Alexander

Alexander was the son of Philip of Macedon, succeeding him as king when he was 20 years old. From a young age he showed promise as a leader and Philip spared no expense in his education, hiring the philosopher Aristotle to teach him. Alexander proved himself to be an able military commander and under his leadership, Macedonia conquered much of Persia, where Alexander spread Greek culture and ideas. He also adopted some of the behaviors of the Persians, such as adorning himself with luxurious clothes and instituting the Persian custom of kissing the king as a sign of respect. These behaviors led to resentment and near mutiny among his soldiers while fighting in India.

Alexander died after a sudden and brief illness. He may have been poisoned, Plutarch suggests. Plutarch praises him for his respect for women. When the wives and children of Darius were captured by Alexander's armies...