Alexander the Great Timeline

Heaven cannot brook two suns, nor earth two masters. ~ Alexander the Great

History is full of fascinating figures that have left an impact on the world. One such powerful figure from historical times is Alexander the Great. Alexander the Great, also known as Alexander The Third was an ancient Greek king of Macedonia and is known to be one of the most successful military commanders in the ancient Greek history. The presence of numerous Alexander the Great movies, websites and even games speak volumes about people's interest in the history of Alexander Great.

History - Alexander the Great Timeline

Alexander was a truly remarkable leader with a rare combination of bravery, intellect, imagination and compassion. Here is a brief timeline that traces the life of Alexander the great.

356 B.C: Alexander the Great - Birth and Childhood

Alexander was born at Pella, Macedonia. His father was the great King Philip II, who himself was known to be one of the best military commanders who had united the Macedonian empire, created one of the most powerful armies. Alexander studied for three years under Aristotle, who was one of the most renowned philosophers of his time. Alexander was also trained with the finest techniques and education in warfare and politics, owing to his father King Phillip. It is believed that during the early ages, Alexander considered Achilles as his role model. Records from famous historians say that Aristotle had personally annotated a copy of Homer's Iliad for Alexander, which Alexander kept with him throughout all his journeys. When Alexander the Great was only sixteen his father King Philip made him regent of Macedonia while he was off fighting the Persians. During this period, as the regent, Alexander handled an uprising in Thrace. Alexander's greatest emotional attachment was his companion, and childhood friend, Hephaestion, who later became the cavalry commander in Alexander's army

338 BC: Battle of Chaeronea

At the age of eighteen King Philip trusted Alexander and put him in command of the left wing of the Macedonian army at the battle of Chaeronea in which Phillip defeated the Athenians and Thebans.

336 BC: Death of King Phillip and Crowning of Alexander the Great as ruler of Macedonia

Alexander the great was twenty when his father was assassinated by one of his guard. Legend has it that the assassination was planned by Olympia, Alexander's mother and Phillip's wife in an attempt to make Alexander the ruler.

334 BC: Battle of the Granicus River

The battle was fought between Alexander's army and the Darius III of Persia. The battle of Granicus was a significant one since it was the battle in which Alexander achieved his first major victory against the Persians.

333BC: Wins Battle of Issus against Darius

In the battle of Issus, around 30,000 Greeks faced 100,000 Persians across the river Pinarus, near the town of Issus. In this battle, Parmenio led the Greek left and had a hard fight of it, while Alexander led the right, which held the Macedonian cavalry.

332 BC: The Siege of Tyre

Alexander's capture of Tyre was not as important as the other battles, but the city of Tyre was known to be almost impregnable owing to its location, mammoth surrounding walls, fortified harbor and presence of water all around. The citizens of Tyre fought desperately till the end and after a seven-month siege, Alexander the Great conquered Tyre.

331BC: Foundation of Alexandria and Battle of Gaugamela

The battle of Gaugamela was also a remarkable one. Guagamela was located in northern Iraq, on open plains, where Darius had deployed the full force of his 200,000 men, as compared to Alexander's army of 40,000 men. Alexander attacked the Persian center, where Darius was, and relied on cavalry to protect his flanks and won the battle of Guagamela.

327 BC: Marriage to Roxane and the Beginning of the Indian Quest

Alexander the great married Roxane, who was the daughter of a Bactrian named Oxyartes of Balkh in Bactria. After his marriage, he turned his attention towards the Indian subcontinent.

326 BC: Battle of River Hydaspes

Alexander crossed the Indus river and fought an epic battle against a local ruler Porus who ruled a region in the Punjab, in the Battle of Hydaspes. It is believed that after the battle, Alexander was greatly impressed by Porus and therefore made an alliance with him. Alexander the great lost his horse Bucephala in this battle and hence named one of the two new cities that he founded as Bucephala, in honor of the horse. After this Alexander continued on to conquer all the headwaters of the Indus River.

324 BC: Troops mutiny at Opis

Alexander the Great found out that many of his satraps and military governors had misbehaved in his absence and hence he executed them on his way to Susa. At Susa Alexander took Statira, the daughter of King Darius, as another wife. Alexander the great also paid off the debts of his soldiers, and announced that he would send the aged and disabled veterans back to Macedonia. However during this process the troops misunderstood his intention and mutinied at the town of Opis. The troops refused to be sent away. The troops also criticized him for adoption of Persian customs and introduction of Persian officers and soldiers into Macedonian units.

June 10, 323 B.C The Death of Alexander the Great

On June 10th, Alexander the Great died in the palace of Nebuchadrezzar II of Babylon, when he was just one month short of attaining 33 years of age. The reason for his death is still unknown and different theories have been proposed for the same. The popular ones include poisoning by the sons of Antipater, sickness that following alcohol consumption and one theory that suggests a relapse of the malaria he had contracted in 336 BC.

It is believed that when Alexander the Great, the king of Macedonia was on his deathbed, his marshals asked him to whom he bequeathed his kingdom, and he replied saying "Kratisto which means "To the strongest" or Krat'eroi which means "to the stronger". Alexander's son was born after his death and hence Alexander's half brother Philip Arridaeus inherited the empire, which was later inherited by Alexander's son. It is never possible to fathom the entire life of a historical figure within limited times and resources. There exists extensive historical documentation by notable historians that would shed more light on the history of Alexander the Great and allow in-depth exploration. As of now, I hope I have presented the topic well enough so that you would feel the urge to read and find out more information about Alexander the Great.