How Tall Was Alexander the Great, Really?

In the realm of historical enigmas, Alexander the Great stands tall—both figuratively and, as some speculate, literally. The question of his height has lingered for centuries, a tantalizing puzzle amid tales of conquest and empire. Was he a towering figure, casting a long shadow over his adversaries? Or did his stature belie his legendary status?

Delving into ancient texts and archaeological clues, we embark on a quest for truth. Join us as we unravel the mystery of Alexander’s height, peering through the mists of time to uncover the measure of the man behind the myth.

How Tall Was Alexander the Great?

Accounts of Alexander’s actual height vary. Some ancient sources provide tantalizing clues, while modern scholars have tried to extrapolate based on skeletal evidence. However, a degree of mystery remains when it comes to the stature of this towering historical figure.

Subject	Height
Alexander the Great	5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)

Accounts of Alexander’s Height from His Time

Some ancient accounts provide estimates of Alexander’s height. The exact height of Alexander the Great is unknown, but he is believed to have been around 5 feet and 6 inches (1.68 meters) tall. Plutarch wrote Alexander was of “short stature,” but mentioned he appeared taller due to his erect posture and habit of wearing platform boots. However, Plutarch likely never saw Alexander in person. Other ancient writers characterized Alexander as short or of below-average height.

Alexander the Great Height

Alexander the Great Height was, as there is no surviving record of his height. However, based on his stature in portraits and sculptures, it is estimated that he was between 5’4″ and 5’8″ tall. This would have made him slightly above average height for a Macedonian man in his time.

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Subject	How Tall Was Alexander the Great
Height	5 feet and 6 inches (1.68 meters)
Source	Ancient accounts, armor size, and skeletons of contemporaries
Note	The average height of people in the ancient world was shorter than it is today, so Alexander may have been considered to be of average height for his time.

Modern Estimates of How Tall Was Alexander the Great

In the modern era, estimates of Alexander’s height have tried to extrapolate from his remains. Alexander’s skeleton has never been found, but the bones of his father Philip II were discovered in a royal tomb in Greece in the 1970s. From the size of Philip’s femur bone, scientists estimate he stood about 5’7”. Since ancient writers stated Alexander was shorter than his father, it’s reasonable to deduce he may have been around 5’5” or so. However, some scholars have argued Philip’s remains may not have belonged to Alexander’s biological father. So ultimately there is still debate around Alexander’s exact height.

Why Alexander’s Height Fascinated People

So why has Alexander’s physical stature received so much attention over the centuries? There are several reasons his height fascinated both his contemporaries and later generations.

Height Seen as Indicator of Power and Strength

In the ancient world, physical size and stature were often equated with qualities like strength, bravery, and leadership. Standing over 6 feet tall was very rare. Given this context, Alexander’s relatively short height for a famed military leader seemed incongruous with his reputation for greatness. Some saw his conquering of so much territory as proof he overcame his stature.

Alexander Wanted to Appear Taller to Intimidate Enemies

Alexander was surely aware of how his height could undermine his authority. Ancient accounts suggest Alexander took measures to appear taller, likely to intimidate enemies. This included wearing custom armor that lengthened his limbs and elevated boots to gain extra height. Artwork from Alexander’s time may have also deliberately exaggerated his height for propaganda purposes.

Alexander’s Height Compared to Other Leaders

How did Alexander’s stature compare to other famous leaders and warriors of the ancient world? Understanding this context shows he was not unusually short for the period.

Taller than the Average Man in Ancient Greece

While certainly on the shorter side for a battlefield commander, Alexander still stood taller than the average man at the time. The average Greek man in Alexander’s era was around 5’3” or 5’4”. So even at 5’5”, Alexander was still taller than most people of his day.

Similar Height to Other Famous Military Leaders

Alexander’s height was also comparable to other leaders remembered for mighty exploits. Napoleon measured around 5’6”, while legendary Japanese swordsman Miyamoto Musashi stood around 5’1” or 5’2”. Like Alexander, their physical stature seemed at odds with their battlefield reputations. But their height did not ultimately limit them as commanders.

Alexander’s Own Perception of His Height

Available sources suggest Alexander himself was somewhat self-conscious about his height at times. However, he did not allow it to undermine his supreme self-confidence.

May Have Been Self-Conscious About It at the Times

While proud of his stature as a conqueror, Alexander may have occasionally betrayed sensitivity about his height. Once when visitors burst into laughter seeing him with his shorter bodyguards, Alexander remarked, “I do not see why you find it so amusing that I have mounted such tiny animals.”

Used Custom Armor and Boots to Appear Taller

As mentioned earlier, Alexander combatted his short height by wearing elevated footwear and specially designed armor that made him seem larger. While a practical attempt at intimidation, this choice also suggests Alexander wished to de-emphasize his stature relative to his mythic public image. However, he privately acknowledged his short height at times.

How did Alexander the Great die?

Alexander the Great’s demise in Babylon in 323 BC, 32, remains shrouded in mystery. While some speculate illness, possibly malaria or typhoid fever, others suggest poisoning due to his sudden and severe symptoms. Excessive alcohol consumption has also been proposed as a contributing factor. Additionally, theories of assassination linger, implicating his generals or political rivals. Despite numerous hypotheses, conclusive evidence remains elusive. The uncertainty surrounding his death adds to the enigma of Alexander’s legendary conquests and reign, leaving historians to ponder the fate of one of history’s most iconic figures.

Alexander’s Height and Its Place in His Legend

While obsessed over through the centuries, Alexander’s physical height ultimately matters little compared to the immense scale of his exploits. If anything, it only added to his legend.

Added to His Reputation as A Great Conqueror

In conquering such a vast empire in such a short span, Alexander demonstrated that one’s stature need be no barrier to ambition. In this sense, his relatively modest height for a king only added to his mystique as a remarkably young but world-conquering leader.

Shows How Physical Appearance Affected Perceptions of Power

Debates about Alexander’s height also illustrate how physical appearance colored ancient perceptions of leadership and power. The seeming mismatch between his short stature and enormous deeds fascinated many. But in defying expectations, Alexander proved his supreme ability and will overcome any physical limitations.

Who Defeated Alexander the Great in India?

King Porus, ruler of a region in present-day Punjab, fiercely opposed Alexander the Great’s advance into the Indian subcontinent. Their clash culminated in the Battle of the Hydaspes River in 326 BCE. Despite Porus’s valiant efforts and tactical acumen, Alexander emerged victorious. Remarkably impressed by Porus’s courage, Alexander restored him as a vassal ruler. This encounter stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of both leaders amidst ancient geopolitical strife.

Final Words

In How Tall Was Alexander the Great, the exact height remains elusive centuries after his death. While possibly around 5 feet and 6 inches, some ambiguity persists. However, his stature compared favorably to that of other ancient rulers and military leaders. Though sensitive about his height, Alexander used armor, footwear, and force of personality to counteract his short stature. Obsession over his appearance illustrates how physical size shaped ancient impressions of power and capability. Yet by achieving so much in such a brief life and reign, Alexander demonstrated his height ultimately did not constrain his vaulting ambitions nor limit his conquests.

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