Alexander the Great

Date of Birth: July 20, 356 BC

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: June 10, 323 BC

Biography

Alexander the Great, born Alexander III of Macedon, was one of history’s most successful military commanders and a king who created one of the largest empires of the ancient world. Born in Pella, the ancient capital of Macedonia, in 356 BC, he was the son of King Philip II and Queen Olympias. Educated by the philosopher Aristotle, Alexander developed a keen intellect and a passion for conquest. At the age of 20, Alexander ascended to the Macedonian throne following his father’s assassination. He swiftly consolidated his power and embarked on a campaign to fulfill his father’s dream of conquering Persia. Over the next decade, Alexander’s military genius led him to an unbroken series of victories, including the pivotal battles of Issus and Gaugamela, which allowed him to dismantle the Persian Empire and claim its vast territories. Alexander’s empire extended from Greece to Egypt and as far east as modern-day India, encompassing a diverse range of cultures and peoples. His strategy of founding cities, many of which were named Alexandria, and encouraging the spread of Greek culture laid the foundation for the Hellenistic period. Despite his untimely death at the age of 32 in 323 BC in Babylon, his legacy endured for centuries, influencing military tactics, governance, and cultural exchanges across continents.

5 Interesting Facts about Alexander the Great

1. Alexander was tutored by the famous philosopher Aristotle until he was 16 years old.

2. By the age of 30, he had created one of the largest empires in history, stretching from Greece to northwest India.

3. He named over 20 cities after himself, the most famous being Alexandria in Egypt.

4. Alexander never lost a single battle in his 15-year military career.

5. His body was preserved in honey for transport back to Macedonia after his death.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alexander the Great

1. “I am indebted to my father for living, but to my teacher for living well.”

2. “There is nothing impossible to him who will try.”

3. “I would rather live a short life of glory than a long one of obscurity.”

4. “Remember upon the conduct of each depends the fate of all.”

5. “Heaven cannot brook two suns, nor earth two masters.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Alexander the Great’s net worth is difficult to quantify in modern terms, but he controlled an empire that was incredibly wealthy, with vast resources and treasures amassed from his conquests. Some estimates suggest his empire’s wealth could be valued in the hundreds of billions in today’s dollars.

Children

Alexander the Great had one known son, Alexander IV of Macedon, born to his wife Roxana. Alexander IV was born after Alexander the Great’s death and was later murdered during the power struggles that ensued following his father’s death.