The most famous conqueror almost didn’t conquer anything. In 334 B.C., Alexander (not the Great, yet) invaded Asia Minor to begin his conquest of the Persian Empire. His first battle was at the River Granicus. The Persian army, stiffened by Greek mercenaries, defended the opposite river bank. The ever-bold Read more…
During his Illyrian campaign, Alexander faced a tough mountain people called the Taulantians. They held the high ground and would be very difficult to dislodge. Alexander had to figure out a way to draw them out into the open where his army’s superior discipline would be an advantage. He decided Read more…
On his return from India, Alexander and his army had to traverse the very dry Gedrosian Desert. At one point, the army was down to its last canteen of water. It was brought to Alexander. He asked if there was enough for everyone and when he was told no, he Read more…
Alexander’s last great battle was in India at the River Hydaspes. He faced his most worthy opponent in this battle. King Porus fought from elephant-back and very nearly defeated Alexander. Porus was wounded by a spear in the battle and his elephant supposedly pulled the spear out. After the battle, Read more…
After Alexander had defeated the Persians in the Battles of Granicus and Issus, he went on to conquer Egypt. Everyone knew the job of conquering the whole Persian Empire was not finished, but Alexander had half and Darius still had a huge army. Darius sent a message to Alexander offering Read more…
Once upon a time, there was a small kingdom in Asia Minor called Gordium. It was ruled by a wise king, but when he died he had no son to replace him. The people were without a leader so they went to the chief priest for his advice. The priest Read more…
The teenage Alexander once accompanied his father Philip on a horse-buying expedition. There was one magnificent stallion that Philip was interested in, but none of his expert horsemen could stay on the horse. Each was bucked off as soon as he got in the saddle. Alexander was watching all this Read more…
Anaximenes was a philosopher famous during his lifetime. He accompanied Alexander the Great in his conquest of Persia. One day, Alexander’s army approached the city where Aniximenes was born. Aniximenes came to Alexander’s tent and Alexander, anticipating what he was about to request, said to Anaximenes: “I swear by the Read more…