Summary of Reign of Alexander the Great (336-323 BC)

Unravel the legendary conquests of history's greatest warrior king.

How Do You Learn Best?

Note: You can explore any or all of these paths in any order you prefer!

Reign of Alexander the Great in 10 Minutes

Introduction

Introduction

Alexander the Great, one of history's most legendary rulers, ascended to the throne of Macedonia in 336 BC at the young age of 20. Over the course of his reign, he would go on to conquer vast territories, creating one of the largest empires the world had ever seen. His military conquests and strategic brilliance earned him a place in history as one of the greatest military commanders of all time.

During his reign, Alexander embarked on numerous military campaigns, expanding his empire into Asia, Egypt, and beyond. His conquests brought him into contact with diverse cultures and civilizations, leading to the spread of Greek culture and influence throughout the known world. Known for his fearlessness in battle and his ability to inspire his troops, Alexander's military victories were unparalleled in their scope and scale.

Despite his military prowess, Alexander was also known for his vision of a unified world under his rule. He founded numerous cities and established new political systems in the territories he conquered, blending Greek and local customs to create a sense of unity among his diverse subjects. His legacy as a ruler and visionary leader endures to this day, making him a figure of fascination and study for historians and scholars around the world.

Alexander the Great

Alexander the Great

Alexander the Great was a powerful and influential ruler who conquered a vast empire, stretching from Greece to India. Known for his military prowess and strategic genius, he is considered one of the greatest military leaders in history.

Olympias

Olympias

Olympias was the mother of Alexander the Great and played a significant role in his life. She was a powerful and ambitious woman who influenced Alexander's upbringing and political decisions.

Philip II of Macedon

Philip II of Macedon

Philip II of Macedon was the father of Alexander the Great and the king of Macedon. He was a skilled military leader who laid the foundation for Alexander's conquests by expanding the Macedonian Empire.

Hephaestion

Hephaestion

Hephaestion was a close friend and confidant of Alexander the Great. He played a crucial role in Alexander's campaigns and was considered his most trusted companion.

Aristotle

Aristotle

Aristotle was a renowned philosopher and teacher who educated Alexander the Great in his youth. He instilled in Alexander a love of learning and a passion for knowledge that would shape his reign as a ruler.

Alexanders Ascension to the Throne

Alexanders Ascension to the Throne

At the young age of 20, Alexander the Great took the throne of Macedonia after the assassination of his father, King Philip II. He quickly asserted his authority and began his conquests to expand his empire.

The Conquest of Persia

The Conquest of Persia

Alexander's most famous military campaign was his conquest of the Persian Empire. He defeated King Darius III at the Battle of Issus and went on to capture the Persian capital of Persepolis, solidifying his control over the region.

The Siege of Tyre

The Siege of Tyre

One of Alexander's greatest military achievements was the siege of the island city of Tyre. After a seven-month siege, Alexander finally breached the city's walls and conquered it, demonstrating his determination and strategic prowess.

The Battle of Gaugamela

The Battle of Gaugamela

In 331 BC, Alexander faced off against Darius III once again at the Battle of Gaugamela. Despite being outnumbered, Alexander's superior tactics and leadership led to a decisive victory, further expanding his empire.

The Conquest of Egypt

The Conquest of Egypt

After defeating the Persians, Alexander turned his attention to Egypt. He was welcomed as a liberator by the Egyptians, who saw him as a savior from their Persian oppressors. He founded the city of Alexandria, which would become a major cultural and intellectual center.

The March to India

The March to India

Alexander continued his conquests eastward, crossing into India in 326 BC. He faced fierce resistance from Indian rulers, but managed to defeat them and establish control over much of the region. However, his troops grew tired of constant warfare and longed to return home.

The Death of Alexander

The Death of Alexander

In 323 BC, Alexander fell ill and died in Babylon at the age of 32. His sudden death sparked a power struggle among his generals, leading to the fragmentation of his empire and the beginning of the Hellenistic period.

