Alexander the Great

Alexander the Great (356 BC - 323 BC) was a ruler of the kingdom of Macedon; he is most famous for conquering the Persian empire.

Biography

Childhood and youth

Alexander was born in Pella to Phillip II of Macedon and Olympias, an Epirote princess. Alexander recieved an exelent education, as Phillip hired the best teachers for the young prince, including Aristotle. Alexander was raised as a prince and a possible successor to the throne. In 340 BC, while his father was engaged in the seige of Byzantium, Alexander, age 16, was left as a regent of the kingdom and even took part in a short military campaign and some diplomatic negotiations.

The good relationship between Alexander and his father was short-lived. The dispute erupted because of a marriage between Phillip and Cleopatra, daughter of a Macedonian noble. In ancient Macedon polygamy was allowed, but Alexander, who was very attached to his mother, felt her position was being demolished and his own hopes of succeeding his father were fading away. During the wedding a loud quarrel between Philip and Alexander ended in Alexander's exile.