Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Biography of Alexander:
Alexander III of Macedon, commonly known as Alexander the Great, was a king of Macedon (an ancient kingdom in northern Greece) and one of the most successful military commanders in history.
Here is a brief biography of Alexander the Great:
Early Life:
Birth: Alexander was born on July 356 BCE in Pella, the capital of Macedon, to King Philip II and Queen Olympias.
Tutorship under Aristotle: At the age of 13, Alexander became a student of the philosopher Aristotle, who educated him in various subjects, including philosophy, literature, and science.
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| Biography of Alexander |
Alexander's Military Campaigns:
Accession to the Throne: In 336 BCE, at the age of 20, Alexander became the king of Macedon after the assassination of his father, Philip II.
Invasion of Persia: One of Alexander's most significant achievements was the conquest of the Persian Empire, which he undertook in 334 BCE.
Battle of Issus (333 BCE): Alexander decisively defeated Persian King Darius III at the Battle of Issus.
Siege of Tyre (332 BCE): Alexander successfully captured the island city of Tyre after a lengthy siege.
Conquest of Egypt (332 BCE): Egypt fell to Alexander without significant resistance, and he was welcomed as a liberator.
Founding of Alexandria: Alexander founded the city of Alexandria in Egypt, which later became a major center of Hellenistic civilization.
Expedition into Asia:
Battle of Gaugamela (331 BCE): In a decisive battle against Darius III, Alexander secured victory at Gaugamela, leading to the fall of the Achaemenid Persian Empire.
Persian Capitals Captured: Alexander captured the Persian capitals of Susa and Persepolis, consolidating his control over the Persian Empire.
Eastern Conquests:
Bactria and Sogdiana: Alexander continued his eastward campaign into Bactria and Sogdiana (modern-day Afghanistan and Central Asia).
Marriage to Roxana: During his campaigns, Alexander married Roxana, a Bactrian noblewoman.
Journey to the Indian Subcontinent: Alexander's conquests extended into the Indian subcontinent, reaching the Beas River.
Return and Death of Alexander:
Mutiny at the Hyphasis (326 BCE): Facing opposition from his troops, Alexander reluctantly agreed to turn back at the Hyphasis River, not continuing further into India.
Death (323 BCE): Alexander fell ill and died in Babylon in 323 BCE at the age of 32. The exact cause of his death remains a subject of historical debate.
Legacy:
Hellenistic Civilization: Alexander's conquests resulted in the spread of Greek culture, known as Hellenistic civilization, across a vast territory.
City Foundations: He founded numerous cities, many of them named Alexandria, which served as centers of trade, culture, and learning.
Military Tactics: Alexander's military strategies and tactics, particularly his use of combined arms and rapid movements, influenced later military leaders.
Alexander the Great's short but intense reign had a profound and lasting impact on the ancient world. His legacy extended beyond his military conquests, shaping the course of history and cultural development for centuries to come.