Ancient History

The Fascinating Story of Alexander the Great’s Stallion

The taming of the untamable of Bucephalus

The taming of Bucephalus by Andre Castaigne (1898–1899). Image source: WikimediaCommons.

They called it a wild beast, as Alexander the Great’s Macedonian subjects fearfully spoke about his vicious stallion, and how strong-willed and untameable he was. According to them, the only one capable enough to handle such a headstrong creature was the Great Alexander.

But this strong and free-spirited stallion brought his master halfway around the world and back as he faithfully carried him on his back through countless battles.

It was love at first sight, and the love and deep friendship between horse and man only grew and progressed until Bucephalus suddenly died in Alexander’s last battle, the battle of Hydaspes. Their strong bond was so special that Alexander even named a city in honour of his beloved companion. Destiny had brought them together and only death could separate them.

Thessaly

The view of Meteora Monasteries, Thessaly. Image source: WikimediaCommons.

Bucephalus was born in Thessaly, a small corner of northern Greece, squeezed between an amazing upland of impressive mountain masses on three sides and a generous…