I believe today most people have heard of Alexander the great, but very few know anything about him. After studying his life, I have to say that I am somewhat surprised Hollywood hasn't put out more movies or TV series on the life of this man. There is a 2004 movie starring Collin Farrell and Angelina Jolie called 'Alexander', but the movie did not do well in the United States, and had varying success abroad. The movies' controversial depiction as Alexander as a homosexual in love with his childhood friend Hephestation, had some historians raising objections, along with some other objectionable assumptions or revisions. For whatever reason, for the average viewer, the movie fell flat. The History Channel has also done episodes on Alexander the Great for you history buffs out there. Alexander took at least 3 wives, one of which to a foreign queen named Cleopatra. Alexander was also known to have been educated directly at the feet of Aristotle who would school him in the arts of philosophy, history, literature, etc. Alexander would fall in love with the works of Homer and take the Illiad with him on war campaigns. He believed he was a second Achilles (The movie Troy starring Brad Pitt tells parts of this classic story).

I believe Alexander the great was quite possibly the greatest military general of all time. Beginning his real military leadership at the young age of 16, Alexander would go on to conquer much of the known world by the age of 32. Doing this, he conquered the great Persian empire, along with what is modern day Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkey, etc. It was his military genius, his charismatic leadership, his drive, and his understanding of people and logistics that would set him apart from others throughout history. Alexander it was not only a war general, he was also an incredible warrior. Alexander would fight battles, his men would see him fighting in the front in the thick of the battle. Over and over, the great champions from around the world would call out his name in the heat of battle and charge forward for one on one battle, and again and again Alexander the Great would prevail.

Alexander the Great was no saint. Though he was lauded as a hero to some, he would also be a great villain in the eyes of many nations. Oftentimes when Alexander won a battle, he would kill all the enemy's military aged men and sell the women and children into slavery.