Alexander the Great

unknown (possibly after Philoxenos of Eretria), Alexander Mosaic, c. 100 BCE, mosaic, 272 x 513 cm, National Archaeological Museum, Naples

Alexander the Great (356-323 BCE) is a historical hero--a Macedonian general known for creating one of the world's largest empires, spanning from south eastern Europe to India.  Perhaps most notable was the defeat of Darius III and conquest of Persia.

Popular scenes include the battle with Darius, taming the wild horse Bucephalus, and "untangling" the legedary Gordian knot by cutting it apart with his sword.