King of Macedonia
Alexander the Great's IQ is estimated at 150+, placing them in the Genius classification.
This historiometric estimate is based on documented accomplishments, complexity of work, and contemporary accounts from the Ancient Greece era.
Methodology Note: This is a psychobiographical analysis based on documented behavior, contemporary accounts, and historiometric research methods. IQ estimates for historical figures are approximations derived from complexity of work and documented accomplishments. This is interpretation, not clinical diagnosis.
What made Alexander the Great exceptional wasn't just talent—it was a specific configuration of traits that the Ancient Greece rewarded. Understanding that configuration is the point of this page.
Historiometric estimate
Extreme ambition paired with tactical genius. High extraversion and sensation-seeking. Never satisfied, always expanding.
The dominant archetype here is The Hero. This archetype shapes decision patterns: what feels natural, what creates friction, and what blind spots tend to emerge.
Estimated IQ is ~150+. This is a rough historiometric estimate based on documented accomplishments and contemporary accounts—not a literal measurement.
Alexander displayed notable ambition, a trait that shaped their approach to challenges and opportunities.
Alexander had unusual social influence—the ability to make others believe in a vision even when odds seemed unfavorable.
Alexander displayed notable risk tolerance, a trait that shaped their approach to challenges and opportunities.
Context matters: Alexander operated in Ancient Greece, when the path from ambition to impact looked different than it does today. The traits are timeless; the arena was not.
Alexander's greatest strength (Ambition and Charisma) was also their greatest liability when taken to extremes.
The The Hero archetype tends to succeed in environments that reward bold action and long-term vision, but struggles in environments that demand consensus-building.
One pattern worth noting: Alexander's output was most productive when external constraints forced focus. Without structure, the same traits that enabled greatness sometimes led to overreach.
The modern mind most resembling Alexander's profile is likely Peter Thiel. Both share the The Hero archetype and similar cognitive signatures.
For a deeper understanding of Alexander the Great's psychology, consider primary biographies that document behavior patterns, decision-making, and personal correspondence.
Historiometric methods used in IQ estimation are based on research by Cox (1926), Simonton (1994), and others who analyze documented accomplishments as proxies for cognitive ability.
Explore psychological profiles of contemporary figures analyzed with similar methods.
Browse All ProfilesTraits commonly observed in individuals with Alexander the Great's cognitive profile:
Alexander the Great's estimated IQ is 150+, which places them in the Genius classification. This historiometric estimate is based on documented accomplishments, complexity of work, and contemporary accounts—not a literal IQ test score, as standardized testing didn't exist in their era.
Yes, with an estimated IQ of 150+, Alexander qualifies as Genius level intelligence. However, "genius" oversimplifies their profile. Their The Hero archetype, combined with Ambition and Charisma, better explains their exceptional output.
Alexander fits the The Hero archetype. Key traits include Ambition, Charisma, and Risk tolerance. This psychological profile explains both their strengths and documented failure modes.
The closest modern parallel to Alexander the Great is Peter Thiel. This comparison is based on operating style, The Hero archetype, and similar trait configuration—not accomplishment level.
Alexander's profile teaches that extreme strengths create extreme tradeoffs. Their Ambition and Charisma enabled success but also created recurring friction patterns.