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Alexander the Great was a king of Macedonia and one of the greatest generals in history. He conquered much of what was then the civilized world. Alexander brought Greek ideas and the Greek way of doing things to all the countries he conquered. This great general and king made possible the broadly developed culture of the Hellenistic age.

When Alexander was 13 years old he became the pupil of Aristotle. He was always eager to learn. Aristotle inspired the talented youth with a great love for literature. The boy came to know and like Greek ways of living, and was impressed by the ideals of Greek civilization. He took part in sports and daily exercise to develop a strong body. Aristotle also inspired in Alexander a keen interest in other countries and races of men, and in animals and plants. Alexander’s education was not all from books. He talked with ambassadors from many foreign countries and with other noted men at his father’s court. When he was only 18, he commanded a part of Philip’s cavalry at the battle of Chaeronea. Alexander also acted as his father’s ambassador to Athens.

Alexander was 20 when he became a king of Macedonia. The Greek states had grown restless under Macedonian rule. While Alexander was away making a war on some barbarian tribes in the north, someone spread a story that he was dead. The people in the city of Thebes revolted and called upon the people of Athens to join them. Soon afterward, Alexander appeared before Thebes with his army. His soldiers stormed the city. Every building in Thebes was destroyed, except the temples and the house of the poet Pindar. About 30,000 inhabitants were sold into slavery. Alexander’s action broke the spirit of rebellion in the Greek states. He united the Greek cities in the League of Corinth, and became its president.