Alexander the Great
Alexander was born on 356 B.C. in Pella the ancient capital of Macedonia, was the son of Philip II, king of Macedonia, and of Olympias, a princess of Epirus. His tutor was Aristotle, who trained him in rhetoric and literature and stimulated his interest in science, medicine and philosophy.
In an amazing eleven-year journey of conquest, young Alexander conquered all the way from Greece to India. Behind him came Greek institutions and the Greek language, which became the standard of the ancient world.
Greek democratic liberty-freedom to think and to speak, and the duty of the individual to take his share in the government of his city was instituted wherever he became master.
With the advent of Alexander came new methods of government in civil, military, and financial administration. Important and far-reaching consequences followed when Alexander adopted Greek as a universal language throughout the empire. Confusing mistakes had constantly occurred when financial and business transactions were conducted through the medium of interpreters; a uniform currency and tongue simplified commerce and also exchange of ideas. Education in the Greek language extended knowledge of Hellenic culture, so that nations which had followed separate lines of thought, traditions, and customs, became members of a common civilization, citizens of the same world.
Greek became the chief agent of the unification of the East and the West.
St. Paul spoke and wrote in Greek; the Gospels were written in Greek so that their message could reach a wide public.
It can with truth be said that Alexander paved the way for Christianity.
Alexander dreamed of a Brotherhood of Man in a world torn by conflicts.
This may forever remain an unattainable goal but he remains the finest symbol of our vision of a United Nations.
Photo on Ptolemy: Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great.jpg
Related Links: Read an Encarta Encyclopedia article about the military genius.
http://encarta.msn.com/find/Concise.asp?z=1&pg=2&ti=03296000
Explore the extensive PBS Online series,
"In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great."
Includes a series overview and pictures.
http://www.pbs.org/mpt/alexander/
Alexander the Great – From history to eternity
Read about the king of Macedonia and one of the greatest generals in history.
Provides a brief summary of his life and accomplishments.
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Forum/8740/Alexander.htm
Take a quick tour through Alexander's life. Features a map of places the
general visited and links to related sites.
http://www.alexanderthegreat.gr/
This page is credited to Ptolemy site address http://groups.msn.com/Ptolemy
