Let's have a look at 8 amazing facts about Alexander the Great which probably you are unaware of.
1. He was taught by Aristotle
You all must have heard the name of Aristotle as one of the greatest Philosopher in the History. Phillip II hired Aristotle to educate Alexander when he was 13 year old. While he was getting knowledge from Aristotle, he told Alexander that India is a land of 'Yogis' , they are great philosophers and one day you will meet one of them. During his great conquest, Alexander learnt about the great and wise Sanyasi, Yogi Dandamis, of Taxila , who dwelled deep into the forest.
Alexander sent numerous summons to Yogi , but he refused them. Although Alexander knew that great beings could rarely be lured, still he sent many gifts to Dandamis but he refused. At the end Alexander himself went to meet Yogi and had a discussion with him. At the end Alexander bowed his head to Yogi and left.
2. Alexander never lost a battle in his entire life
Alexander the Greta's military tactics and strategies are still studied in military academies today. His won his first battle at the tender age of 18 . After securing his homeland Greece Alexander went for the world conquest towards east. He won North Africa, Iraq , Iran and some parts of north west India. His most famous battle was against Persian king Darius III.
He defeated the Persian king Darius III and moved further towards India where he taught his last battle, Battle of Hydapus , against king Porus , on Hydapus river (Jhelum) in the Punjab , near Bhera. However Alexander became victorious but it was the most costliest battle for him. He was so impressed by the bravery of King Porus that he allowed him to rule the kingdom. In his father conquest to west ward , Nanda Dynasty was ruling in Magadh. Nanda Army was 5 times larger than the Macedonian Army. Also his army was homesick and exhausted that it refuse to move further after teaching Beas river. Alexander decided to return westward after discussing with his army officers.
3. Alexander's favoriete military tactic was Phalanx
The Phalanx- A rectangular mass military formation made up of closely ranked troops. It was not less than a fighting machine. The spears used by soldiers in Phalanx formation were long, sometimes as long as 5 meter. He learned this battle formation tactic from hi father Phillip II who First learned of it after observing Greek Armies.
The depth of the Phalanx was 120 men who were ordered to presence silence in order to receive command quickly. The Phalanx was armed with helmets (Kranos), Light shields (Pelte), Greaves (Knemides) and a long Pike (Sarissa).
4. Alexander and Roxane, beauty and brain, was his favorite wife
It is said that during his conquest in Iran , Alexander fell in love with Roxane on first sight. She was daughter of Sogdian nobleman named Oxyartes. He was defending the mountain fortress against Alexander itself.
After breaking in through fortress while Alexander sas surveying the captives he saw Roxane and fell in love with her on first sight. He was so fond of her that after meeting her he lost interest from other women. Soon they married each other and Roxane companied Alexander to his Indian conquest and gave birth to his child after his death.
5. Alexander the Great Cheerleader and Greatest orator
Alexander the Great was always loved by his followers because he always affirmed them. He always motivated his Army for their exemplary performance in the battle. He would occasionally name the best warrior and honor them for the bravery. He personally acknowledge the effort and contribution made by each team member. He was a excellent orator which made him popular among each and every soldier. He was considered as confident by many of his followers because he always displayed empathy. He was a true hero among his soldiers.
