go on to become a major cultural hub for hundreds of years, and Alexander the Great’s successful unraveling of the Gordian Knot with the aid of a knife.
The Legacy of Alexander the Great
In 323 BC, Alexander the Great passed away after an illness that started with a fever. It’s unclear whether he was poisoned or died of natural causes.
The significant cultural blending that Alexander the Great attempted to do in order to blend Persian and Greek civilizations left a lasting imprint of his victories. He was able to bring together many diverse people and ultimately promote trade and industry by establishing Macedonian control among the people he subjugated and made Greek the official language of his empire. Additionally, he made a concerted effort to mingle the citizens of his empire together in an effort to create a homogeneous race.
