Why are you waving your bucephalus mane? Bucephalus - the large horned horse of Alexander the Great

Many people know the name of Alexander the Great (Macedonian king from 336 BC) - a conqueror renowned throughout the centuries. An interesting fact is that Alexander's horse, named Bucephalus, also etched in history along with its owner.

One of the most reliable works on Alexander’s appearance. The only surviving image of the great commander, made from life

We want to tell you a little about how this horse was purchased by the future commander. By the way, the famous ancient Greek philosopher and biographer Plutarch. We hope that ours will bring you at least new knowledge.

Courage was shown with early youth. One day his father, Philip II, was advised to buy a good 11-year-old stallion named Bucephalus.

It should be noted here that the word “Bucephalus” comes from the Greek “Bucephalus”, which means “Bull-headed”. And indeed, the proposed horse had an unusual head shape and resembled a bull.

The price asked by the merchant was truly royal: he set a huge sum of 13 talents, which is equal to approximately 340 kilograms of silver. By those standards it was incredibly expensive even for a very good horse.

However, given the fact that the animal was wild and untamed, Philip, without thinking twice, decided to refuse the purchase.

To this, the offended Alexander, who was 10-11 years old at that time, exclaimed:

“Father, because you don’t know how to ride properly, you are giving up a magnificent horse!”

To this the Macedonian ruler, angry, replied:

“I bet you won't curb him.” However, if you succeed, I will buy it for you.

Alexander quickly returned, approached Bucephalus, grabbed him by the bridle and turned him against the sun. He did this because he immediately noticed how the horse was afraid of its own shadow. Then he began to stroke, talk and run next to the stallion, holding him to his agility. When Bucephalus got used to Alexander’s voice and began to breathe heavily, the future commander threw off his cloak and instantly jumped onto his horse.

At that same second, the horse began to wriggle, jump in different directions and rear up in order to throw off the unfamiliar weight from its back. The boy, holding on as best he could, allowed the animal to “let off steam” and get used to the rider.

So the famous Bucephalus was tamed by Alexander the Great, after which for a long time became a faithful companion, friend and ally of the future conqueror of the world.

Interesting case happened to Alexander's comrade-in-arms during one of his campaigns against Persia. The barbarians kidnapped the royal favorite, as a result of which Alexander announced:

“If my horse is not returned by the appointed time, I will exterminate all your people.”

Of course, Bucephalus was delivered to the ruler safe and sound. It would seem to be a simple case from the realities of the war of that time, but it clearly demonstrates how attached the commander was to his horse.

Alexander the Great on a fragment of an ancient Roman mosaic from Pompeii

It is also useful to know that Bucephalus had one distinctive feature: vestigial toes were clearly visible on his feet.

Alexander took Bucephalus on a campaign to Asia, but took care of his favorite and used other horses in battle. In the battle on the Granik River, one of them was killed under him.

Some authors report that Bucephalus died in a battle with the Indian king Porus in 326 BC. e. , however, Arrian writes about this differently:

« At the place where the battle took place, and at the place from which Alexander crossed the Hydaspes, he founded two cities; one called it Nicaea, because he defeated the Indians here, and the other Bucephalus, in memory of his horse Bucephalus, who died here not from anyone’s arrow, but broken by the heat and years (he was about 30 years old). He shared many labors and dangers with Alexander; only Alexander could sit on it, because he didn’t care about all the other riders; He was tall and of noble character. Its distinctive feature was its head, similar in shape to that of a bull; From her, they say, he got his name. Others say that he was black, but had a White spot, very reminiscent of a bull's head.»

Plutarch reports a compromise that Bucephalus died from his wounds after the battle with Porus.

According to Arrian and Plutarch, Bucephalus was the same age as Alexander; then his death occurred at a very advanced age for horses.

Appearance

Bucephalus had distinctive feature- the horse’s legs were equipped with rudiments of fingers on the sides of the horn-covered middle finger, which, in fact, forms the hoof.

In Western European art, Bucephalus is sometimes depicted in several scenes (for example, in the iconography of The Taming of Bucephalus) as a white war horse.

Memory

The city of Bucephalus, founded by Alexander and named after his horse, exists in our time under the name Jalalpur in Pakistan. It also preserves ruins from ancient times.

In Tajikistan there is Lake Iskanderkul (Alexander’s name in Persian pronunciation sounds like Iskander (Persian اسکندر‎)), named after Alexander, in which, according to ancient legend, his beloved horse drowned.

