Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic Age

Hello! My name is Alexander. A long, long time ago, in the year 356 BC, I was born. I was a prince, and I lived in a faraway land called Macedonia. I loved to learn new things more than anything. I had a very smart teacher who taught me all about the stars, animals, and the big world around me. He made learning so much fun. When I grew up, I became a king, just like my father.

I had a very special best friend. He wasn't a person—he was my horse! His name was Bucephalus, and he was big and strong with a shiny black coat. When I was just a boy, around the year 344 BC, I met him. At first, Bucephalus was scared of his own shadow, and no one could ride him. But I was not afraid. I gently turned him toward the sun so he couldn't see his shadow anymore. I showed him there was nothing to be afraid of. From that day on, he was my best friend, and we were inseparable. He was the bravest horse, and he carried me on all of our amazing adventures across the world.

Bucephalus and I traveled to so many new and exciting places together. We rode across giant deserts where the sand was warm, and we saw tall mountains that touched the sky. Everywhere I went, I met new people and learned about their homes. I loved building brand new cities for people to live in. Around the year 331 BC, I began building some of my most famous cities. I named many of them Alexandria, after me! I lived a life full of adventure. I lived to be 32 years old and passed away in the year 323 BC. Today, people still read stories about me and my brave horse. My story helps people remember to be curious and brave in our big, wonderful world.