Born: Pella, Ancient Greece
Famous for: Conquering much of the known world and spreading Greek culture.
Biography: Alexander the Great (356 BC – 323 BC) was the King of Macedon and one of the most successful military commanders in history. He created one of the largest empires of the ancient world, stretching from Greece to Egypt and into northwest India. His tactics and battles are still studied in military academies worldwide.
Born: Alopece, Athens
Famous for: Socratic Method and being a foundational figure in Western philosophy.
Biography: Socrates (470 BC – 399 BC) was a Greek philosopher credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy. Known for his Socratic method, he questioned people’s beliefs and was tried and executed for corrupting the youth of Athens.
Born: Stagira, Greece
Famous for: Foundational contributions to logic, philosophy, and the natural sciences.
Biography: Aristotle (384 BC – 322 BC) was a Greek philosopher and polymath who studied under Plato and tutored Alexander the Great. His contributions to philosophy, logic, ethics, and many other fields have shaped Western thought for centuries.
Born: Athens, Greece
Famous for: His philosophical dialogues and the theory of forms.
Biography: Plato (428/427 BC – 348/347 BC) was a philosopher and founder of the Academy in Athens. A student of Socrates, Plato wrote influential works that explored the nature of reality, politics, and knowledge.
Born: Athens, Greece
Famous for: Leading Athens during its Golden Age and promoting democracy.
Biography: Pericles (495 BC – 429 BC) was an influential statesman and general during Athens’ Golden Age. He promoted democracy and led Athens in the Peloponnesian War. His era saw the construction of the Parthenon.
Born: Ionia (modern-day Turkey)
Famous for: Author of the 'Iliad' and 'Odyssey.'
Biography: Homer was an ancient Greek poet traditionally said to be the author of the 'Iliad' and the 'Odyssey.' His epic poems are fundamental to the Western literary tradition and provide insight into ancient Greek culture and values.
Born: Samos, Greece
Famous for: The Pythagorean Theorem.
Biography: Pythagoras (570 BC – 495 BC) was an ancient Greek mathematician and philosopher, best known for the Pythagorean theorem. He founded a religious movement based on his ideas, including the belief in the transmigration of souls.
Born: Colonus, Athens
Famous for: Tragedy plays, including 'Oedipus Rex.'
Biography: Sophocles (497/6 BC – 406/5 BC) was a playwright and one of the three ancient Greek tragedians whose complete plays have survived. His works, including 'Oedipus Rex' and 'Antigone,' are cornerstone texts of Western literature.
Born: Alexandria, Egypt
Famous for: 'Elements,' a foundational text in geometry.
Biography: Euclid (circa 300 BC) was a Greek mathematician known as the 'father of geometry.' His work, 'Elements,' is one of the most influential works in the history of mathematics.
Born: Syracuse, Sicily
Famous for: Mathematical contributions and inventions like the Archimedean screw.
Biography: Archimedes (287 BC – 212 BC) was an ancient Greek mathematician, engineer, and inventor. He is known for his work in geometry, calculus, and for inventions like the Archimedean screw.