Write a review about the article "Bucephalus"

Notes

Excerpt characterizing Bucephalus

– Please come inside! – the little girl whispered.
Somehow squeezing past him into the doorway, I entered... There was a suffocating smell of alcohol and something else in the apartment that I could not identify.
Once upon a time, this apparently was a very pleasant and cozy apartment, one of those that we called happy. But now it was real" nightmare", from which its owner, apparently, was not able to get out on his own...
Some broken pieces of porcelain lay on the floor, mixed with torn photographs, clothes, and God knows what else. The windows were covered with curtains, making the apartment dark. Of course, such “being” could only truly inspire mortal melancholy, sometimes accompanied by suicide...
Apparently Christina had similar thoughts, because she suddenly asked me for the first time:
– Please do something!
I immediately answered her: “Of course!” And I thought to myself: “If only I knew what!!!”... But I had to act, and I decided that I would try until I achieve something - or he will finally hear me, or (in the worst case) he will be thrown out the door again.
- So are you going to talk or not? – I asked deliberately angrily. “I don’t have time for you, and I’m here only because this wonderful little man is with me - your daughter!”
The man suddenly plopped down in a nearby chair and, clasping his head in his hands, began to sob... This went on for quite a long time, and it was clear that he, like most men, did not know how to cry at all. His tears were stingy and heavy, and they apparently were very, very difficult for him. It was only then that I truly understood for the first time what the expression “man’s tears” means...
I sat down on the edge of some bedside table and watched in confusion this stream of other people’s tears, having absolutely no idea what to do next?..
- Mom, mommy, why are such monsters walking here? – a frightened voice asked quietly.
And only then I noticed very strange creatures, which literally “in heaps” swirled around the drunken Arthur...
My hair started to move - these were real “monsters” from children’s fairy tales, only here for some reason they even seemed very, very real... They looked like evil spirits released from a jug, which somehow managed to “attach” directly to the poor man’s breasts, and, hanging on him in clusters, with great pleasure “devoured” his almost exhausted vitality...
I felt that Vesta was scared to the point of a puppy squeal, but she was trying her best not to show it. The poor thing watched in horror as these terrible “monsters” happily and mercilessly “ate” her beloved dad right in front of her eyes... I couldn’t figure out what to do, but I knew that I had to act quickly. Having quickly looked around and not finding anything better, I grabbed a pile of dirty plates and threw them onto the floor with all my might... Arthur jumped in his chair in surprise and stared at me with crazy eyes.
- There’s no point in getting soggy! – I shouted, “look what “friends” you brought into your house!
I wasn’t sure whether he would see the same thing that we saw, but this was my only hope to somehow “come to his senses” and thus make him sober up at least a little.
By the way his eyes suddenly went up to his forehead, it turned out that he saw... In horror, he flinched into the corner, he could not take his eyes off his “cute” guests and, unable to utter a word, he only pointed at them with a trembling hand. He was shaking slightly, and I realized that if nothing was done, the poor man would have a real nervous attack.
I tried to mentally turn to these strange monstrous creatures, but nothing useful came of it; they only “growled” ominously, swatting me away with their clawed paws, and without turning around, they sent a very painful energy blow straight into my chest. And then, one of them “came unstuck” from Arthur and, having his eye on what he thought was the easiest prey, jumped straight at Vesta... The girl screamed wildly in surprise, but - we must pay tribute to her courage - she immediately began to fight back, which was strength Both of them, he and she, were the same incorporeal entities, so they “understood” each other perfectly and could freely inflict energy blows on each other. And you should have seen with what passion this fearless little girl rushed into battle!.. From the poor cowering “monster” only sparks rained down from her stormy blows, and we, the three of us watching, to our shame, were so dumbfounded that we did not immediately react, so that although I wish I could help her somehow. And just at the same moment, Vesta began to look like a completely squeezed out golden lump and, becoming completely transparent, disappeared somewhere. I realized that she had given all her childhood strength, trying to defend herself, and now she didn’t have enough of it to simply maintain contact with us... Christina looked around in confusion - apparently her daughter did not have the habit of simply disappearing, leaving her alone. I also looked around and then... I saw the most shocked face that I had ever seen in my life, both then and all subsequent ones long years... Arthur stood in real shock and looked straight at his wife!.. Apparently too much alcohol, enormous stress, and all subsequent emotions, for some moment opened the “door” between our different worlds and he saw his dead Christina, just as beautiful and just as “real” as he had always known her... No words could describe the expressions in their eyes!.. They didn’t speak, although, as I understood, Arthur most likely could her hear. I think at that moment he simply could not speak, but in his eyes there was everything - and the wild pain that had been choking him for so long; and boundless happiness that stunned him with its surprise; and prayer, and so much more that there would be no words to try to tell it all!..

