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323
The Death of Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great died on June 11 323BC at Babylon in the palace of Nebuchadnezzar II. The reason for his death is still unknown and varying theories have been proposed. The popular ones include poisoning by the sons of Antipater, a Macedonian general, a sickness following his excessive alcohol drinking or a relapse of malaria. -
Period: 323 to 356
The Life & Times of Alexander the Great
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324
Death of Hephaestion
Alexander's greatest emotional attachment was to his companion and childhood friend, Hephaestion. He became Alexander's 2nd in command. His death had profound effect on Alexander. -
324
Mutiny of Troops at Opis
On his way back to Macedonia, Alexander executed several military generals to set an example to those who disobeyed him. Alexander also paid off the debts of his soldiers, and announced that he would send the aged and disabled veterans back to Macedonia. This move was misinterpreted by his troops, who mutinied in the town of Opis, refusing to be sent back. Alexander came under criticism for his adoption of Persian customs and introduction of Persian officers and soldiers into Macedonian units. -
326
Battle of the Hydaspes River
Alexander lost his horse, Bucephalus, in this battle. He then named one of the two new cities that he founded as Bucephala, in honor of his beloved horse. Alexander did not cross the Hyphasis river (modern-day Beas), since his soldiers were tired and homesick. The Hyphasis marks the eastern extent of his campaigns. -
327
Alexander marries Roxane.
\ In 327 B.C., Roxane, a Bactrian princess and the daughter of Oxyartes, married Alexander the Great. After Alexander the Great died, Roxane gave birth to Alexander's only son, Alexander Aegus. -
331
Founds the city of Alexandria.
In 331 BC, Alexander founds the city of Alexandria. (In total, he established 20 cities all of which he named Alexandria.) -
332
Siege of Tyre
The city of Tyre was thought to be impregnable because of its location, with mammoth walls, a fortified harbor and surrounded by water. The citizens of Tyre fought desperately during a seven-month siege. Alexander the Great conquered Tyre. -
333
Battle of Issus against Darius
In the battle of Issus, around 30,000 Greeks faced 100,000 Persians across the river Pinarus, near the town of Issus. In this battle, Parmenion led the Greek left while Alexander led the right, which held the Macedonian cavalry. This battle once again proved Alexander's tactical brilliance.
(Sept or Oct 333BC - exact date unknown) -
334
Battle of the Granicus River against Darius III of Persia.
Of the great battles Alexander fought in the course of his brilliant military career, the Battle of the Granicus, fought in May 334 BC, was the first. It is also the battle in which he came closest to failure and death. Alexander would go on to be undefeated in battle. -
336
Alexander becomes the ruler of Macedonia
In October of 336 BC, Philip was assassinated by one of his bodyguards and Alexander became the ruler of Macedonia at the age of 20. -
343
Alexander is tutored by Aristotle.
Alexander was tutored by Aristotle from the age of 13-16. Aristotle was also born in Macedonia, but he lived for a very long time in ancient Greece. It was Aristotle, more than any other teacher, who taught Alexander to greatly respect the Greek way of life. Alexander spoke Greek. He knew Greek history. He believed in the Greek gods. -
344
Alexander wins Bucephalus
In 344 BC, 13 year old Alexander wins the horse Buchephalus by taming it.
(exact date unknown) -
356
The Birth of Alexander the Great
Alexander was born in Pella, Macedonia to King Phillip and Olympias. The exact date is unknown but was probably either July 20 or July 26 356 BC. Alexander was tutored by Aristotle until he was 16. He amassed the largest empire of the ancient world by the time he was 30. -
Battle of Chaeronea
In 338 BC, Alexander helps his father win the Battle of Chaeronea. -
Alexander kills Black Cleitus.
In autumn of 328 BC, Alexander kills Black Cleitus by thowing a javelin through his heart for an insult at Samarkand. Black Cleitus was a friend and officer in the Macedonian army. He had once saved Alexander's life during the Battle of Granicus.
(exact date not known)
