Alexander the Great

Alexander's Birth

356 BCE

He was born in Pella, Greece in 356 BC. Alexander the Great was the son of Philip II of Macedon, the king of Macedonia.

Alexander's Education

343 BCE

Aristotle teaches Alexander to appreciate philosophy, geography, Greek poetry, and scientific investigation. Alexander particularly enjoyed Homer's Iliad, which inspired him to become a prominent warrior.

Battle of Chaeronea

338 BCE

Athens and Thebes joined forces to fight Philip, but the Macedonians soundly defeated the Greeks.

King of Macedonia

336 BCE

Philip II was assassinated and Alexander became the king.

Alexander the Great Spreads Hellenistic Culture

Period: 336 BCE to 323 BCE

Hellenistic culture is a blend of Greek, Persian, and Indian traditions. One way that Alexander the Great spread Hellenistic culture was by modeling cities in his empire similar to Greek cities.

Battle of the Granicus

334 BCE

Battle of the Granicus was the first of three major battles fought between Alexander the Great and the Persian Empire. Battle of the Granicus resulted in a Macedonian victory, and Alexander attained half of Asia Minor.

Battle of the Issus

333 BCE

The Battle of Issus was the second great battle of Alexander's conquest of Asia. It occurred in southern Anatolia. The Battle of Issus was between the Hellenic League (led by Alexander the Great) and the Achaemenid Empire (led by Darius III). The Battle of Issus resulted in an absolute victory for the Macedonians, and Alexander controls southern Asia Minor.

Alexander Conquers Egypt

332 BCE

Alexander easily conquered Egypt after attacking Gaza. The Egyptians welcomed Alexander as a liberator. While in Egypt, Alexander founded the city of Alexandria at the mouth of the Nile.

The Battle of Gaugamela

331 BCE

The Battle of Gaugamela was the final battle of Alexander the Great's invasion of the Persian Achaemenid Empire. The Hellenic League met the Persian army near Gaugamela. The Battle of Gaugamela resulted in a decisive Greek victory, and Alexander gained Babylon, half of Persia and all other parts of Mesopotamia.

Alexander Marries Roxane

327 BCE

After defeating Darius III and invading Persia, Alexander the Great married, Sogdian princess of Bactria, Roxane.

Battle of the Hydaspes

326 BCE

Alexander the Great and King Porus of the Paurava kingdom. The battle of the Hydaspes resulted in a Macedonian victory, and Alexander annexed Punjab. After this battle, Alexander's soldiers were exhausted and wanted to go home. Alexander, although disappointed, agreed to turn back.

Alexander's Death

323 BCE

Alexander died illness and his empire soon crumbled.