Alexander the Great

Alexander is Born

356 BCE

Alexander is born in the ancient capital of Macedonia, Pella.

Alexander Grows Up

Period: 355 BCE to 337 BCE

Alexander grows to be an adult, and throughout this learns about Persian culture, and falls in love with it

Alexander becomes King

336 BCE

His father, Philip II, was assassinated when Alexander was 20. Alexander, being the prince, was next in line for the throne. Alexander was the new king of Macedonia.

The Battle of Granicus

334 BCE

Alexander, sharing his father's dream of conquering the Persian Empire, crossed into Anatolia and invaded Granicus. He quickly won because Darius, the leader of Persia, didn't think Alexander was much of a challenge, sending generals instead of going himself.

Darius's Peace Treaty

333 BCE

After Darius lost at Issus and lost his wife and children, he offered a peace treaty to Alexander. This treaty said that the Macedonians would gain half of the Persian territory, and Darius would get his wife and children back. Alexander declined.

The Battle of Issus

333 BCE

Alexander continues his conquest of Persia by attacking Darius at Issus. Alexander won by using the phalanx, causing Darius to flee, but Alexander captured Darius's wife and children.

The Battle of Guagemela

330 BCE

Alexander attacks Guagemela. He wins, Darius III dies while fleeing, and Alexander becomes the new king of Persia.

Alexander Conquers Egypt

328 BCE

After conquering the Persian Empire, he conquers Egypt. After this he founded the city of Alexandria, which would later become a major city in trade.