Bucephalus

  • Bucephalus (355-326 BCE) was the most famous horse in the Ancient World and belonged to Alexander the Great.

History

  • Bucephalus was described as a massive horse with a massive head. He was Black with a white star on his forehead.
  • His name means, ‘Ox’ ‘Head’ derived from a brand mark on his rear.
    Plutarch related that the horse was untameable but was made a gift to Alexander at the age of 13 when he met him for the first time, and he tamed him.
  • A mythical bond of Immortality formed between Bucephalus and Alexander. Bucephalus was born with a mutation which gave him more toes than an ordinary horse, giving him mythical status. Alexander believed he himself was descended from Achilles through his mother.

Battle of Hydaspes (326 BCE)

  • Bucephalus died after the Battle of Hydaspes in 326 BCE.
  • Alexander buried him in a great tomb and founded the town of Alexandria Bucephala on the right hand side of the Jhelum River.
  • Its location today is unknown, although it may have been near the modern city of Jhelum, Pakistan.

Other Great Horses

  • Asturcus or Genitor
    • Julius Caesar had a favourite horse called Asturcus or Genitor.
  • Incitatus

 

Jhelum, Pakistan

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