The horse's name was Bucephalus.

Origin stories of the name Bucephalus

I wonder why Alexander chose such a name. This ancient Greek name translates to “bull-headed.” Accurate historical information it is not preserved why he chose it. But there are a number of hypotheses:

Some historians believe that the horse had a large, massive head that resembled the head of a bull. The second version is also related to the appearance of the animal. Scientists talk about the existence of a white spot on the forehead, imitating the same bull's head. Another legend says that Bucephalus was marked with a mark in the form of a bull, since he grew up on the plains of Thessaly, and in those days all animals raised near the city of Pharsala were marked with just such a mark.

History of Bucephalus

Bucephalus was acquired by Alexander's father. He bought it from a merchant for 13 talents. Philip doubted for a long time whether he needed such a purchase. After all, for the money that had to be paid for a horse, it was possible to support a company of soldiers of one and a half thousand people. In addition, the animal had a capricious temper.

But the future king of Macedonia decided to tame the horse, and for this the merchant would reduce the cost of the stallion. Alexander noticed that Bucephalus was afraid of shadows, showed ingenuity and directed him towards the sun. At first everything went calmly, the young man watched the horse, pacifying it a little. He released Bucephalus only when he realized that he did not pose any threat. King Philip silently watched everything that was happening. And when Alexander rode up to him on a horse, he could not hold back his tears. It was at this moment that Philip uttered words that sounded like a prophecy. The meaning of the phrase was this: “Macedonia is small for Alexander, he must find a kingdom that suits his character.”

Bucephalus or (Greek Βουκεφάλας, lit. “bull-headed”; lat. Bucephalus) - ca. 355 - 326 BC e. - favorite horse of Alexander the Great. His nickname is commonly interpreted in different ways. According to one source, it was a massive, tall (approx. 140 cm) horse for its time with a bull-like head. According to others, he was black with a single white spot on his forehead, which closely resembled the head of a bull. According to another legend, he got his name for the bone growths on his head that looked like horns. Researchers also often note that he had a “magpie eye.” According to some sources, he had two underdeveloped toes on his front legs, like the distant ancestor of Meriguppus horses.
Ancient authors say that he was descended from a Barbary stallion and a Thessalian mare. He lived for 25 years (according to other sources, 30 years). According to legend, recorded by the famous traveler Marco Polo during his journey through Badakhshan, he belonged to the breed of Nysian horses (Nysa, the capital of Parthia), distinctive feature which had bone growths above the eyes. Polo also claimed to be the ancestor of the best horses in Asia.

The story goes that this horse was offered to the Macedonian king Philip II by a merchant from Thessaly, Philonicus, for 13 talents (approximately 340 kg of silver), which was a huge sum in those days. Since no one could curb the obstinate animal, the king refused to buy, but Alexander promised to pay for the stallion if he could not tame it. Alexander the Great, at the age of 10 (according to Plutarch), became the only person to whom a wayward 11-year-old horse submitted.

Plutarch spoke about the taming as follows:
“Alexander immediately ran up to the horse, grabbed it by the bridle and turned its muzzle towards the sun: apparently, he noticed that the horse was frightened, seeing a wavering shadow in front of it. Alexander ran next to the horse for some time, stroking it with his hand. Making sure he's calm and breathing full breasts, Alexander threw off his cloak and jumped onto his horse with a light jump. At first, slightly pulling on the reins, he held back without striking him or tugging at the reins. When Alexander saw that the horse’s temper was no longer in danger of any trouble and that Bucephalus was rushing forward, he gave him free rein and even began to urge him on with loud exclamations and kicks. Philip and his retinue were silent, overcome with anxiety, but when Alexander, having turned his horse according to all the rules, returned to them, proud and jubilant, everyone burst into loud shouts. The father, as they say, even shed tears of joy, kissed Alexander as he dismounted from his horse and said: “Seek, my son, a kingdom for yourself, for Macedonia is too small for you!”

Alexander took him on a campaign to Asia, but took care of his favorite and used other horses in battle. In the battle on the Granik River, one of them was killed under him.

