#Statement: “Like Hephaestion, who died / Alexander’s lover” — Sufjan Stevens, from “Mystery of Love” These lines from Sufjan Stevens’ song were my introduction to Alexander the Great. Sure, I’d heard the name before, but I didn’t know the first thing about him besides that he was a historical figure somewhere between super old and crazy old. I certainly never imagined this name from the dusty reaches of ancient history could be relevant to me. And then I looked into the story behind those lyrics, and I was shocked at what I learned. One of the most revered men in history had a male lover? Wait, who exactly was Alexander, anyway? And what made him not just great, but the Great? Alexander (356 B.C.E — 323 B.C.E) inherited the kingship of Macedonia from his assassinated father, Phillip II, at the age of 20. When he came to power, Macedonia encompassed the vast majority of Greece, and he dedicated his life to expanding that empire. Alexander became one of the most successful generals i...