Notes on Alexander the Great

Quick Facts

• Also Known As: Alexander III or Alexander of Macedonia
• Died: June 13, 323 BCE, Babylon (near Al-illah, Iraq)

Key Questions

• Why is Alexander the Great famous?
• What was Alexander the Great's childhood like?
• How did Alexander the Great die?
• What was Alexander the Great like?

Early Life

• Birth: 356 BCE, Pella, Macedonia
• Parents: Philip II of Macedonia and Olympias
• Education: Tutored by Aristotle (philosophy, medicine, science)
• Early Achievements:
  • At 16, left in charge of Macedonia
  • Defeated the Maedi
  • Commanded at Battle of Chaeronea

Rise to Power

• Became King: 336 BCE after Philip’s assassination
• Actions:
  • Executed rivals
  • Secured Thessaly and Greek allegiance
  • Appointed leader for Asian invasion

Persian Expedition

• Objective: Conquer Persia
• Army:
  • Over 30,000 infantry and 5,000 cavalry
  • Left Antipater in Europe
• First Major Battle: Battle of Granicus
• Conquest of Asia Minor: Included siege of Miletus and Halicarnassus

Major Battles and Conquests

Battle of Issus (333 BCE)

• Victory over Darius III
• Captured Darius's family

Conquest of Mediterranean Coast

• Targeted: Phoenicia, Syria, Egypt
• Notable Siege: Tyre (7 months)
• Victory: Egypt (welcomed as a liberator)
• Founded: Alexandria

Further Conquests

• Advance into Mesopotamia:
  • Battle of Gaugamela (decisive victory)
  • Occupied Babylon

Campaign Eastward

• Bactria and Beyond:
  • Defeated Satraps and local revolts
  • Founded Alexandria by the Caucasus
• Persian Integration: Attempted fusion of Macedonians and Persians

Invasion of India

• Crossed Hindu Kush: Divided forces
• Major Battle: Battle of Hydaspes against Porus
• Result: Porus became an ally
• Army Mutiny: Refused to go beyond Hyphasis River

Later Life and Death

• Return Journey: Difficult crossing through Gedrosia
• Consolidation of Empire: Executed disloyal governors
• Death: June 13, 323 BCE in Babylon

Legacy

• Empire Division: After his death, empire divided among generals
• Founding of Independent Kingdoms: India, the Near East, and Egypt
• Cultural Impact: Spread of Hellenistic culture

Alexander the Great is remembered as one of history's most successful military commanders, conquering vast territories and spreading Greek culture throughout them.