Alexander III of Macedonia

Alexander III of Macedonia, also known as Alexander the Great, was born approx July 20, 356BC to King Philip II and Olympia. Olympia, a non-Macedonian, was the daughter of King Neoptolemus I of Epirus. Alexander began tutoring under Aristotle at the age of thirteen. Alexander was also tutored with other nobility’s children. Aristotle tutored Alexander in language and literature and motivated his interest in sciences, philosophy, and medicine which became of the topmost importance in his later life. Differences due to opinions about foreigners would cause Aristotle and Alexander to later become divided.

Alexander was named as regent of Macedonian 340 BC when his father, King Philip went to fight rebels in Byzantium. This granted him the right to rule in his father’s name in Philip's absence. Alexander was sixteen years old. During Philips absence Maedi, in northern Macedonia revolted. Alexander was victorious in defeating Maedi. Alexander then renamed Maedi, Alexandroupolis. Four years later Philip was assassinated and Alexander became King of Macedonia.

Alexander the Great was married three times to women named Roxane, Statiera, and Parysatis. Alexander had a son with Roxane and a son by his mistress Barsine. Roxane’s son was named Alexander IV and Barsine’s son was named Herakles. Alexander IV and Herakles were both killed before they reached adulthood.

During Alexander's reign there were four major battles. The first of these battles was in 334BC, the Battle of Granicus against Persians and Greeks. The Battle of Issus was fought against the King of Persia, Darius, in 333BC. Alexander would fight Daruis again in 331BC at the Battle of Gaugamela. In 326BC, Alexander would face King Poros, who had war elephants.

Alexander the Great suddenly became ill upon his return to Babylonia, in 323BC, where he died. Alexander was 33 years of age. It is unknown if he died of a disease or if he was poisoned.