The Greatest Timeline

Alexander is born.

356 BCE

Alexander was born at Pella in Macedonia.

Alexander joins his father's army.

340 BCE

At age 16, Alexander finishes studying under Aristotle and joins his father's army.

Alexander leads the attack against the Thebans

338 BCE

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

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.

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, this shows that Alexander is just as powerful as his father.

Alexander departs for Asia.

334 BCE

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

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

Alexander solves the puzzle of the Gordian knot.

333 BCE

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

Alexander sweeps south and easily conquers Egypt after besieging Gaza. 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 the Great dies.

323 BCE

In Babylon, Iran Alexander falls. Unsure cause of death. Historians say it was poisoning that led to the fatality of Alexander.

Phillip hires Aristole to tutor Alexander.

343

Philip hires the Greek philosopher Aristotle to tutor Alexander. Over the next three years, Aristotle teaches Alexander about philosophy, geography, Greek poetry, and scientific investigation.