Alexander fighting Persian King Darius III

This image of Alexander the Great (Alexander III of Macedon, 356-323 BC), the king of Macedon, on his horse Bucephalus fighting the Persian King Darius III, is from Alexander Mosaic from Pompeii, Naples National Archaeological Museum. He held such varied titles as Hegemon of the Hellenic League, Shahanshah of Persia, Pharaoh of Egypt and Lord of Asia.

Alexander, credited in history as the conqueror of one of the largest empires in ancient history, had classical Greek education as a student of the famed philosopher Aristotle, and succeeded his father Philip II of Macedon to the throne in 336 BC after the King was assassinated. He died thirteen years later at the age of 32 in Babylon. Though Alexander's reign and empire were short-lived, the impact of his conquests lasted for centuries. He is remembered for his tactical ability and for spreading Greek culture to the East, heralding Hellenistic civilization.