How Tall Was Alexander the Great?

Author Gertrude Brogi

Posted Aug 30, 2022

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Alexander III of Macedon, better known as Alexander the Great, was one of the most successful military commanders in history. He is believed to have been born in Pella, Macedon in July 356 BC and died in Babylon in June 323 BC. Alexander was the son of Philip II of Macedon, who was a king, and Olympias, who was the daughter of Neoptolemus I, king of Epirus.

Alexander had an older sister, Cleopha, and two brothers, Alexander’s father had married Olympias after the death of his first wife, Cleopatra. Philip’s second wife was Audata, a Illyrian princess.

At the age of thirteen, Alexander was placed in the care of the philosopher Aristotle, who taught him literature, medicine, philosophy, and religion. Macedon was at that time a part of the Persian Empire, and in 334 BC, Alexander led his father’s forces against the Persians, defeating them at the Battle of the Granicus.

In the following year, Alexander invaded Persia, defeating the Persian King Darius III at the Battle of Issus. Alexander then proceeded to conquer Egypt, which he did by defeating the Persian forces occupying the country. In 332 BC, Alexander founded the city of Alexandria.

In early 331 BC, Alexander invade Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq), defeating Darius’s forces at the Battle of Gaugamela. Darius was later killed by one of his own generals, and Alexander became the ruler of the Persian Empire.

Alexander then set out on a campaigns of conquest into India. After initially being repelled by the Indian king Porus, Alexander defeated him in the Battle of the Hydaspes River in 326 BC.

Alexander’s army then began its return journey to Persia, but Alexander himself died in Babylon in 323 BC, at the age of 32. The cause of death is uncertain, but it is believed to have been either natural causes or poisoning.

Alexander was a tall man, and ancient sources give conflicting reports of his height. The most reliable source, however, is the historian Plutarch, who wrote that Alexander was “about six feet tall”. This would make him approximately 182cm tall, which is tall for a man of that time period.

How did Alexander the Great measure his height?

Alexander the Great was one of the most successful military commanders in history. He was born in 356 BC in Pella, the ancient capital of Macedon. When he was just 20 years old, he became the king of Macedon after his father, Philip II, was assassinated. In 334 BC, he invaded the Persian Empire, defeating Darius III and creating one of the largest empires in the ancient world.

Alexander was an incredibly tall man, and historical records indicate that he may have been over 6 feet 6 inches tall. This would have made him towering compared to the average man at the time, who was around 5 feet 5 inches tall. Alexander’s height likely contributed to his success as a military leader, as he would have been much more intimidating on the battlefield.

There are multiple ways that Alexander could have measured his height. He could have used a simple measuring device like a ruler or a yardstick. He could also have had someone else measure him with a tape measure. However, the most likely way that Alexander would have measured his height is by using his own body as a reference point.

For example, Alexander could have marked out a certain distance with his feet and then measured how many times his body length it took to cover that distance. This method is not as accurate as using a measuring device, but it would have been good enough for Alexander to get a general idea of his height.

Alexander’s height was just one aspect of his physical appearance that made him stand out from the crowd. He also had a very strong build, with bulging muscles and a broad chest. His hair was dark and curly, and his eyes were a piercing blue. His looks combined with his impressive height would have made him an imposing figure, both on and off the battlefield.

How did Alexander the Great's height compare to other ancient Greek leaders?

In 323 BCE, at the age of twenty-two, Alexander the Great became the king of Macedon upon the death of his father, Philip II. Alexander would go on to conquer most of the known world of his day, creating a vast empire that stretched from Greece all the way to India. In the process, he became one of the most famous and celebrated leaders in history. Alexander was also unusually tall for his day, measuring somewhere between five feet eight inches and six feet tall. This made him significantly taller than most of his contemporaries, including his fellow Greeks.

The average height for a man in ancient Greece is believed to have been around five feet three inches. This is based on the remains of men of that period that have been unearthed and measured. This means that Alexander was at least five inches taller than the average man of his day. There are very few records of the heights of other ancient Greek leaders, but those that do exist indicate that most were of average height or shorter. For example, the famous Athenian general and politician Pericles is thought to have been around five feet five inches tall, while the Spartan king Leonidas I is believed to have been just five feet tall.

