Alexander the Great | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : April 16, 2025

Who is Alexander the Great?

Alexander the Great, known as Alexander III of Macedon, was a pivotal figure in ancient history, born on July 20, 356 BCE, in Pella, the capital of Macedonia. The son of King Philip II and Queen Olympia, he exhibited exceptional military and leadership qualities from a young age. He was educated under renowned philosopher Aristotle, who greatly influenced his worldview and ambition. By age 20, after his father’s assassination, Alexander ascended to the throne of Macedonia and quickly consolidated power. Demonstrating remarkable strategic prowess, he went on to unite the Greek city-states and orchestrate a campaign that expanded his empire across Persia, Egypt, and into parts of India.

Throughout his reign, from 336 to 323 BCE, Alexander the Great achieved unparalleled military successes, facing formidable opponents such as Darius III of Persia and later establishing Macedonian colonies in the regions he conquered. His approach included both military might and diplomatic strategies, as seen in his respectful treatment of the defeated King Porus in India. His ambition was not merely conquest; he envisioned a fusion of cultures, as he often encouraged marriages between his soldiers and local women and adopted elements of Persian customs. Alexander's legacy extends beyond his vast empire, influencing the cultural and political landscape of both the Western and Eastern worlds, ultimately blending Greek and Oriental cultures in a phenomenon known as Hellenistic civilization.

Early Life and Education

Alexander the Great, born on July 20, 356 BCE, in Pella, the ancient capital of Macedonia, was the son of King Philip II and Queen Olympia. Raising him in the royal court, his parents played crucial roles in shaping his early life. His father's military campaigns often kept him away, leading to a strained relationship, while his mother instilled in him the virtues of ambition and strength. This complex upbringing, coupled with his royal lineage, laid the foundation for Alexander's fierce ambition to conquer and lead.

Alexander's education began under his relative Leonidas, who struggled to control his spirited nature. The introduction of the philosopher Aristotle in 343 BCE marked a significant turning point in his upbringing. Aristotle imparted a wealth of knowledge, encompassing philosophy, science, and arts, which deeply influenced Alexander’s worldview. Among the lessons, Homer’s "Iliad" particularly resonated with him, stirring his aspirations to become a heroic warrior. This eclectic mix of formative experiences and education would later fuel his audacious military strategies and expansive conquests, defining his legacy as one of history's most remarkable figures.

Becoming King of Macedonia

At the tender age of 20, Alexander the Great ascended to the throne of Macedonia following the assassination of his father, King Philip II, in 336 BCE. Having spent much of his youth immersed in military strategy and leadership under the guidance of prominent figures like Aristotle, Alexander was poised to take the mantle at a critical juncture in Macedonian history. He quickly consolidated his power by rallying the Macedonian army and eliminating potential threats to his rule. The loyalty of his military advisors and the backing of his mother, Olympias, cemented his claim to the throne, ensuring that he would lead a united Macedonia into a series of formidable campaigns.

Upon becoming king, Alexander faced immediate challenges, particularly from rebellious Greek city-states eager to assert their independence following Philip's death. Demonstrating both military prowess and ruthlessness, he swiftly quashed the rebellion in Thebes, sending a stark warning to other potential dissenters. This decisive action opened the pathway for his campaigns beyond Macedonia, establishing him not just as a ruler but as a powerful force in the region. By reinforcing his authority over the Corinthian League, Alexander effectively positioned Macedonia for the ensuing conquest of the Persian Empire, thus beginning his illustrious legacy as one of history's greatest military commanders.

Empire Expansion and Conquests

Alexander the Great, one of history's most renowned military leaders, embarked on an unprecedented campaign of expansion that reshaped the ancient world. After uniting the Greek city-states, he directed his ambitions towards the mighty Persian Empire. In 334 BCE, he initiated his Asiatic conquests at the Battle of Granicus, where he showcased extraordinary strategic prowess, defeating the Persian forces despite being significantly outnumbered. Over the next few years, he achieved remarkable victories at Issus and Gaugamela, which led to the eventual downfall of Darius III, the Persian king. His triumphs allowed him to declare himself King of Persia, marking a significant shift in power dynamics throughout the region.

After claiming Persia, Alexander set his sights on Egypt, where he was met with open arms, establishing the city of Alexandria as a beacon of Greek culture. His empire continued to expand dramatically, including campaigns in the regions of modern-day Afghanistan and India. Notably, his victory over King Porus in 328 BCE further solidified his reputation as a formidable ruler and strategist. However, the challenges of leading an ever-growing army became evident as they struggled through difficult terrain, emerging fears of revolt, and clashes of culture, especially as Alexander began to adopt Persian customs. Despite these challenges, Alexander’s campaigns successfully established Macedonian colonies and promoted a blend of cultures that would resonate long after his untimely death.

Personal Life: Married Life with Roxana

Alexander the Great's marriage to Roxana, the daughter of the Bactrian noble Oxyartes, was not only a personal union but also a strategic alliance that reflected his efforts to integrate the diverse cultures of his newly conquered territories. The marriage took place in 327 BCE after Alexander's conquest of Bactria, and it was celebrated amidst his military campaigns. Roxana was said to have exercised a significant influence over Alexander, as she was the only wife who bore him a child, securing her importance in the royal lineage. Their son, Alexander IV, was born shortly after Alexander's untimely death in 323 BCE, further cementing his connection to Bactria.

Despite the pressures of leadership and conquests, the bond between Alexander and Roxana was reported to be based on genuine affection. Alexander’s decision to marry Roxana was fueled by his love for her and a desire to forge alliances in the region. Roxana accompanied Alexander during his military campaigns, showcasing her strength and resilience. However, their marriage, along with their future, was cut short with Alexander's sudden death, leaving Roxana to navigate a world filled with political turmoil and uncertainty as she later struggled to protect her son’s claim to the throne amidst the ensuing power struggles following her husband’s demise.

Net Worth and Earning: Wealth from Conquests

Alexander the Great, during his brief yet remarkably impactful life, amassed considerable wealth, primarily through his extensive military conquests across the Persian Empire, Egypt, and parts of India. His campaigns led to the plundering of vast riches, including gold, silver, and precious artifacts, which significantly enriched both him and his troops. After the decisive battles at Granicus, Issus, and Gaugamela, Alexander seized the legendary wealth of the Persian kings, demonstrating strategic brilliance in overcoming numerically superior forces while capitalizing on their resources.

In addition to monetary wealth, Alexander's conquests facilitated the establishment of numerous cities, most notably Alexandria in Egypt, which became a vital center for trade and culture. These cities generated economic revenue through trade routes established across the newly unified territories. Furthermore, Alexander's integration of conquered peoples into his empire fostered economic exchanges, ensuring that his wealth continued to grow even after individual battles. His ability to administer and exploit these territories played a critical role in his financial legacy, illustrating how military success translated directly into economic prosperity.