Which Greek philosopher was the teacher of Alexander the Great?

Aristotle was the Greek philosopher who taught Alexander the Great. Aristotle became Alexander’s tutor around 343 BC, when Philip II of Macedon invited him to educate his thirteen-year-old son.

Their lessons likely covered ethics, politics, medicine, natural science, literature, and philosophy. Aristotle also introduced Alexander to Greek literary works, including Homer’s Iliad. Ancient tradition says Alexander treasured an annotated copy of the poem that Aristotle prepared for him.

Aristotle taught Alexander at Mieza, near the Macedonian capital of Pella. Alexander later became one of antiquity’s most successful military commanders, conquering the Persian Empire and spreading Greek language and culture across a vast territory. The exact influence Aristotle had on Alexander is debated, especially because few direct records describe their lessons.

A common mix-up is choosing Plato, who taught Aristotle at Athens’s Academy. Socrates taught Plato, while Aristotle taught Alexander. Aristotle later founded the Lyceum in Athens and became one of the most influential thinkers in Western philosophy.