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Important
Facts |
| 1. |
Bucephalus
carried Alexander into battle for 18 years |
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At about age 11, Alexander was watching his father (Phillip the
II) and other horsemen choose horses for the Macedonian
cavalry. There was one horse that Phillip wanted, but it was out
of control. No one could ride on it because of this, so Phillip
waved it off. Being strong willed, Alexander was upset to see
such a fine horse wasted, so he argued with his father. Phillip
asked Alexander if he wanted to try to ride
it, almost certain he would fail, but also said that if he could
not ride it he would have to pay 13 talents- this was the cost
of the horse. Alexander agreed to this deal and walked up to the
horse. Alexander noticed that the horse seemed to be afraid of
its own shadow so he turned the horse around so he was facing
the sun. The horse had quickly gotten better and Alexander was
able to get on it and ride it around the field. Phillip was
shocked but proud at the same time. Some people said he even
said to Alexander "Son, you will have to find another
kingdom for you for Macedon is too small." If he did say
this, Alexander must have taken this literally because of his
large empire. Phillip bought
the horse for Alexander, and Alexander named the horse
Bucephalus which means "ox head." Bucephalus took
Alexander into battle for 18 years and when Bucephalus died in
326 B.C.,
Alexander founded a city and named it Bucephala after his friend
Bucephalus. |
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