Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great (356-323 BC), King of Macedonia and conqueror of the Persian Empire. Educated by Aristotle, he succeeded his father Philip II in 336. In 334 he began his ten-year campaign against Persia. In Egypt he was hailed as the son of the god Ra and founded Alexandria, which became a centre of Greek culture. He continued through Babylon and Afghanistan, and married the Asian princess Roxane. In 327 he set out for India but after a fierce battle his men refused to follow him any further and he was forced to turn back. At Susa he took the daughter of Darius, king of Persia, for his second wife. A great tactician and leader, he was often led by his headstrong character into deeds of extravagant bravery. He was taken ill after a banquet and died ten days later, aged 32. As he had left no heir, his empire was divided up by his generals. However, his forceful personality ensured that his name lived on after his death and he has become a legendary hero.