Alexanders Legacy

Alexanders Legacy

Alexander the Great's legacy lived on long after his death. His conquests spread Greek culture and ideas throughout the known world, creating a new era of cultural exchange known as the Hellenistic period. He is remembered as one of history's greatest military leaders and empire builders.

Overall, Alexander the Great's reign from 336-323 BC was a time of great conquest and expansion. His military campaigns reshaped the map of the ancient world and established a vast empire that would influence the course of history for centuries to come.Through his leadership and strategic brilliance, Alexander was able to unite diverse cultures and create a lasting legacy that still fascinates historians and scholars to this day. His reign marked a turning point in the ancient world, leaving a lasting impact on the civilizations that followed in his wake.

1 / 19

Lesson Details & Resources

In a Nutshell

  • What: The reign of Alexander the Great
  • When: 336-323 BC
  • Who: Alexander the Great, Darius III, Philip II
  • Outcome: Expansion of the Macedonian Empire across Asia, Africa, and Europe

Famous Figures in the Reign of Alexander the Great

  • Alexander the Great

    Alexander the Great was a king of Macedonia and one of the most successful military commanders in history.

  • Aristotle

    Aristotle was a philosopher and teacher of Alexander the Great, providing him with a strong foundation in education and philosophy.

  • Darius III

    Darius III was the last king of the Achaemenid Empire, who was defeated by Alexander the Great in the Battle of Gaugamela.

  • Hephaestion

    Hephaestion was a close friend and general of Alexander the Great, who played a significant role in his military campaigns.

  • Olympias

    Olympias was the mother of Alexander the Great, known for her strong-willed and ambitious nature.

Timeline of Reign of Alexander the Great

336 BC

Alexander ascends to the throne of Macedon after the assassination of his father, King Philip II

335 BC

Alexander crushes a revolt in Thebes

334 BC

Alexander crosses the Hellespont and begins his campaign against the Persian Empire

334 BC

Battle of Granicus - Alexander defeats the Persian forces in Asia Minor

334 BC

Alexander captures the city of Sardis

333 BC

Alexander conquers the city of Gordium and cuts the Gordian Knot

333 BC

Battle of Issus - Alexander defeats Darius III of Persia

332 BC

Alexander captures the city of Tyre after a lengthy siege

332 BC

Alexander enters Egypt and founds the city of Alexandria

331 BC

Battle of Gaugamela - Alexander decisively defeats Darius III

331 BC

Alexander conquers Babylon and Susa

330 BC

Alexander reaches the Persian capital of Persepolis

330 BC

Alexander burns Persepolis to the ground

330 BC

Alexander defeats Darius III for the final time at the Battle of the Persian Gate

327 BC

Alexander marries Roxana, a Bactrian princess

326 BC

Alexander reaches the easternmost point of his empire at the Beas River in India

326 BC

Alexander's troops mutiny at the Hyphasis River and refuse to continue eastward

325 BC

Alexander returns to Babylon and plans for further conquests in Arabia and the western Mediterranean

323 BC

Death of Alexander the Great in Babylon

323 BC

Beginning of the Wars of the Diadochi as Alexander's generals vie for control of his empire

Vocabulary List

Hellenistic
The period following Alexander the Great's reign, characterized by the spread of Greek culture and influence throughout the Mediterranean and Middle East.
Diadochi
The successors of Alexander the Great who divided his empire among themselves after his death, leading to a series of conflicts and power struggles.
Phalanx
A military formation used by Alexander the Great's army, consisting of heavily armed infantry arranged in close ranks with overlapping shields.
Siege
A military tactic used by Alexander the Great to conquer fortified cities, involving surrounding and cutting off the city to force surrender.
Satrap
A governor of a province in the Persian Empire, a position that Alexander the Great appointed his loyal followers to after conquering the empire.
Bucephalus
The name of Alexander the Great's famous horse, which he rode into battle and is said to have been untamable by anyone else.

