Alexander the Great, also known as Alexander III of Macedon and, in Iranian and Zoroastrian history, as Alexander the Accursed, was one of the greatest generals of all time. He was born in Pella, in Macedonia, in 356 BCE, succeeding his father, Philip II, to the throne of Macedon at the age of 20. Most of his life as ruler was spent in an intense military campaign across northern Africa and Asia. By the time he was 30, Alexander has created the largest Empire that the world had known up until that time, and one the most extensive still. He remained undefeated in battle and thus is regarded as the foremost military commander in recorded history.
Before his untimely death at the age of 32, Alexander has founded 20 twenties that bore his name. It was on either 10th or 11th June, 323 BCE, that the great general met his demise. There are conflicting reports as to how he died. Many claim that he was poisoned by tainted wine, a deliberate assassination. What is known is that after drinking with Medius of Larissa, he developed a fever and expired 11 days later. There are known to be toxins that could cause such a slow death. He died in Babylon, in the palace of Nebuchadnezzar II, a fitting place, perhaps, for such a renowned person to pass on.
The body of Alexander was placed in a gold sarcophagus to be removed to Macedon for burial. It was stolen by Ptolemy II and taken to Alexandria in Egypt where it remained for many years, being visited by numerous Roman generals such as Pompey, Augustus, Julius Caesar and Caligula. Around 200 CE, the tomb of Alexander was closed to the public and the whereabouts of the remains became unknown after this time. There is much speculation that the recent discovery of a huge burial complex in northern Greece, at Amphipolis, might be the final resting place of Alexander.
Here is a look at this fascinating figure from the ancient world.
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