Alexander’s height, then, was definitely above average for his day and would have made him stand out in a crowd. It is possible that his tall stature was one of the reasons that he was so successful in battle. His height would have given him an advantage in hand-to-hand combat, and it is also possible that it made him more intimidating to his enemies. In any case, Alexander’s height was certainly one of his distinctive features, and it was one of the things that helped to make him one of the most famous men of his time.

How did Alexander the Great's height compare to other historical figures?

While there are no definitive records of Alexander the Great's height, historical accounts place him at around 5'5" to 5'7", which was considered short for a man of his time. In contrast, the average height for a man in his time period was 5'10". Studies of ancient Greek men suggest that Alexander the Great was likely on the shorter end of the spectrum, although he was still average height for his time and place.

Alexander the Great was one of the most successful military commanders in history. He is best known for his years leading the Macedonian Empire, during which he conquered most of the known world. At the time of his death, his empire stretched from Greece all the way to India.

Alexander the Great's accomplishments are all the more impressive considering his height. In an era when height was associated with physical strength, Alexander's smaller stature may have been seen as a disadvantage. Yet he was able to overcome this obstacle to become one of the most successful military leaders in history.

Alexander the Great's height may have been a disadvantage in some ways, but it did not stop him from becoming one of the most important figures in history. His legacy continues to be felt centuries after his death, and his example continues to inspire people around the world.

How did Alexander the Great's height affect his military campaigns?

Alexander the Great's height is believed to have been between 5'6" and 5'9", which is considered to be average height for a man of his time. Nevertheless, his physical appearance was said to be commanding and he was often described as handsome. It is known that he had a strong jaw, a long nose, and piercing eyes. His height, though not extraordinary, may have contributed to his commanding presence.

Alexander was born in the ancient kingdom of Macedonia in July 356 BC. When he was thirteen, he became the student of Aristotle, one of the greatest philosophers of all time. It is said that Aristotle instilled in Alexander a love of learning and a respect for all cultures.

Alexander succeeded his father, Phillip II, to the throne in 336 BC. He was just twenty years old at the time. Phillip II had been preparing Alexander to be his successor, and had even created a powerful army that was under Alexander's command.

Alexander's first military campaign was against the rebellious Persian empire. He quickly conquered the Persians and moved on to India. He continued his conquests, moving west into Europe. He even crossed the Mediterranean Sea to invade Egypt.

Alexander's victory in Egypt was so complete that the Egyptians hailed him as a god. He was proclaimed the pharaoh of Egypt and founded the city of Alexandria.

Alexander's next goal was to conquer the entire Persian empire. He succeeded in this endeavor, but it was a long and difficult campaign. In the process, he lost many of his men and suffered great hardships himself.

Despite these difficulties, Alexander continued to push forward. He crossed the Hindu Kush mountains into Afghanistan and then invaded India. Once again, he was successful in his conquests, but at a great cost.

Alexander's final campaign was against the powerful empire of Rome. He was unsuccessful in this endeavor, and was forced to turn back. He died in June 323 BC, at the age of 32.

While Alexander's height may not have been extraordinary, it is clear that he was a great military leader. His physical appearance, combined with his charisma and intelligence, helped him to inspire his troops to victory. His height may have also contributed to his ability to intimidate his enemies. Whatever the reason, it is certain that Alexander the Great was one of the most successful military commanders in history.

How did Alexander the Great's height affect his political career?

There are many historical figures whose physical attributes have been the subject of speculation and debate. One such individual is Alexander the Great, who was one of the most successful military commanders in history. Alexander was thought to be quite tall, and there is some evidence to support this claim. For example, one of Alexander's contemporaries, the historian Arrian, wrote that Alexander was " taller than the average man."

Alexander's height may have given him an advantage in his military career, as he would have been able to see over his troops and survey the battlefield from a higher vantage point. In addition, Alexander's height may have made him more physically imposing, which could have made it easier for him to intimidate his enemies.

However, it is also possible that Alexander's height could have been a disadvantage in some situations. For example, if Alexander had been too tall for his horse, it would have been difficult for him to maneuver in battle. In addition, Alexander's height may have made him a more visible target for enemy arrows and spears.

Overall, it is difficult to say definitively how Alexander's height affected his political career. However, it is clear that his height was something that people noticed and commented on, and it is possible that it gave him both advantages and disadvantages in his military and political endeavors.

How did Alexander the Great's height affect his personal life?

