Alexander the Great became king of Macedonia at only 20 years old after the assassination of his father, Philip II of Macedon, and within a decade he had conquered one of the largest empires the ancient world had ever seen.

As a teenager, Alexander was taught by the famous Greek philosopher Aristotle, who educated him in philosophy, science, medicine, and literature, shaping the intellectual side of the young conqueror.

According to legend, Alexander proved his brilliance as a boy when he tamed the wild horse Bucephalus after realizing the animal was frightened of its own shadow. But this story is likely more fiction than fact.

Alexander was obsessed with the heroic legends of Achilles and reportedly carried a copy of The Iliad with him on his military campaigns.

In 334 BCE, Alexander launched his invasion of the Persian Empire, beginning a campaign that would ultimately topple the powerful rule of Darius III.

One of Alexander’s most famous early victories came at the Battle of Issus, where his smaller army defeated the much larger forces of Darius III.

Alexander’s army later achieved a decisive triumph at the Battle of Gaugamela, effectively ending Persian resistance and giving him control of the empire.

The city of Alexandria in Egypt was founded by Alexander in 331 BCE and eventually became one of the greatest centers of learning in the ancient world.

Ancient sources claim Alexander founded more than 20 cities across his empire, many of which were named Alexandria in his honor.

During his visit to Egypt, Alexander was declared the son of the god Ammon by priests at the oasis temple of Siwa. He accepted the title, as he believed Ammon to be a form of Zeus.

Alexander’s empire stretched from Greece all the way to the borders of India, making it one of the largest empires ever created by a single ruler.

In 326 BCE, Alexander fought one of his toughest battles at the Battle of the Hydaspes against the Indian king Porus. Alexander was so impressed by the bravery of King Porus that after defeating him he allowed Porus to remain a ruler and even granted him additional territory.

After conquering Persia, Alexander encouraged cultural blending between Greeks and Persians, even adopting Persian clothing and customs during his reign.

In a mass wedding ceremony at the city of Susa, Alexander arranged marriages between dozens of his officers and Persian noblewomen to unite the cultures of his empire.

Alexander himself married a Bactrian (Iranian) princess named Roxana, strengthening ties with eastern territories. However, Alexander is viewed mostly negatively by many modern Iranians.

Alexander was known for personally leading charges in battle, which made him incredibly popular with his soldiers but also put his life in constant danger.

During a siege in India, Alexander was nearly killed when he leapt alone over enemy walls and was struck by an arrow in the chest.

Alexander’s elite infantry force, called the Macedonian phalanx, used extremely long spears known as sarissas that could reach over 18 feet in length.

Alexander’s campaigns spread Greek language and culture throughout the Middle East and Asia, beginning the historical era known as the Hellenistic Period.

Alexander was rumored to have a fierce temper and once killed his trusted general Cleitus the Black during a drunken argument, something he later deeply regretted.

Despite conquering vast territories, Alexander never established a stable system of government for his empire, which contributed to its breakup after his death.

Alexander died suddenly in the city of Babylon in 323 BCE at just 32 years old. The exact cause of his death remains a mystery, with theories ranging from malaria to poisoning to complications from old battle wounds.

After his death, despite having a son, Alexander’s generals fought over control of his empire in a series of conflicts known as the Wars of the Diadochi.

Alexander’s body was placed in an elaborate golden coffin (possibly encased in honey) and eventually transported to Egypt. The tomb of Alexander the Great was reportedly located in Alexandria, though its exact location has been lost to history.

Alexander’s favorite horse, Bucephalus, was so beloved that after the horse died Alexander founded a city named Bucephala in its honor.

Alexander’s legacy influenced later conquerors such as Julius Caesar and Napoleon Bonaparte, both of whom admired his achievements.

Despite being labeled as gay by some people, Alexander was likely bi. He was married to several women and had a legitimate son named Alexander and an illegitimate son named Heracles.