Alexander the Great was a Macedonian king and one of the most successful military commanders in history. He conquered the Persian Empire, which stretched from Greece to Egypt and included parts of modern day India.
Alexander’s father, Philip II, was a great military leader who conquered many lands. Philip taught Alexander how to be a good general and conqueror.
Philip met Olympias at the temple of Artemis in Ephesus. They fell in love and married soon after meeting each other. They had several children together including Alexander, whose name means “defender of men.”
Alexander learned how to ride horses from his father when he was young. He also learned how to fight with swords and spears while learning how to be a soldier like his father. He went on military campaigns with his father at age 16 and became king after his father died at age 20.
Aristotle was Alexander’s teacher for three years when he was 13 years old. Aristotle taught him about politics and philosophy. When Alexander returned from India after conquering it, he brought Aristotle back with him to Macedonia because he wanted to learn more about science and astronomy from him.
Alexander also learned from Ptolemy I Soter (323 BCE – 282 BCE), who became ruler of Egypt after Alexander died.
