Alexander the Great

Coronation

336 BCE

Alexander the Great is crowned king of Macedonia at 20 years old. His father, King Philip II had been murdered by a personal body guard and Alexander is crowned as his successor. But the public doesn't realize how intelligent and observing Alexander is at such a young age that he has to win over the people's trust.

The Battle of Granicus

334 BCE

Alexander the Great shared his father's dream of conquering the vast Persian empire. Likewise, he sent troops of men down from Hellespont to Anatolia. King Darius III doesn't think much of this and suspects he isn't very much of a threat. But nonetheless, he sends small troops out to fight the Macedonian king. Alexander is quick to win and the Persians grow more fearful of their enemy.

Failed Treaty

333 BCE

After the Battle of Issus, Darius III offers to make a peace treaty with Alexander the great. He offered all of the land west of the Euphrates river in exchange for his family and a truce covenant between the two lands. But Alexander didn't just want to give away his shot at controlling the Persian empire. So, he denied and continued the war.

The Battle of Issus

333 BCE

At the Battle of Issus, King Darius III fends off the Macedonian army. Alexander's army is much smaller, but with the help of their advanced phalanx formation. Soldiers are tightly packed together, overlapping shields to protect the army and long, 18 ft. spears are used by the Macedonian army. Alexander is too strong, and King Darius III flees. Alexander doesn't go empty handed though, as he kidnaps the Persian king's wife and children.

The Battle of Gaugamela

331 BCE

In a final, desperate fight, the Macedonians and Persians are once again at war. And yet again, Darius's large army is no match for the skillful, ruthless Macedonian army. Out of fear, Darius flees from the scene and on his way to freedom, dies. As the Persians have to forfeit, Alexander is successful in conquering the empire. As the first act of the king, he does something controversial even to the Macedonians. He burns Persepolis to the ground as a representation of their celebration.

The Egyptian Oracle

331 BCE

After conquering the Persian empire, Alexander the great tries to expand towards Africa. He conquers the Egyptians and permits them to keep their religious beliefs and culture, but also brings new ideas to the Egyptians of Greek ways and knowledge. This is where the most infamous Alexandria was located, a hellenistic city, and upon one visit there, he views a religious Oracle. It proclaims that he is the son of god in the eyes of the Zoroastrianism community,

Zeus-ammon.

Alexander's empire

330 BCE

Alexander grew the Persian empire profusely. He expanded down to the tip of Africa to parts of India and Southwest Asia. His empire grew, and many people honored him. He had been very accepting for a conqueror, allowing for conquered people to keep their culture, customs, and personal beliefs. He was so widely respected and respectful that he even married the daughter of the Persian king and adopted some of the customs of Persia to gain trust and support. He led his empire fairly.

The Death of an Emperor

323 BCE

When expanding the empire to India, Persian troops wanted to go home. So on the way back to Greece, Alexander went with his troops. He started becoming I'll, and it is unsure whether he was poisoned or if he died from the plague. But it is clear that Alexander the great died in Babylon at the age of 32.