Alexander the Great: His Story & Face Revealed | Royalty Now

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Alexander the Great, born in 356 BCE in Macedonia, rose to power quickly due to his father's military reforms, divine heritage beliefs, and tutelage by Aristotle. His conquests, strategic brilliance, respect for local cultures, excessive drinking, paranoia, and eventual death in Babylon in 323 BCE marked his tumultuous reign as a legendary military leader.

Insights

  • Alexander the Great's upbringing, influenced by his mother's belief in his divine heritage and Aristotle's teachings, shaped his character and decisions, highlighting the importance of early influences in molding a leader's path.
  • Despite his military brilliance and conquests, Alexander's reign was marred by impulsive actions, excessive drinking, and paranoia, showcasing the detrimental effects of unchecked power and hubris on a ruler's judgment and legacy.

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Recent questions

  • Who tutored Alexander the Great?

    Aristotle

  • What caused tensions between Alexander and his father?

    Questioning authority

  • Where did Alexander declare war in 334 BCE?

    Persian Empire

  • What city did Alexander found in 328 BCE?

    Alexandria Escate

  • Who did Alexander marry?

    Roxanna

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Summary

00:00

Alexander the Great: Conquest and Controversy

  • Alexander the Great, born in 356 BCE in Pella, Macedonia, had a father, Philip II of Macedon, who reformed the Macedonian army, leading to dominance in under 25 years.
  • Alexander's mother, Olympia, believed Zeus was Alexander's true father, instilling in him a sense of divine heritage.
  • At 13, Alexander was tutored by Aristotle, learning philosophy, morals, religion, and art, with a strong influence on his life.
  • At 18, Alexander fought alongside his father in the Battle of Chaeronea, showcasing his military prowess.
  • Philip's relationship with Alexander grew strained as Alexander questioned his father's authority, leading to tensions and a bitter divorce.
  • After Philip's assassination in 336 BCE, Alexander succeeded him, facing rivals and rebellions, consolidating his power through executions and strategic moves.
  • In 334 BCE, Alexander declared war on the Persian Empire, beginning a legendary military campaign.
  • Despite being outnumbered, Alexander's strategic brilliance led to victories, notably at the Battle of Granicus and the Battle of Issus.
  • Alexander's conquests extended to Egypt, where he was hailed as a liberator and named Pharaoh, showing respect for Egyptian culture and religion.
  • Alexander's reign faced challenges, including his excessive drinking, leading to impulsive decisions like the pillaging of Persepolis, causing destruction of art and culture.

15:13

Alexander's Paranoia and Conquests in Asia

  • Alexander spiraled into paranoia, threatening to execute Philatus and Parmenion if they revealed a plot against him.
  • He replaced Macedonian advisors with Persian ones and pushed his army further into Asia, chasing Darius's killer and crushing local tribes.
  • In 328 BCE, Alexander reached the edge of the Persian Empire and founded Alexandria Escate, a city named after himself.
  • During a drunken argument, Alexander killed Clydus, who had saved him in battle, leading to deep regret and a failed suicide attempt.
  • Alexander married Roxanna, a Persian nobleman's daughter, sparking skepticism among his comrades about his motives.
  • After a grueling campaign in Pakistan and India, Alexander's army demanded to return home, leading to his compliance and eventual death in Babylon in 323 BCE.
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