Alexander the Macedon

Statue of great Alexander. Handmade of alabaster,and painted in museum coloured patina.

Alexander the Macedon was the greatest of the Greeks. Macedonian king and commander, one of the most important figures in world history. He was born in 356 BC in Pella, and his father was the king of Macedonia, Philip II.He succeeded him after his death.

EDUCATION

When Alexander was 13, Philip began to search for a tutor. Philip chose Aristotle and provided the Temple of the Nymphs at Mieza as a classroom.In return for teaching Alexander, Philip agreed to rebuild Aristotle’s hometown of Stageira. Mieza was like a boarding school for Alexander and the children of Macedonian nobles, such as Ptolemy, Hephaistion, and Cassander. Many of these students would become his friends and future generals, and are often known as the ‘Companions’. 

Aristotle taught Alexander and his companions about medicine, philosophy, morals, religion, logic, and art.  Under Aristotle’s tutelage, Alexander developed a passion for the works of Homer, and in particular the Iliad.  Aristotle gave him an annotated copy, which Alexander later carried on his campaigns.He spent most of his years as king, in his unprecedented campaign against the Persians.He created until the age of 30, one of the greatest kingdoms in the world.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Alexander the Macedon earned the epithet “the Great” due to his unparalleled success as a military commander.  He never lost a battle, despite typically being outnumbered. This was due to use of terrain, phalanx and cavalry tactics, bold strategy, and the fierce loyalty of his troops.  The Macedonian phalanx, armed with the sarissa, a spear 6 metres (20 ft) long, had been developed and perfected by Philip II through rigorous training.  

That is why he is still considered the BIGGEST AND BEST RECRUITOR AND GENERAL OF ALL TIME.  Some of his battle formations and techniques are still taught,at military schools.  He was undefeated in battle and is widely considered one of history’s most successful military commanders

Alexander’s legacy extended beyond his military conquests. His campaigns greatly increased contacts and trade between East and West, and vast areas to the east were significantly exposed to Greek civilization and influence. Some of the cities he founded became major cultural centers, many surviving into the 21st century. His chroniclers recorded valuable information about the areas through which he marched, while the Greeks themselves got a sense of belonging to a world beyond the Mediterranean.