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381 BCE
King Philip the second
Alexander the Great’s father was King Philip II of Macedon, one of history’s most skilled military commanders and statesmen. Born around 382 BCE, Philip II was a transformative ruler who reformed and expanded the Macedonian Kingdom, setting the stage for his son’s future conquests. -
356 BCE
Birthdate:20th of July 356 BC
Alexander the Great (356 BCE – 323 BCE) was a king of Macedon, an ancient kingdom located in northern Greece. He is widely regarded as one of history's greatest military leaders and conquerors. -
Period: 356 BCE to 338 BCE
The early life of Alexander the great
Alexander the Great was born in 356 BCE in Pella, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Macedon, in northern Greece. His father was King Philip II, and his mother was Queen Olympias, who was a princess of Epirus. Alexander's early life was marked by royal privilege, education, and political intrigue, all of which helped shape him into the leader he would later become. -
338 BCE
Battle of Charonea
The Battle of Chaeronea (338 BCE) was a decisive victory for Macedon under Philip II and his son Alexander the Great, defeating a Greek coalition led by Athens and Thebes. Philip’s tactics and Alexander’s decisive charge crushed the Greek forces, including the Sacred Band of Thebes. The victory unified Greece under Macedonian rule through the League of Corinth and marked the end of Greek city-state independence, paving the way for Alexander’s future conquests. -
Period: 338 BCE to 326 BCE
His Tactics
Alexander the Great’s tactics combined the phalanx to pin enemies and his Companion Cavalry to deliver decisive flanking attacks, exemplifying his hammer-and-anvil strategy. He adapted tactics to suit terrain and opponents, used speed and psychological warfare, and integrated diverse troops for versatility. His leadership and bold innovations ensured swift and decisive victories, cementing his reputation as a military genius. -
336 BCE
The death of king philip the second
The death of King Philip II profoundly impacted Alexander the Great, driving him emotionally and politically. As a young king, Alexander swiftly secured his rule, adopted his father's campaign against Persia, and aimed to surpass Philip's legacy by building a larger empire. The event fueled Alexander's ambition and resolve to prove his leadership, solidifying his historical greatness. -
334 BCE
Battle of Granicus
The Battle of Granicus was Alexander the Great’s first significant victory against the Persian Empire. Facing Persian cavalry and Greek mercenaries, Alexander led a daring river crossing and a decisive cavalry charge that shattered the Persian forces, killing many leaders and forcing a retreat. The victory opened Asia Minor to Alexander’s conquests, boosted his army’s morale, and demonstrated his boldness and tactical brilliance, marking the beginning of his campaign to overthrow Persia. -
333 BCE
Battle of Issus
he Battle of Issus (333 BCE) was a decisive victory for Alexander the Great against Persian King Darius III. Using strategic brilliance and terrain to his advantage, Alexander forced Darius to flee, securing control of Syria and the Levant. This victory inflicted heavy Persian losses, captured Darius’s family, and marked a turning point in Alexander’s conquest of the Persian Empire. -
332 BCE
Siege of Tyre
he Siege of Tyre (332 BCE) was a major victory for Alexander the Great. Faced with the fortified island city’s resistance, Alexander built a causeway and used a naval blockade to breach its defenses. After seven months, his forces captured the city, securing control of the eastern Mediterranean and showcasing his strategic and engineering brilliance. -
331 BCE
Battle of Gaugamela
The Battle of Gaugamela (331 BCE) was a decisive victory for Alexander the Great over Persian King Darius III. Despite being outnumbered, Alexander used superior tactics to exploit gaps in the Persian lines, leading a decisive cavalry charge that caused Darius to flee. The Macedonian victory resulted in massive Persian casualties, secured key cities like Babylon and Persepolis, and marked the collapse of the Persian Empire, establishing Alexander as its ruler. -
326 BCE
Battle of Hydaspes
The Battle of the Hydaspes (326 BCE) was a key victory for Alexander the Great over King Porus in modern-day Pakistan. Using a surprise river crossing, Alexander outflanked Porus’s army and overcame the challenge of war elephants. Impressed by Porus’s bravery, Alexander allowed him to remain as a vassal king. This battle marked the easternmost expansion of Alexander’s empire and highlighted his tactical brilliance. -
326 BCE
Mallian Campaign
The Mallian Campaign (326 BCE) was a decisive operation in which Alexander the Great subdued the Mallian tribes in Punjab through rapid and coordinated attacks. In a key fort assault, Alexander was seriously wounded while leading his troops but inspired them to victory. This campaign solidified Alexander’s control over the region, demonstrated his daring leadership, and showcased his relentless drive, though it also revealed the physical strain on him and the growing fatigue of his army. -
323 BCE
The death of Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great died in 323 BCE at age 32 in Babylon, after developing a fever and illness following years of heavy campaigning. The exact cause remains unclear, with theories ranging from typhoid fever to poisoning. His death left no clear heir, leading to the division of his vast empire among his generals (the Diadochi). Despite his sudden death, Alexander’s conquests spread Hellenistic culture and reshaped the ancient world, leaving a lasting legacy. -
323 BCE
His impact
Alexander the Great’s empire united Greece, Persia, and India, sparking the Hellenistic Era. His conquests spread Greek culture, advanced trade, and fostered scientific progress. Founding cities like Alexandria, he created hubs for learning and cultural exchange. His military innovations inspired future leaders, and though his empire fragmented after his death in 323 BCE, his legacy of cultural fusion and East-West unity shaped history for centuries.