Video - Alexander the Great: From Macedonian King to Legendary Conqueror

Alexander the Great, born in 356 BC in Pella, Macedonia, was the son of King Philip II and Queen Olympias. Tutored by the philosopher Aristotle, Alexander showed early signs of brilliance and leadership. At 20, he became king after Philip's assassination. Alexander swiftly consolidated his power, quelling rebellions in Greece and setting his sights on the Persian Empire. In 334 BC, he crossed the Hellespont into Asia Minor, winning the Battle of Granicus and subsequently defeating Persian King Darius III at Issus and Gaugamela. His campaign extended across Egypt, where he founded Alexandria, and into the heart of Persia, capturing Babylon, Susa, and Persepolis. Determined to reach the "ends of the world," Alexander led his army into India, winning the Battle of Hydaspes against King Porus. However, exhausted troops forced him to turn back. Alexander's return journey through the harsh deserts of Gedrosia tested his army's endurance. In 323 BC, at just 32 years old, Alexander died in Babylon under mysterious circumstances, possibly due to fever, poisoning, or other natural causes. His death left a vast empire without a clear successor, leading to its division among his generals, known as the Diadochi. Alexander's legacy endures through the spread of Greek culture, known as Hellenism, and his role in creating one of the largest empires in ancient history, influencing subsequent military strategies and leaders.