Alexander the Great was one of the most successful military commanders in history. He was also one of the tallest men of his time, standing at around 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 meters). This gave him a significant advantage in combat, as he could easily see over the heads of his enemies and raining down blows on them. However, his height also had a number of negative effects on his personal life.

For one, Alexander's height made it difficult for him to find clothes that fit properly. This was a constant source of frustration for him, as he was often forced to wear ill-fitting clothes that made him look like a clown. His height also made it difficult for him to find horses that were big enough to carry him. This meant that he was often forced to ride smaller horses, which made him look even more out of proportion.

Alexander's height also caused him a great deal of pain in his feet and legs. Because of the extra weight that his taller frame carried, his feet and legs were constantly sore. This made it difficult for him to walk long distances, and he often had to be carried by his men when he was tired.

Despite these negative effects, Alexander's height did not seem to hold him back from achieving his goals. He was still able to lead his armies to victory, and he is remembered as one of the greatest military commanders of all time. It is clear that his height did not ultimately prevent him from leading a successful and fulfilling life.

How did Alexander the Great's height influence how he was perceived by others?

Alexander the Great's height certainly influenced how he was perceived by others. Though historians cannot be certain of Alexander's actual height, they do know that he was considerably taller than the average man of his time. This physical difference would have been quite noticeable and would have caused others to view him as a giant among men.

Alexander's height may have also helped him to intimidate his enemies. In battle, he would have towered over his opponents, making him an imposing figure. This would have made it difficult for his enemies to concentrate on fighting him, and they may have been less inclined to take him on directly.

In addition, Alexander's height may have made him seem more approachable and easier to trust. People tend to view tall people as leaders and authoritative figures, so others may have been more likely to follow Alexander and trust his decisions.

Overall, Alexander the Great's height was likely a significant factor in how he was perceived by those around him. His physical stature would have made him stand out in a crowd and given him an advantage in battle. Additionally, his height may have made him seem more trustworthy and like someone people could follow.

What medical conditions did Alexander the Great suffer from due to his height?

Alexander the Great was one of the most successful military commanders in history. He was also one of the tallest men of his time. Historical records indicate that he stood at about 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m) tall.

However, Alexander's height may have been the source of some of his medical problems. For example, his height may have made him more susceptible to Leriche syndrome, a condition characterized by narrowed arteries in the legs. This can lead to severe leg pain and a loss of feeling in the extremities.

Alexander also suffered from hydrocephalus, a condition in which fluid accumulates in the brain. This can cause a number of problems, including seizures, loss of coordination, and intellectual impairment.

It is likely that Alexander's height also contributed to his early death. At the age of 32, he suddenly became ill and died a few weeks later. The cause of his death is uncertain, but it is speculated that he may have succumbed to an infectious disease, such as malaria or typhoid fever.

In conclusion, Alexander the Great's height may have been both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it may have helped him to be successful in battle. On the other hand, it may have also contributed to some of his serious medical conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate are the portraits of Alexander the Great?

In general, the portraits of Alexander the Great reflect his real appearance to some degree; however, it is generally agreed that Lysippos's renderings are most accurate.

What does the Alexander mosaic depict?

The Alexander mosaic depicts the Battle of Gaugamela in 331 BC between the armies of Alexander the Great and Darius III. The scene shows Alexander's forces attacking Darius' elephants from the front, while his cavalry feints a retreat to lure Darius's forces away from their centre. In the background, Greek infantry advances on both flanks.

Why is Alexander the Great so famous in ancient Greece?

There are many reasons why Alexander the Great is so famous, but the main reason is that he was incredibly successful in terms of military coups. He first took over leadership of the army when he was just 18 years old, and by the time he died at the age of 33, he had managed to spread Greek culture all over the East, and even beyond. He also made some significant changes to history by defeating whole kingdoms and creating new ones.

How big was Alexander the Great’s Empire?

At its height, Alexander’s empire stretched all the way from modern-day Italy clear to the Himalayas.

What was Alexander the great's childhood like?

Alexander the great's childhood was spent learning about his kingdom, Macedon, and its traditions from his noble father. He was also tutored by Aristotle, a famous philosopher who helped Alexander grow into an educated young man.

Gertrude Brogi

Gertrude Brogi

Writer at CGAA

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Gertrude Brogi is an experienced article author with over 10 years of writing experience. She has a knack for crafting captivating and thought-provoking pieces that leave readers enthralled. Gertrude is passionate about her work and always strives to offer unique perspectives on common topics.

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