Alexander
Son of Philip and Olympias, was surnamed The Great. He was born B. C. 355, on the night on which the famous temple of 1 Diana at Ephesus was burnt. This event, according to the magicians, was a prognostic of his future greatness, as well as the taming of Bucephalus, a horse which none of the king's attendants could manage. Philip, it is recorded, said, with tears in his eyes, that his son must seek another kingdom, as that of Macedonia would not be large enough for him.
He was educated by Aristotle, who exercised a great influence over his mind. He built a town, which he called Alexandria, on the Nile. His conquests were extended to India, where he fought with Porus, a powerful king of the country, and after he had invaded Scythia, he retired to Babylon laden with spoils. His entry into the city was predicted by the magicians as to prove fatal to him.
He died at Babylon in his thirty-second year, after a reign of twelve years and eight months of continual success. B. C. 323. There were a number of others of the same name, but of less celebrity.