Top 10 Alexander The Great Facts

Summary

This video counts down the top 10 fascinating facts about Alexander the Great, one of history's most influential military leaders. Highlights include his rare heterochromia, the legendary story of his horse Bucephalus, his role as a student of Aristotle, his ambitious city-building, and his conquest of the Persian Empire. The video also explores his mysterious death at a young age, the Gordian Knot legend, and his undefeated battle record. Each fact paints a picture of Alexander's strategic brilliance, charismatic leadership, and lasting impact on history.

Takeaways

• 😀 Alexander the Great had heterochromia iridum, meaning one of his eyes was blue while the other was brown, a rare condition affecting about 6 out of 1,000 people.
• 😀 Alexander's famous steed, Bucephalus, was a highly temperamental horse that he tamed at the age of 12 by using his insight into the horse's fear of its own shadow.
• 😀 Alexander founded or renamed up to 70 cities during his conquests, most of which were named 'Alexandria,' with the most famous being Alexandria in Egypt.
• 😀 He was tutored by Aristotle, who instilled in him a passion for philosophy and literature, including gifting him an annotated copy of 'The Iliad.'
• 😀 Alexander married Roxana, a noblewoman from Bactria, after falling in love with her during his conquest of the region. Their marriage symbolized his connection to Persian culture.
• 😀 There is speculation that Alexander and/or his mother Olympias may have been involved in the assassination of his father, King Philip II of Macedon, which paved the way for his rise to the throne.
• 😀 Alexander famously cut the Gordian Knot with his sword, fulfilling the prophecy that whoever untied it would become the king of Asia.
• 😀 He led the Macedonian army to defeat the Persian Empire, ultimately bringing down King Darius III and ending Persian dominance in Asia.
• 😀 Alexander's military brilliance was highlighted by his undefeated record in battle, including his conquest of the Persian Empire, and his decisive victory over King Porus in India.
• 😀 Alexander's mysterious death at the age of 32 remains unresolved, with theories suggesting he succumbed to a fever, poisoning, or a natural disease like typhoid or malaria.

Q & A

What is heterochromia iridum, and how is it related to Alexander the Great?

Heterochromia iridum is a condition where an individual has two different colored eyes. Alexander the Great is said to have had complete heterochromia, with one eye being blue and the other brown, a feature noted by historians like Plutarch and Peter Green.

How did Alexander the Great tame his famous horse, Bucephalus?

At the age of 12, Alexander tamed Bucephalus by recognizing that the horse feared its own shadow. He lured the horse toward the sun, calming it, and eventually won the horse from his father, King Philip, in a wager.

Why did Alexander the Great name so many cities after himself?

Alexander the Great founded or named up to 70 cities during his conquests. Most of these cities were named 'Alexandria' after him, reflecting his ambition and desire to immortalize his legacy. The most famous of these cities is Alexandria in Egypt.

What role did Aristotle play in Alexander's life?

Aristotle was hired by Alexander's father, King Philip, to tutor Alexander. For three years, Aristotle taught him a variety of subjects, including philosophy and science, and gave him an annotated copy of Homer's 'Iliad,' which Alexander took with him during his campaigns.

Who was Roxanna, and how did she influence Alexander's reign?

Roxanna was a Bactrian noblewoman whom Alexander married in 327 BC. She bore him a son and had a significant influence on Alexander’s cultural policies. Her marriage to Alexander symbolized his integration of Persian and Macedonian cultures.

Is it possible that Alexander was involved in the assassination of his father, King Philip?

Although there is no direct evidence, many historians speculate that Alexander or his mother, Olympias, might have been involved in the assassination of King Philip. The motive was likely related to Alexander’s right to the throne, which was threatened by Philip's marriage to Cleopatra.

What is the significance of the Gordian Knot in Alexander’s life?

The Gordian Knot was a complex knot tied by King Midas, with a prophecy stating that whoever untied it would become the ruler of Asia. Alexander, frustrated with traditional attempts, famously sliced through the knot with his sword, symbolizing his boldness and solving the problem in his own way.

How did Alexander the Great defeat the Persian Empire?

Alexander defeated the Persian Empire by winning three major battles against King Darius III, including the Battle of Gaugamela (also known as the Battle of Arbella). Despite being outnumbered, Alexander’s innovative tactics, like the 'phalanx' formation, ensured his success.

What makes Alexander the Great's military record so remarkable?

Alexander the Great is known for never having lost a battle throughout his military career. He led successful campaigns from the age of 18, conquering large portions of the Persian Empire, Egypt, and even parts of India by employing superior tactics and leadership.

What are the theories surrounding Alexander’s mysterious death?

Alexander died suddenly in 323 BC at the age of 32. The exact cause of death is uncertain, with theories ranging from a fever caused by malaria or typhoid to poisoning, with some even suggesting that Aristotle may have been involved. The cause remains one of history’s great mysteries.