Alexander the Great (356-323 B.C.)

Alexander is born

356 BCE

Alexander was born at Pella in Macedonia, the son of King Phillip and Olympias.

Alexander is tutored by Aristotle

343 BCE

King Philip hires the philosopher Aristotle to tutor his son Alexander. Over the next three years, Aristotle teaches Alexnader to appreciate philosophy, geography, Greek poetry, and scientific investigation.

Alexander joins the Military

340 BCE

At age 16, Alexander finishes studying with Aristotle and joins his father's army.Alexander aims to help the conquest of Greece.

The Battle at Chareonea

338 BCE

The Macedonians meet the Thebans and Athenians in battle at Chareonea. Alexander leads the fight against the Thebans, while his father fight the Athenians. Together, Alexander and King Philip take over all Greek city-states except Sparta.

Alexander becomes King

336 BCE

At a celebration of King Philip's departure to attack Persia, as well the marriage of his daughter Cleopatra, King Philip was stabbed and killed by one of his guards. Alexander becomes king of Macedonia at the age of 20.

Alexander controls the people

335 BCE

The Thracians, Illyrianns, and Thebans rebel against the Macedonians. Alexander besieges and razes the city of Thebes to the ground showing that he is a powerful ruler.

Alexander begins invasion of Persia

334 BCE

Alexander leads the Macedonian army against the Persians at the Granicus river. After savage fighting, the Persians retreat and Alexander heads towards Gordium.

Alexander conquers Babylon

331 BCE

After conquering Syria, Alexander sweeps south and easily conquers Egypt after the besieging of Gaza. Alexander creates the city of Alexandria, which is meant to be a hub of Greek commerce and culture. Alexander and King Darius meet at Guagamela. Alexander defeats the Persians and take over Babylon.

Alexander kills Cleitus

328 BCE

Due to tensions of warfare and command Alexander gets drunk at a banquet and gets in argument with his close companion Cleitus. Alexander accidentally stabs and kills Cleitus with a spear and is filled with remorse after Cleitus' death.

Alexander gets married

327 BCE

After the death of Cleitus, Alexander's officers begin to fear him. After conquering eastern Iran and capturing Prince Oxyartes, Alexander marries Roxane, the princess' daughter. This meant to be a political alliance, and it serves as an insult to Barsine, Alexander's Persian mistress.

Alexander crosses the Hindu Kush

326 BCE

Hoping to add more territory to his empire, Alexander and his troops cross the Hindu Kush into northern India. They defeat King Porus, leader of a kingdom east of the Hydaspes River.

Death of Alexander

323 BCE

Alexander dies of a fever in Babylon, Mesopotamia