Alexander the Great:His Life and Death

Alexander the Great was born in Pella, Macedon on July 20, 346 BC. Alexander has been considered to be one of the greatest military leaders of all times. As a child, he was able to get on and ride a horse that no one else could ride, so the horse, which he named Bucephalus, became his personal steed. He rode the horse until the time he invaded India, which is when Bucephalus passed away.

While growing up, Alexander was raised by his nurse and educated by a few teachers, including Aristotle. He thoroughly enjoyed reading and learning. By the time he was sixteen, Alexander was in his first battle.

At the age of 20, because of his father's assassination, he became the new king of Macedon. Alexander then proceeded to go north and west, to invade and conquer as much of the world as he possibly could.

Alexander the Great was a man who would lead his troops by example, he would not ask them to do something he himself would not do. He would always eat and sleep with his troops, never putting himself on a higher level than the most common soldier. Alexander was said to be a man afraid of nothing. There are accounts of him leading his troops into dangerous situations just for the sport, not to quench his desire to conquer.

Alexander the Great did not live to see his 33rd birthday. There are different stories as to the cause of his death, but no one knows for sure. After his death, his body was preserved and put on display for the public for more than 100 years, until his tomb was closed by Emperor Septimius Severus.