Alexander the Great's Life

The Birth

356 BCE

Alexander the Great was born in Pella, Greece in July 356 BC.

Alexander the Great becomes king

336 BCE

His father, King Philip II, was ruled of Macedonia for two years before he was assassinated by his bodyguard. Alexander was only 20 years old, but he had to step in to replace his late father.

Alexander crosses the Hellespont into Anatolia

334 BCE

This was known as the Battle of Granicus. His goal was to defeat King Darius and take over the Persian empire. Darius did not see him as a threat so he sent other generals to fight him and Alexander won the battle.

Second battle with Persia

333 BCE

Alexander still wants control of Persia, so he tried to fight with Darius at Issus. Even though Darius had a much larger army than Alexander, he was still able to win the battle by the tight formation of his troops. Darius fled, so Alexander captured his wife and children.

Battle of Gaugamela

331 BCE

This was the final battle between the Macedonians and the Persians. Darius, once again, fled and then he died. Alexander won the battle and took leadership over Persia.

Alexander conquers Egypt

331 BCE

Alexander expands his growing empire by taking over Egypt. He founded a city, called it Alexandria, and was told that he was the son of god, Zeus. After creating the city, he left to continue his journey.

The Marriage

325 BCE

Alexander the Great married the daughter of King Darius III named Stateira II, even though she was Persian. Alexander also convinced his soldiers to marry Persians too.

Alexander dies

323 BCE

On their way back to Greece after traveling to India, Alexander the Great became ill and died in June 323 BC at the age of 32. He left a giant empire that took him 11 years to create/expand. It didn't last very long after his death.