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Location: Pella, Macedonia
Alexander was born to King Philip II and Queen Olympias in Macedonia. His birth is important because he would later become one of the greatest military leaders in history, conquering vast territories and spreading Greek culture. -
Location: Aegae, Macedonia
Alexander's father, King Philip II, was assassinated at his daughter's wedding, making Alexander the new king at just 20 years old. This event was significant because it thrust Alexander into power, and he immediately began his plans for expansion. -
Location: Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey)
This was Alexander’s first major battle against the Persian Empire. His victory here allowed him to start gaining control over Asia Minor, which was crucial to his larger goal of defeating the Persians. -
Location: Halicarnassus, Asia Minor
Alexander laid siege to this Persian stronghold and successfully defeated it. The victory was key in securing his control over southwestern Asia Minor and showing the world that he was a formidable force. -
Location: Southern Turkey
In one of the most famous battles, Alexander faced King Darius III of Persia. Despite being outnumbered, Alexander’s forces won, forcing Darius to flee and securing a massive victory for the Macedonian army. -
Location: Tyre, Phoenicia (modern-day Lebanon)
This seven-month siege of Tyre showed Alexander’s determination and military genius. Tyre was a strategic coastal city, and conquering it allowed him to control the eastern Mediterranean. -
Location: Near modern-day Mosul, Iraq
This was the decisive battle between Alexander and Darius III. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Alexander’s strategy led to a significant victory, effectively ending Persian resistance and marking the fall of the Achaemenid Empire. -
Location: Siwa Oasis, Egypt
Alexander visited the Oracle of Amun, where he was allegedly declared a son of the god Zeus. This event boosted his confidence and further established his divine right to rule in the eyes of his followers. -
Location: Bactria (modern-day Afghanistan)
After his defeat at Gaugamela, Darius III was betrayed and killed by his own men while trying to flee. This marked the end of Persian rule and solidified Alexander’s control over the empire. -
Location: Persepolis, Persia (modern-day Iran)
Alexander’s army burned the Persian capital of Persepolis, an act that symbolized the fall of the Persian Empire. Some historians believe this was revenge for the Persian invasion of Greece. -
Location: Zagros Mountains, Persia
This battle was a last stand for Persian forces. Alexander's victory here opened up the Persian heartland, allowing him to march further into the empire and consolidate his conquests. -
(331 BCE)
Location: Egypt
Alexander founded the city of Alexandria in Egypt, which would later become one of the most important cultural and intellectual centers in the ancient world. This was a huge step in spreading Greek culture and influence. -
Location: India
Alexander’s army, exhausted from years of campaigning, refused to continue fighting after reaching the Hyphasis River. This marked the end of his eastward expansion and forced him to turn back. -
Location: Ecbatana, Persia
Hephaestion, Alexander’s closest friend and general, died unexpectedly. Alexander was deeply affected, and his mourning was significant as it demonstrated how personally close-knit his inner circle was. -
Location: Susa, Persia
To unite his empire, Alexander married a Persian noblewoman, Roxana, and encouraged his soldiers to marry Persian women. This event showed his goal of blending cultures, which was crucial in maintaining his vast empire. -
Location: Babylon, Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq)
Alexander returned to Babylon after his campaigns in India. He planned to make Babylon the capital of his empire and began reorganizing his vast territories. -
Location: Babylon, Mesopotamia
]Alexander died under mysterious circumstances at the age of 32. His death marked the end of his empire, as it soon fragmented into multiple kingdoms ruled by his generals, known as the Diadochi. -
Location: Babylon
After Alexander’s death, his empire was divided among his generals. This partition led to power struggles and the eventual formation of several Hellenistic kingdoms. -
Location: Macedonian Empire
The wars between Alexander’s former generals, known as the Wars of the Diadochi, began. These wars marked the end of a unified empire and the beginning of new kingdoms, such as Ptolemaic Egypt and the Seleucid Empire. -
Location: Across the former Macedonian Empire
After Alexander’s conquests, Greek culture spread throughout his former empire, influencing art, science, and philosophy. This blending of cultures, known as Hellenism, had a lasting impact on the ancient world.