Alexander the Great

Archaeological Site of Pella by Joy of Museums

Coin olympias mus theski

Philip II of Macedon Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek IN2263

Battle of Chaeronea, 338 BC

Pausanius assassinates Philip during the procession into the theatre by Andre Castaigne (1898-1899)

Alexander the Great (20/21 July 356 BC – 10/11 June 323 BC), also known as Alexander III of Macedon, was a King of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon and a member of the Aridaeus dynasty. He was born in Pella in 356 BC and succeeded his father, Philip II, to the throne at the age of twenty. He spent most of his ruling years on an unprecedented military campaign through Asia and northeast Africa, and by the age of thirty, he had created one of the largest empires in history, stretching from Greece to northwestern India. He was undefeated in battle and is widely considered one of history's most successful military commanders.

Early Life

Alexander was tutored by the philosopher Aristotle until the age of 16. His education instilled in him a passion for knowledge, science, and Greek culture, which he aimed to spread across his empire.

Military Campaigns

Alexander's conquests began with the reassertion of Greek power over the Persian Empire. After securing his kingdom in Greece, he crossed into Asia Minor in 334 BC, where he won a series of battles against the Persians, including the Battle of Issus and the siege of Tyre. In 331 BC, he defeated the Persian King Darius III at the Battle of Gaugamela, leading to the fall of the Persian Empire.

Following his conquest of the Persian Empire, Alexander continued eastward to Egypt, where he was hailed as a liberator and crowned as a pharaoh. In Egypt, he founded the city of Alexandria, which would become a major center of Greek culture and trade.

Continuing his pursuit of Darius III, Alexander moved into Mesopotamia, Iran, and eventually to the borders of India. His campaign in India included the famous Battle of the Hydaspes River, where he defeated the Indian king Porus. Despite his desire to push further east, his army, exhausted and homesick, demanded to return home.

Death and Legacy

Alexander died in Babylon in 323 BC at the age of 32. The cause of his death remains one of the great mysteries of the ancient world, with theories ranging from poisoning to malaria. After his death, his empire quickly fell apart as his generals, known as the Diadochi, fought for control, eventually dividing the empire into several kingdoms.

Alexander's legacy is immense. He is often celebrated for his military genius and his role in spreading Greek culture across the known world. His campaigns significantly increased contacts and cultural exchange between the East and West, leading to the Hellenistic period, characterized by a blend of Greek, Middle Eastern, and Asian cultures.

Cultural Impact

Alexander the Great's influence extended beyond the battlefield. His conquests spread Greek culture and language throughout the empire, laying the foundation for the Hellenistic world. Cities founded by Alexander, such as Alexandria in Egypt, became major centers of learning and culture.

See Also

• Hellenistic period
• Diadochi
• Philip II of Macedon
• Aristotle