Schoolcraft College

Aristotles Influence on Alexander the Greats Education

Bonnie Hamilton
Ancient World History 134
Professor Kimberly Lark
July 25, 2016

Hamilton

Alexander the Great is arguably one of the most influential and successful leaders during
the Hellenistic age, as well as throughout ancient history. A man whom: expanded his empire to
be the largest in a few years, respected other cultures and an ingenious warrior. These unique
accomplishments and traits can be attributed through Alexanders childhood tutor, Aristotle,
whom greatly influenced his education as a young adult.
In 343 BC, Philip II hired Aristotle to tutor his son, Alexander. For the next seven years,
Aristotle taught Alexander about politics, art, culture, etc., until he gained the throne of
Macedonia preceding the death of his father (Mark). The Hellenistic period is known as the era
when Greek culture flourished. Ulrich Wilcken, in his publication Alexander der Grosse
(Alexander the Great), highlights the fact that Aristotle introduced Alexander to Greek culture,
which is arguably the foundation in which Alexander led the Hellenistic era to victory (Wilcken).
When Alexander commenced his valiant conquests, Aristotles influence remained; this can be
seen in the latter's skillful and diplomatic handling of difficult political problems throughout his
career. Alexander's habit of carrying books with him on campaign and his wide reading have
been attributed to Aristotle's influence as has Alexander's appreciation for art and culture
(Mark). Aristotle left an impression on Alexander, which led him to commence his own thought
and opinions. Additionally, Alexander learned from him not only ethics and politics but some
of his more profound and secret doctrines (Phillips 243). However, as Aristotle began to publish
his doctrines, letters exchanged by the two gentlemen imply Alexanders frustration of the
doctrines being public knowledge. Despite the fact that Alexander carried Aristotles influence
with him, he did establish his own though when it came to politics: Aristotles political thought
had little effect on Alexander is clear from the contrast between Politics and Alexanders known
career (Phillips 243).

Hamilton
Nonetheless, Alexander was unique in that, under Aristotles guidance Alexander
learned to be sensitive toward people and cultures in a way that no ruler before him and few
rulers after him did (Bose). He may have been lionhearted on the outside, but Alexander the
Great was cultured and wise to the core, thanks to Aristotle.

Hamilton
Works Cited
Bose, Partha Sarathi. Alexander the Great's Art of Strategy: The Timeless Lessons of History's
Greatest Empire Builder. London: Profile, 2003. Print.
Mark, Joshua J. Ancient History Encyclopedia Limited. 2009. Web. July 2016.
Phillips, E. D. The Classical Review 20.2 (1970): 243. Web. July 2016.
Wilcken, Ulrich. Alexander Der Grosse. Leipzig: Quelle & Meyer, 1931. Print.