Alexander III of Macedon, commonly known as Alexander the Great, was a king of Macedon, a state in the north eastern region of Greece, and by the age of thirty was the creator of one of the largest empires in ancient history, stretching from the Ionian sea to the Himalaya. He was undefeated in battle and is considered one of the most successful commanders of all time.

Born in Pella in 356 BC, Alexander was tutored by the famed philosopher Aristotle. In 336 BC he succeeded his father Philip II of Macedon to the throne after Philip was assassinated. Philip had brought most of the city-states of mainland Greece under Macedonian hegemony, using both military and diplomatic means.

Upon Philip's death, Alexander inherited a strong kingdom and an experienced army. He succeeded in being awarded the generalship of Greece and, with his authority firmly established, launched the military plans for expansion left by his father. In 334 BC he invaded Persian-ruled Asia Minor and began a series of campaigns lasting ten years. Alexander broke the power of Persia in a series of decisive battles, most notably the battles of Issus and Gaugamela. Subsequently he overthrew the Persian king Darius III and conquered the entirety of the Persian Empire. The Macedonian Empire now stretched from the Adriatic sea to the Indus River.... More • http://en.wikipedia. ... _the_Great View • Books • Images • Videos • Search Related • Conquerors • Empires • Founders • Migrations • Royalty • Soldiers • Statesmen • Wars • 4th Century BC • Afghanistan • Alexandria • Armenia • Cancer • Egypt • Exploration • Greece • Greek • Hellenistic Age • India • Iran • Iraq • Iron Age • Israel • July 20 • Lebanon • Macedonia • Middle East • Pakistan • Palestine • Rulers • Silk Road • Turkey • All Events • Conquerors1 • Icons • People