15 little-known facts about Alexander the Great - the commander who changed the world

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

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, there are little-known facts about this amazing person who lived only 32 years, but managed to change the world beyond recognition.

1. Alexander III 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

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 came to the throne of Macedonia). Alexander's mother, Olympias of Epirus was the daughter of the daughter of the Epirus king Neoptolemus I.

3. Alexander had two children

There is still controversy over the sexual orientation of Alexander the Great. However, he had three wives: Roxanne, Statyra, and Parysat. 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

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 Jhelam 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

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

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 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 commander did not lose a single battle.

8. Greco-Buddhism

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 is a cultural consequence 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

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

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 Macedonian kingdom. The first Macedonian state was founded in the 8th century BC. NS.

11. Drinking Contest

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. Alexander's tolerance

After defeating the Persians, Alexander began to dress 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

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 say malaria, a lung infection, liver failure, or typhoid could be the cause. However, no one can say anything for sure.

14. Hero of Alexander

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. Idol of Alexander

However, the biggest idol of Alexander, who had a significant impact 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.

The name of Alexander the Great is inscribed in gold letters in the list 19 Greatest Generals of the Ancient World, each of which went down in history more than deservedly.