Alexander the Great
Son of Ammon
Even though he spent only one year in Egypt, Alexander the Great had a tremendous effect on the country. To the Egyptian natives he was a liberator from Persian rule. He was also a leader who was merciful and allowed them to continue their native customs. To Alexander, Egypt was a country where he would establish the first city to carry his name, Alexandria. It was also a place where he would discover who his true father was.
Alexander's conquest of Egypt was peaceful
and bloodless. He was welcomed by the Egyptians as a delightful
alternative to Persian rule. Within a year's time, Alexander was
made a pharaoh by the Egyptian people. He was given names like
Son of Ra, Ruler of Lower and Upper Egypt, and Horus.
Alexander's Life
Born in 356 BC, Alexander became king of Macedon at the age of 20. He was known as a great leader and soldier, having fought with his father, King Philip of Macedon. Alexander was very smart. His personal tutor for many years was Aristotle himself. But Alexander was also known for his wide range of mood swings. He could go from being extremely generous to fits of uncontrollable anger.
After the murder of Philip, Alexander became King of Macedon. He then began his efforts to expand his empire. Before his death, Alexander conquered Greece, Egypt and most of Persia.