Alexander The Great

Birth of Alexander

356 BCE

Alexander is born at Pella in Macedonia, the son of King Philip II and Olympias.

Aristotle Tutors Alexander

343 BCE

Aristotle teaches Alexander to appreciate philosophy, geography, Greek poetry, and scientific investigation. Alexander particularly loves Homer's Iliad, which inspires him to dream of becoming a great warrior.

Alexander Finished His Studies.

340 BCE

At the age of 16, Alexander finishes studying under Aristotle and joins his father's army. By this point, Philip controls all the Greek city-states except Athens and Thebes. He aims to unite the Macedonians and Greeks and invade the Persian Empire.

Battle at Chaeronea.

338 BCE

The Macedonians meet the Athenians and Thebans in battle at Chaeronea. Alexander leads the attack against the Thebans, while his father leads the attack against the Athenians. It is Alexander's first taste of battle, and he and his father defeat the Greeks, placing all Greek city-states except Sparta under Macedonian control.

King Phillip is Assassinated

336 BCE

Philip celebrates his upcoming departure to attack Persia, as well as the marriage of his daughter Cleopatra. However, one of his bodyguards assassinates him in the theater of Agae. Alexander becomes king of Macedonia at the age of 20.

Thracians and Illyrians Rise Up in Rebellion.

335 BCE

In the Spring of 335 B.C., the Thracians and Illyrians rise up in rebellion. This inspires the Greek city-state of Thebes to rebel, and Alexander quickly besieges the city and razes it to the ground. The inhabitants are executed or sold into slavery, showing the other city-states that Alexander is just as powerful as his father.

Campaign Against Persians

334 BCE

After subduing rebellious Greek city-states, Alexander plans his campaign against the Persians, hoping to fulfill his father's dream of conquering the empire. Though his advisers object and Macedonia is virtually bankrupt, Alexander borrows money to supply his troops for one month and departs for Asia in the spring

Alexander Departs Asia

334 BCE

After subduing rebellious Greek city-states, Alexander plans his campaign against the Persians, hoping to fulfill his father's dream of conquering the empire. Though his advisers object and Macedonia is virtually bankrupt, Alexander borrows money to supply his troops for one month and departs for Asia in the spring of 334 BCE.

The Macedonians and Persians meet on the battlefield

334 BCE

After crossing the Hellespont, Alexander leads the Macedonian army against the Persians at the Granicus river. After savage fighting, the Persians retreat, and Alexander's army moves across the southern coast of Asia toward Gordium. As they travel, they liberate a number of cities from Persian rule.

Alexander Solves the Puzzle of Gordian Knot

333 BCE

Alexander spends the winter of 333 BCE at Gordium, in present-day Turkey. According to legend, he solves the puzzle of the Gordian knot, which held together the yoke and pole of a wagon once belonging to King Midas. Stories foretold that whoever solved the puzzle would rule all Asia, and Alexander's success is seen as a good omen for his Asian campaign.

Alexander Conquers Egypt

332 BCE

After conquering Syria, Alexander sweeps south and easily conquers Egypt after besieging Gaza.

Alexander Creates Alexandria

331 BCE

In 331 BCE, he creates the city of Alexandria, which is meant to be a hub of Greek commerce and culture. This is just one of many cities he names after himself during his conquests.

Alexander Conquers Babylon

331 BCE

Alexander and Darius, king of the Persians, meet at Gaugamela in a decisive battle. Alexander's military skills overwhelm Darius, who orders his men to flee, and the Macedonians are victorious. Alexander moves from one major Persian city to the next, conquering Babylon on October 18, 331 BCE, and taking treasure to distribute among his men. He incorporates Persian officials into his administration and adopts Persian customs in order to hold his empire together

Alexander Accidentally Kills one of his Closest Compamnions

328 BCE

Suffering from the tensions of warfare and command, Alexander becomes drunk at a banquet in the fall of 328 B.C. He and his close companion Cleitus, who saved his life at the battle of Granicus, fall into an argument. Alexander accidentally stabs Cleitus with a spear, and is filled with remorse at Cleitus' death. However, this incident marks a turning point for Alexander, whose officers begin to fear him.

Alexander Marries Roxane

327 BCE

after conquering eastern Iran and capturing Prince Oxyartes, Alexander marries Roxane, the prince's daughter. This is meant to be a political alliance, and it serves as an insult to Barsine, Alexander's Persian mistress

Alexander Defeats King Porus in Northern India

326 BCE

Alexander and his troops cross the Hindu Kush into northern India. They defeat King Porus, leader of a kingdom east of the Hydaspes River, after figuring out how to attack Porus' war elephants. After several months in India, however, Alexander's army refuses to go any farther, and he is forced to return to Babylon.

Alexander Dies

323 BCE

He spends the next few years trying to consolidate power in his empire. Before he can set out on his new campaign, Alexander falls ill with a sudden fever and dies at the age of 32