In the 4th century BC, the Greek World faced turmoil as once-great city-states suffered from years of conflict. This changed on a fateful night in July 356 BC when two royal eagles descended from Mount Olympus to herald the birth of Alexander, a boy destined for greatness. Born to a fiercely ambitious father and a devoted mother, a descendant of Heracles and Achilles, Alexander would create a remarkable legacy. Within a decade of his reign, he would rule one of history's largest empires, defeating the Persians, becoming Pharaoh of Egypt, and reaching India all without losing a battle.

Numerous legends surround his life, yet history reveals a man of striking duality - a fierce warrior but a fair ruler, driven by ambition yet burdened by greatness. Such is the story of Alexander the Great, which continues to inspire to this day. (From the publisher)

Contents

• THE MACEDONIAN KINGDOM
• THE PARENTS AND THE BIRTH
• THE YEARS OF YOUTH
• THE FIRST YEAR