Alexander the Great

Table of Contents

Introduction & Top Questions
Life
- Beginnings of the Persian expedition
- Asia Minor and the Battle of Issus
- Conquest of the Mediterranean coast and Egypt
- Campaign eastward to Central Asia
- Invasion of India
- Consolidation of the empire
Evaluation

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Alexander the Great’s Achievements

Alexander the Great

Q: Why is Alexander the Great famous?

Although king of ancient Macedonia for less than 13 years, Alexander the Great changed the course of history. One of the world’s greatest military generals, he created a vast empire that stretched from Macedonia to Egypt and from Greece to part of India. This allowed for Hellenistic culture to become widespread.

Q: What was Alexander the Great’s childhood like?

Alexander was the son of Philip II and Olympias (daughter of King Neoptolemus of Epirus). From age 13 to 16 he was taught by the Greek philosopher Aristotle , who inspired his interest in philosophy, medicine, and scientific investigation. As a teenager, Alexander became known for his exploits on the battlefield.

Q: How did Alexander the Great die?

While in Babylon , Alexander became ill after a prolonged banquet and drinking bout, and on June 13, 323, he died at age 33. There was much speculation about the cause of death, and the most popular theories claim that he either contracted malaria or typhoid fever or that he was poisoned.

Q: What was Alexander the Great like?

While he could be ruthless and impulsive, Alexander was also charismatic and sensible. His troops were extremely loyal, believing in him throughout all hardships. Hugely ambitious, Alexander drew inspiration from the gods Achilles , Heracles , and Dionysus . He also displayed a deep interest in learning and encouraged the spread of Hellenistic culture.

king of Macedonia

Also known as: Alexander III, Alexander of Macedonia

Written by Frank W. Walbank

Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Mar 1, 2024 • Article History

Alexander the Great

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Category: History & Society

Also known as:: Alexander III or Alexander of Macedonia

Born:: 356 bce, Pella, Macedonia [northwest of Thessaloníki, Greece]

Died:: June 13, 323 bce, Babylon [near Al-Ḥillah, Iraq]

Title / Office:: king (336BC-323BC), Macedonia

House / Dynasty:: Argead dynasty

Notable Family Members:: spouse Roxana; father Philip II; mother Olympias

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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?

Alexander the Great (born 356 bce, Pella, Macedonia [northwest of Thessaloníki, Greece]—died June 13, 323 bce, Babylon [near Al-Ḥillah, Iraq]) king of Macedonia (336–323 bce), who overthrew the Persian empire, carried Macedonian arms to India, and laid the foundations for the Hellenistic world of territorial kingdoms. Already in his lifetime the subject of fabulous stories, he later became the hero of a full-scale legend bearing only the sketchiest resemblance to his historical career. He was born in 356 bce at Pella in Macedonia, the son of Philip II and Olympias (daughter of King Neoptolemus of Epirus). From age 13 to ...(100 of 5763 words)

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