Alexander the Great

Alexander's Birth

356 BCE

Alexander the Great was born on July 20, 356 BCE in the Pella, Macedonia. His parents are King Philip II and Queen Olympias, daughter of King Neoptolemus.

Philosopher Aristotle tutors Alexander

343 BCE

King Philip II hired Aristotle to tutor Alexander for 3 years about philosophy, geography, poetry, and so on. Homer's Iliad inspired Alexander to become a warrior.

Alexander Joins the Army

340 BCE

After getting inspired to become a warrior, Alexander joins his father's army.

Alexander's First Battle

338 BCE

Alexander helped his father, King Philip II, win the Battle of Chaeronea, battle against Athenians and Thebans. Alexander attacked against Thebans while his father attacked the Athenians. This battle lead his empire to expand throughout Greece except Sparta.

King Philip's Death and Alexander Becoming the King

336 BCE

In October 336 BCE when King Philip II was attending his daughter's wedding , he was murdered by a Macedonia noble, the Pausanias. At the age of 19 Alexander, determine to seize the throne back, gathered help from the Macedonian troops and generals he fought with in the Battle of Chaeronea. Olympia also ensured Alexander's throne by slaughtering King Philip II's daughter and Cleopatra. She drove Cleopatra to suicide. At the age of 20, Alexander took the throne.

Thebe's Rebellion

335 BCE

After Philip died, the Thracians and Illyrians rose up in rebellion and that inspired Thebes to rebel. The reason was that they thought Alexander won't be a strong ruler like his father. Alexander quickly ended the Thebes' rebellion and enslaved the Thebans . That showed that if any rebellion happens against Alexander the result will be like Thebes to other city states.

The Battle of Granicus

334 BCE

Alexander wanted to fulfill his father's dream by conquering Asia even though Macedonia was in a bankrupt. Alexander borrowed money and marched to Asia with his army in spring. The battle took place in the Granicus River against Darius III's army.

The Legend of Gordian Knot

333 BCE

During his conquest, Alexander the Great and his army went to Gordian and took a rest. In Gordian, theres was a legendary knot, where whoever can solve it is going to rule Asia.

Alexander Conquering Egypt

332 BCE

After defeating Syria, Alexander the Great easily conquered Egypt after besieging Gaza. He created a city of Alexandria (one of the many cities he named after himself) for making to be a hub of Greek commerce and culture.

Alexander Conquering Babylonia

331 BCE

Alexander the Great defeated Darius I,King of Persia, in the Battle of Gaugamela. In October 18, 331 BCE, he moved on to the next major Persia city, Babylon, he seized their treasure and distribute among his men. He incorporated Persian culture and customs to keep his empire together.

Alexander's Marriage

327 BCE

Alexander married Roxane, the daughter of Prince Oxayartes of Iran. His marriage was a alliance to insult Barsine.

The Battle of River Hydaspes

326 BCE

The battle of River Hydaspes took place in the River Hydaspes against King Porus. Porus' army was outnumbered and used elephants, but Alexander still defeated them. After winning the battle, his army returned to Babylon.

Alexander's Death

323 BCE

Alexander the Great died of malaria in Babylon (present day Iraq), on June 13, 323 BCE. He was just 32 years old. After his death, his nation collapsed and 3 of his commanders fought for power. Eventually the nation was separated into 3 and developed hellenistic, incorporated Egypt, Macedonia, and Syria.