Bucephalus or Bucephalas was the horse of Alexander the Great, and one of the most famous horses of classical antiquity. According to the Alexander Romance (1.15), the name "Bucephalus" comes from a brand on the thigh of the horse that looks like a bulls head.
Alexander and Bucephalus by Domenico Maria Canuti, 17th century
A statue by John Steell showing Alexander taming Bucephalus
Alexander and Bucephalus in combat at the Battle of Issus portrayed in the Alexander Mosaic
Alexander III of Macedon, most commonly known as Alexander the Great, was a king of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon. He succeeded his father Philip II to the throne in 336 BC at the age of 20 and spent most of his ruling years conducting a lengthy military campaign throughout Western Asia, Central Asia, parts of South Asia, and Egypt. By the age of 30, he had created one of the largest empires in history, stretching from Greece to northwestern India. He was undefeated in battle and is widely considered to be one of history's greatest and most successful military commanders.
Alexander in the Alexander Mosaic
Archaeological site of Pella, Greece, Alexander's birthplace
Roman medallion depicting Olympias, Alexander's mother
Philip II of Macedon, Alexander's father
