Alexander the Great

Birth of Alexander the Great

356 BCE

Alexander the Great was born on July 20 356 B.C in Pella, Macedon. He was the son of Philip II of Macedon and Olympius of Epirus. He spent much of his childhood learning how to be a leader.

Alexander's Childhood

344 BCE

Alexander the Great had a childhood of a noble boy. He learned to read and write as well as fighting and hunting, and also knew how to tame horses and was taught to be brave. Aristotle was Alexander the Great's teacher. He taught him many things including philosophy, religions, medicine, and morals.

Alexander's First Experience as a Leader

340 BCE

At the age of 16, Philip II left Alexander in charge while he was away on campaign. Alexander took this advantage and defeated a group of people called the Maedi and founded Alexandroupolis, a city named after himself.

Alexander becomes King of Macedonia

336 BCE

After his father's assassination at his daughter's wedding in 336 B.C, there were other heirs to the throne and he was determined to be next in line for the throne. He had support from generals, troops, and his mother. His mother killed Philip II's daughter, Cleopatra, to ensure that he will become king of Macedonia. Alexander became king at the age of 19.

Alexander Defeats the City of Thebes

335 BCE

After his father's death Alexander moved against Thebes, a city in Greece that had risen up in rebellion, conquering it and had it destroyed. This led to the building of his great empire.

Battle of Granicus

334 BCE

The battle of Granicus is the first major battle against the Persian army. This battle took place in the Northern coast of modern day Turkey on May 334 B.C. Although the Persian army numbered 10,000 cavalry and 5,000 Greek mercenary infantry while Alexander’s army numbered 13,000 infantry and 5,000 cavalry, the Persians still lost due to the 5,000 horsemen Alexander placed.

Battle of Issus

333 BCE

The battle of Issus is the first battle for Alexander to ever cross swords with Darius III. This battle took place in Southern part of modern day Turkey on November 333 BCE. Although Alexander’s army was outnumbered, he also had great military strategies which led him to another win against the Persians.

Alexander Crowned Pharaoh

332 BCE

After defeating the Persians near the town of Issus, Alexander went to Egypt to conquer it. The Persian governor had heard of his skill in battle and surrendered without a fight in 332 B.C and crowned Alexander pharaoh. After his short stay in Egypt, near the town of Guagamela and defeated the Persian army one last time.

Battle of Gaugamela

331 BCE

The battle of Gaugamela is the world’s Ancient largest battle. This battle took place in Northern Iran on October 331 BCE. After Darius III lost his battle in his first encounter with Alexander, he wanted to prevent war and what he did was he offered Alexander the surrender of all areas west of the Euphrates, but Alexander refused because his aim was to conquer the Achaemenid Empire.

Conquering Egypt

331 BCE

Alexander conquered Egypt and he created city of Alexandria which was designed as a center for Greek culture and commerce.

Battle of the Persian Gate

330 BCE

The battle of the Persian Gate was between the Greek army led by Alexander and the Persian army by Airiobaranes. This battle took place in Persepolis on January 330 BC. Alexander was trying to overrun Persepolis during the winter and then conquer the Persian Empire. Although He didn’t manage that easily, because Airiobaranes’ army were strong enough to keep Alexander and his army in their base for 30 days, but at the end he was able to beat them down and do whatever he was planning to do.

Defeat in Northern India

328 BCE

Alexander defeated king Porus' armies in northern India and was going to rule his people. However, Alexander was impressed by Porus that he returned him to his kingdom as king and won his loyalty and forgiveness.

Alexander Marches Back Home

327 BCE

Alexander wanted to build his empire even more throughout Central Asia. In 327 B.C Alexander crossed the Indus River and wanted to go deep into India, but his soldiers were exhausted and tired and wanted to go back home. Alexander being disappointed then started his way back home.

Fortess in Ariamazes

327 BCE

Alexander seized the fortress in Ariamazes. After capturing prince Oxyartes, Alexander married the prince's daughter, Rhoxana.

The Death of a Strong Ruler

323 BCE

Alexander the Great, a brilliant military leader and a strong ruler, ended his reign in the age of 33 due to malaria. Alexander died in Babylon, but his corpse was brought to Egypt where he was buried inside a golden casket.

The End of a Strong Empire

323 BCE

Alexander's empire was the largest empire in the world.The death of Alexander left many Nations fighting for power, which tore his empire apart. Although Alexander's Empire tore apart, he left a great legacy of his empire which will be remembered for until today.