Alexander the Great

Birth of Alexander

356 BCE

Alexander is born in Pella. Macedonia to King Philip ll.

Philip hires Aristotle to tutor Alexander

343 BCE

Over the next three years, 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 joins his father's army

340 BCE

At age 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.

Alexander leads the attack against the Thebans

338 BCE

In August 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.

Philip is assassinated and Alexander becomes king

336 BCE

in October 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.

Alexander subdues rebellion in Greek city-states

335 BCE

After Philip's death, 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, Alexander is just as powerful as his father.

Alexander leads the Macedonia army

334 BCE

After savage fighting, the Persian retreat, and Alexanders army moves across the southern coast of Asia toward Gordium

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.

Alexander solves the puzzle of the 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.

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.

Alexander accidentally kills one of his closest companions

328 BCE

Suffering from the tensions of warfare and command, Alexander becomes drunk at a banquet in the fall of 328 BCE. He and his close companion Cleitus, who saved his life at the battle of Granicus, fall into an argument.

Death of Alexander

323 BCE

Dies of a fever in Babylon on his way back to Greece