Fire from Heaven

by Mary Renault Book 1 in the Alexander the Great Trilogy series.

First published 1969

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Alexander grows up inside the divided court of Philip II of Macedon and Olympias, learning early that family affection, dynastic survival and political loyalty cannot be separated. His taming of Bucephalus, friendship with Hephaestion and education under Aristotle help shape the confidence with which he imagines a larger destiny.

As Philip expands Macedonian power, Alexander serves as regent and commander and fights at Chaeronea. His parents' conflict, Philip's later marriage and the king's assassination leave the young prince facing a disputed succession at the moment when Macedon is preparing to invade Persia.

Historical Periods

Battle of Chaeronea338 BCE Alexander the Great336–323 BCE

Genres

Biographical Fiction Court & Political Fiction

Historical people

Alexander the Great357 BCE–324 BCE Olympias376 BCE–317 BCE Philip II of Macedonc. 382–336 BCE Hephaestionc. 356 BCE–324 BCE Aristotle385 BCE–323 BCE Ptolemy I Soter369/368–282 BCE