Key Facts

This is the information used in the fact matching game

  • Alexander the Great became king of Macedon in 336 BC at the age of 20 after the assassination of his father, King Philip II.
  • Alexander the Great's conquests stretched from Greece to Egypt to Persia to India, creating one of the largest empires in ancient history.
  • Alexander the Great established the city of Alexandria in Egypt, which became a major center of culture and learning in the ancient world.

  • Alexander the Great was tutored by the philosopher Aristotle, who instilled in him a love of learning and a passion for knowledge.
  • Alexander the Great's army was known as the Macedonian phalanx, a highly disciplined and effective fighting force that revolutionized military tactics.
  • Alexander the Great famously cut the Gordian Knot, a symbol of his ability to solve seemingly impossible problems through bold action.

  • Alexander the Great died in 323 BC in Babylon at the age of 32, possibly from a fever or poisoning.
  • After Alexander the Great's death, his vast empire was divided among his generals, who became known as the Diadochi or Successors.
  • One of Alexander the Great's most trusted generals was Ptolemy, who became the ruler of Egypt and founded the Ptolemaic dynasty.

  • Alexander the Great's conquests led to the spread of Greek culture and language throughout the ancient world, a period known as the Hellenistic Age.
  • Alexander the Great is said to have wept upon hearing that there were no more worlds left to conquer.
  • Alexander the Great was known for his close relationship with his horse Bucephalus, whom he rode into battle on many occasions.

  • Alexander the Great's most famous battle was the Battle of Gaugamela in 331 BC, where he defeated the Persian King Darius III.
  • Alexander the Great was crowned pharaoh of Egypt in 332 BC after conquering the country and visiting the oracle at Siwa.
  • Alexander the Great's empire extended over three continents and covered approximately 2 million square miles, making it one of the largest empires in history.

  • Alexander the Great's military campaigns were funded in part by the wealth he acquired from looting the treasuries of conquered cities.
  • Alexander the Great was known for his strategic brilliance and daring tactics on the battlefield, often leading his troops from the front.
  • Alexander the Great founded more than 20 cities during his conquests, many of which became important centers of trade, culture, and learning.

  • Alexander the Great's tomb is said to be located in the city of Alexandria, Egypt, although its exact whereabouts remain a mystery.
  • Alexander the Great's legacy as a military genius and cultural icon has endured for centuries, inspiring countless works of art, literature, and film.

Analysis & Significance

Immediate Consequences

The immediate consequences of Alexander the Great’s reign included the expansion of his empire to encompass vast territories from Greece to Egypt and beyond. His military conquests brought about political changes and the spread of Greek culture throughout the regions he conquered.

Long-Term Impact

Alexander’s legacy had a profound impact on history, as his empire laid the foundation for the Hellenistic period, a time of cultural blending and exchange between the Greek, Persian, Egyptian, and Indian civilizations. His conquests also paved the way for the spread of Greek language, art, and ideas, influencing Western civilization for centuries to come.

Cultural Significance Today

Alexander the Great continues to be remembered as one of history’s greatest military leaders and conquerors. His legacy lives on in literature, art, and popular culture, inspiring countless stories and legends. His empire’s impact on the world can still be seen in the architecture, language, and traditions of the regions he once ruled, showcasing the enduring influence of his reign on modern society.

Reign of Alexander the Great Games

Was This Lesson Helpful?

Please log in or sign up to rate this lesson. 

Take Your Learning Offline

Want a convenient, print-ready study guide for this lesson? Become a Memory Wizards Pro member to unlock the downloadable " Memory Scrolls" for this topic and our entire library!

  • ✓ Complete Vocabulary Lists
  • ✓ Key Facts & Timelines
  • ✓ Beautifully Formatted for Print & Mobile
Upgrade to Pro

You must be logged in to provide feedback. Please log in or create a free account.

Scroll to Top