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Tessa Van Laare

HIST 134
July 24, 2016

Aristotles Impact on Alexanders Education

Aristotle was called by King Philip II to tutor his son, Alexander, in 343 BC at the
Temple of the Nymphs at Meiza. Aristotle was responsible for teaching Alexander philosophy,
politics, art, science, literature, medicine and much more. Aristotles influence impacted
Alexander the Great in many ways. He was his teacher, mentor, and guide. It was even thought
that Alexander greatly admired Aristotle and grew closer to him than to his own father
(OBrien, 19). The two men remained friends and stayed in contact long after Alexander was put
on the throne. Aristotles influence can be seen through Alexanders handlings on political
problems, his appreciation for culture, and his leadership abilities.
Alexander was known for his love and appreciation of the Greek culture. Alexander was
taught about the Greek culture by his tutor, Aristotle. This influence helped Alexander to spread
the Greek language and culture throughout his entire empire. Under the teachings of Aristotle,
Alexander become a lover of reading and literature. Aristotle passed on his deep love of poetry
and the Greek culture onto Alexander from a young age (Fuller, 57). This love of Greek was
what drove Alexander to spread the Greek culture throughout his entire empire. This was done
through the establishment of one currency, the spread of the language, literacy, and education,
and the spread of the Greek gods (Ferguson, 14). The Greek culture influenced the social and
economic development of Alexanders empire during this time.

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Alexander was a military genius. He had an incredible mind in regards to military
strategies and tactics, even from a young age (Stoneman, 6). Alexanders tutor, Aristotle can be
responsible for helping grow and culture Alexanders intelligence and thought process. He was
able to take his fathers strong and powerful army and use that to conquer many cities. Aristotle
taught Alexander important lessons such as Treat each situation as unique, and draw
conclusions only after all of the evidence has been assembled and analyzed (OBrien 19). It is
also thought that Aristotle gave Alexander a copy of The Iliad, which Alexander used as a war
handbook. Apparently, Alexander had this book by his side during all of his major victories.
Aristotles valuable insight helped guide Alexander to an astounding number of military
victories.
Alexander was a leader. One example of Aristotles influence over Alexander was
through the study of medicine. Since Aristotle was the son of a physician, he taught Alexander
everything that he knew. This is turn, allowed Alexander to be able to tend to the wounds of his
soldier and advise other doctors (OBrien, 19). Alexander was a powerful persuader which in
turn guaranteed him to be a powerful and successful ruler of the people. Aristotles teaching and
education allowed Alexander to equip himself with the skills and knowledge that he would need
to run an entire empire successfully.
In conclusion, it was the education of Alexander by Aristotle that shaped the person he
became. Aristotle helped Alexander develop into the powerful and successful ruler that would
eventually be known as Alexander the great.

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Works Cited
Mark, Joshua J. "Aristotle ." Ancient History Encyclopedia . N.p., Sept. 2009. Web. 24 July
2016. <http://www.ancient.eu/aristotle/>.
"Alexander the Great Biography ." Biography.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 July 2016.
<http://www.biography.com/people/alexander-the-great-9180468>.
"Alexander the Great of Macedon Biography ." History of Macedonia. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 July
2016. http://www.historyofmacedonia.org/AncientMacedonia/AlexandertheGreat.html>
"Alexander the Great and his Mentor - Aristotle ." MGBS. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 July 2016.
<http://mgbs.com/alexander-the-great-and-his-mentor-aristotle>.
O'Brien, J M. Alexander the Great: The Invisible Enemy: A Biography. N.p.: n.p., n.d. 19. Web.
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Stoneman, Richard. Alexander the Great. N.p.: n.p., n.d. 6. Web. 24 July 2016.
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