The body of Alexander the Great was preserved in honey, and his name was given to more than 70 cities.
Alexander the Great remains one of the most legendary military leaders in history. His intellectual curiosity, unmatched strategic brilliance, and the enigma surrounding his death have fueled countless stories and historical analyses. From his early education under Aristotle to his vast empire and the debate over his cause of death, Alexander’s legacy endures.
Here are eight fascinating facts about his life and death:
1. Educated by Aristotle but Influenced by Many
Alexander's father, King Philip II of Macedon, ensured his son received the finest education, entrusting his tutoring to Aristotle. However, Alexander’s interest in philosophy extended beyond his formal education.
One of the most famous stories about him involves the philosopher Diogenes. When Alexander, already a powerful leader, asked Diogenes if he could offer him anything, the philosopher famously replied: "Yes, move aside; you are blocking my sunlight."
Later, while in India, Alexander paused his military campaign to engage in philosophical discussions with Hindu ascetics—wise men who rejected material possessions and clothing as a sign of their renouncement of worldly vanity.
2. He Never Lost a Single Battle
Alexander's military genius continues to be studied in war academies worldwide. From his first victory at the age of 18 to his last battle, he remained undefeated. His strategic use of the Macedonian phalanx and the long spears (sarissas) allowed his army to keep enemies at bay while maintaining formation.
3. Over 70 Cities Were Named After Him
Wherever he went, Alexander left a lasting mark by founding cities named after himself. The most famous is Alexandria in Egypt, which became a major center of learning and culture.
Other cities named after him were established in modern-day Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. After the battle in India where his loyal horse, Bucephalus, succumbed to injuries, Alexander founded a city in his honor, Bucephala.
4. Love at First Sight: His Marriage to Roxana
After conquering the Sogdian Rock, Alexander met Roxana, the daughter of a Bactrian noble. Her name means “star” in the Bactrian language. Their love story unfolded quickly, and they married almost immediately. Roxana later gave birth to their son—after Alexander’s death.
5. His Claims of Divine Heritage
According to Plutarch’s writings, Alexander's body emitted a fragrant aroma, and even his breath scented his clothes. These descriptions contributed to his deification, reinforcing his own claims that he was a son of Zeus.
6. He Embraced the Cultures He Conquered
After six years of conquests, Alexander captured Persepolis, the heart of the Persian Empire. Instead of destroying its traditions, he began adopting Persian royal attire and customs.
He also promoted cultural integration, encouraging his soldiers to marry Persian women. This led to the mass wedding in Susa, where 92 Macedonian officers married Persian brides.
7. The Mysterious Circumstances of His Death
In 323 BCE, after drinking a bowl of wine, Alexander fell gravely ill. Two weeks later, at the young age of 32, he died.
Many suspected poisoning, particularly given that his father, Philip II, was assassinated. However, modern theories suggest possible natural causes such as malaria, typhoid, respiratory infection, or liver failure.
8. His Body Was Preserved in Honey
Plutarch wrote that Egyptian embalmers handled Alexander’s body. However, Victorian-era Egyptologist Wallis Budge proposed that his body was submerged in honey to prevent decay.
One or two years after his death, his body was being transported to Macedonia, but his general Ptolemy seized it and took it to Egypt, hoping to legitimize his claim as Alexander’s rightful successor.
An Enduring Legacy
The location of Alexander’s tomb remains one of history’s greatest mysteries, but his impact on the world is undeniable. His military tactics, cultural influence, and the myths surrounding him continue to shape history, proving that even in death, Alexander the Great lives on.