Arrian, Curtius and Plutarch tell a story that happened somewhere in the Caspian region of Persia. The local barbarians, the Uxii, stole the horse. Then Alexander ordered that it be returned to him immediately, otherwise he would destroy the entire people. The king’s favorite horse was returned safe and sound, and Alexander, to celebrate, even paid a ransom to the kidnappers.

Once the king, looking at his portrait painted by Apsles in Ephesus, did not give due praise to the artist’s skill. By chance they brought me to the portrait. He, as if alive, greeted the owner depicted in the picture with his neighing. Amazed Apsles exclaimed, “Lord, the horse turned out to be a better connoisseur of art than you.”

Many authors report that he died in a battle with the Indian king Porus in 326 BC. e., Plutarch conveys a compromise that he died from wounds after the battle with Porus. According to Arrian, he was the same age as Alexander; then his death occurred at a very advanced age for horses.

The city, founded by Alexander and named after his horse, exists today under the name Jalalpur in Pakistan. It also preserves ruins from ancient times.

In Tajikistan there is Lake Iskanderkul (Alexandra’s name in Persian pronunciation sounds like Iskander), in which, according to legend, a horse drowned.

WHAT WAS THE NAME OF THE MACEDONIAN HORSE? WHAT WAS THE NAME OF THE MACEDONIAN HORSE?

Bucephalus or Bucephalus (Greek Βουκεφάλας, lit. “bull-headed”; lat. Bucephalus) - the name of the favorite horse of Alexander the Great
History says that Alexander the Great, at the age of 10 (according to Plutarch), became the only person to whom a wayward 11-year-old horse submitted. This horse was offered to the Macedonian king Philip II by a merchant from Thessaly, Philonicus, for 13 talents (according to other sources - 16), which was considered a truly huge sum in those days. However, since no one could curb the obstinate animal, the king refused to buy, but his son Alexander promised to pay for the stallion if he could not tame it.
Plutarch spoke about the taming as follows:

“Alexander immediately ran up to the horse, grabbed it by the bridle and turned its muzzle towards the sun: apparently, he noticed that the horse was frightened, seeing a wavering shadow in front of it. Alexander ran next to the horse for some time, stroking it with his hand. Having made sure that Bucephalus had calmed down and was breathing deeply, Alexander threw off his cloak and jumped onto his horse with a light jump. At first, slightly pulling on the reins, he restrained Bucephalus, without striking him or tugging at the reins. When Alexander saw that the horse’s temper was no longer in danger of any trouble and that Bucephalus was rushing forward, he gave him free rein and even began to urge him on with loud exclamations and kicks. Philip and his retinue were silent, overcome with anxiety, but when Alexander, having turned his horse according to all the rules, returned to them, proud and jubilant, everyone burst into loud shouts. The father, as they say, even shed tears of joy, kissed Alexander as he dismounted from his horse and said: “Seek, my son, a kingdom on your own, for Macedonia is too small for you!”

Alexander took Bucephalus on a campaign to Asia, but took care of his favorite and used other horses in battle. In the battle on the Granik River, one of them was killed under him.

Arrian, Curtius and Plutarch tell a story that happened to Bucephalus somewhere in the Caspian region of Persia. The local barbarians, the Uxii, stole the horse. Then Alexander ordered that Bucephalus be returned to him immediately, otherwise he would destroy the entire people. The king’s favorite horse was returned safe and sound, and Alexander, to celebrate, even paid a ransom to the kidnappers.

“At the place where the battle took place, and at the place from where Alexander crossed the Hydaspes, he founded two cities; one called it Nicaea, because he defeated the Indians here, and the other Bucephalas, in memory of his horse Bucephalus, who fell here not from anyone’s arrow, but broken by the heat and years (he was about 30 years old). He shared many labors and dangers with Alexander; only Alexander could sit on it, because he didn’t care about all the other riders; He was tall and of noble character. Its distinctive feature was its head, similar in shape to that of a bull; from her, they say, he got his name. Others say that he was black, but had a white spot on his forehead, very reminiscent of a bull’s head.”

Plutarch reports a compromise that Bucephalus died from his wounds after the battle with Porus. According to Arrian and Plutarch, Bucephalus was the same age as Alexander; then his death occurred at a very advanced age for horses. The ruins of Bucephala are still preserved in the territory of modern Pakistan.

Many researchers believe that Bukefal was a representative of the Akhal-Teke horse breed.