alexander the great

By brandonhove
  • 356 BCE

    Birth of Alexander the Great

    Location: Pella, Macedonia
    Alexander was born to King Philip II and Queen Olympias in Macedonia. His birth is important because he would later become one of the greatest military leaders in history, conquering vast territories and spreading Greek culture.
  • 336 BCE

    Philip II Assassinated

    Location: Aegae, Macedonia
    Alexander's father, King Philip II, was assassinated at his daughter's wedding, making Alexander the new king at just 20 years old. This event was significant because it thrust Alexander into power, and he immediately began his plans for expansion.
  • 334 BCE

    Battle of the Granicus River

    Location: Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey)
    This was Alexander’s first major battle against the Persian Empire. His victory here allowed him to start gaining control over Asia Minor, which was crucial to his larger goal of defeating the Persians.
  • 334 BCE

    Siege of Halicarnassus

    Location: Halicarnassus, Asia Minor
    Alexander laid siege to this Persian stronghold and successfully defeated it. The victory was key in securing his control over southwestern Asia Minor and showing the world that he was a formidable force.
  • 333 BCE

    Battle of Issus

    Location: Southern Turkey
    In one of the most famous battles, Alexander faced King Darius III of Persia. Despite being outnumbered, Alexander’s forces won, forcing Darius to flee and securing a massive victory for the Macedonian army.
  • 332 BCE

    Siege of Tyre

    Location: Tyre, Phoenicia (modern-day Lebanon)
    This seven-month siege of Tyre showed Alexander’s determination and military genius. Tyre was a strategic coastal city, and conquering it allowed him to control the eastern Mediterranean.
  • 331 BCE

    Battle of Gaugamela

    Location: Near modern-day Mosul, Iraq
    This was the decisive battle between Alexander and Darius III. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Alexander’s strategy led to a significant victory, effectively ending Persian resistance and marking the fall of the Achaemenid Empire.
  • 331 BCE

    Oracle of Amun

    Location: Siwa Oasis, Egypt
    Alexander visited the Oracle of Amun, where he was allegedly declared a son of the god Zeus. This event boosted his confidence and further established his divine right to rule in the eyes of his followers.
  • 330 BCE

    Darius III Assassinated

    Location: Bactria (modern-day Afghanistan)
    After his defeat at Gaugamela, Darius III was betrayed and killed by his own men while trying to flee. This marked the end of Persian rule and solidified Alexander’s control over the empire.
  • 330 BCE

    Burning of Persepolis

    Location: Persepolis, Persia (modern-day Iran)
    Alexander’s army burned the Persian capital of Persepolis, an act that symbolized the fall of the Persian Empire. Some historians believe this was revenge for the Persian invasion of Greece.
  • 330 BCE

    he Battle of the Persian Gates

    Location: Zagros Mountains, Persia
    This battle was a last stand for Persian forces. Alexander's victory here opened up the Persian heartland, allowing him to march further into the empire and consolidate his conquests.
  • 329 BCE

    Founding of Alexandria

    (331 BCE)
    Location: Egypt
    Alexander founded the city of Alexandria in Egypt, which would later become one of the most important cultural and intellectual centers in the ancient world. This was a huge step in spreading Greek culture and influence.
  • 326 BCE

    Mutiny at the Hyphasis River

    Location: India
    Alexander’s army, exhausted from years of campaigning, refused to continue fighting after reaching the Hyphasis River. This marked the end of his eastward expansion and forced him to turn back.
  • 324 BCE

    Death of Hephaestion

    Location: Ecbatana, Persia
    Hephaestion, Alexander’s closest friend and general, died unexpectedly. Alexander was deeply affected, and his mourning was significant as it demonstrated how personally close-knit his inner circle was.
  • 324 BCE

    Marriage at Susa

    Location: Susa, Persia
    To unite his empire, Alexander married a Persian noblewoman, Roxana, and encouraged his soldiers to marry Persian women. This event showed his goal of blending cultures, which was crucial in maintaining his vast empire.
  • 324 BCE

    Return to Babylon

    Location: Babylon, Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq)
    Alexander returned to Babylon after his campaigns in India. He planned to make Babylon the capital of his empire and began reorganizing his vast territories.
  • 323 BCE

    Alexander’s Death

    Location: Babylon, Mesopotamia
    ]Alexander died under mysterious circumstances at the age of 32. His death marked the end of his empire, as it soon fragmented into multiple kingdoms ruled by his generals, known as the Diadochi.
  • 323 BCE

    Partition of Babylon

    Location: Babylon
    After Alexander’s death, his empire was divided among his generals. This partition led to power struggles and the eventual formation of several Hellenistic kingdoms.
  • 322 BCE

    Wars of the Diadochi Begin

    Location: Macedonian Empire
    The wars between Alexander’s former generals, known as the Wars of the Diadochi, began. These wars marked the end of a unified empire and the beginning of new kingdoms, such as Ptolemaic Egypt and the Seleucid Empire.
  • 320 BCE

    The Rise of Hellenistic Culture

    Location: Across the former Macedonian Empire
    After Alexander’s conquests, Greek culture spread throughout his former empire, influencing art, science, and philosophy. This blending of cultures, known as Hellenism, had a lasting impact on the ancient world.