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Politics & World • Historical Figure

Alexander the Great

Alexander the Great was king of Macedon from 336 to 323 BCE and one of antiquity’s most successful military commanders.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Alexander the Great was king of Macedon from 336 to 323 BCE and one of antiquity’s most successful military commanders. He conquered the Persian Empire, campaigned as far as India, and helped establish the Hellenistic world.

Early life and accession

Alexander was born in 356 BCE in Pella, the capital of Macedon, and succeeded his father Philip II in 336 BCE. Ancient and modern sources describe him as becoming king at about age 20.

Military campaigns

Alexander led a decade-long series of conquests that brought him through the eastern Mediterranean, Egypt, Persia, and into parts of India. Major sources credit him with defeating the Persian Empire and reaching the Punjab region.

Cities and cultural influence

Alexander founded numerous cities, many named Alexandria, and his campaigns spread Greek language and culture across a wide region. This process is associated with the beginning of the Hellenistic era.

Death and succession

Alexander died in Babylon in June 323 BCE, with sources differing on the exact date and cause. After his death, his empire broke apart among his generals and successor states.

Key facts

  • Alexander became king of Macedon at about age 20 after the death of Philip II.
  • He defeated the Persian Achaemenid Empire and overthrew King Darius III.
  • His campaigns extended Macedonian control from Greece to Egypt, Mesopotamia, and as far east as India.
  • He is widely regarded as one of history’s greatest military commanders.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Alexander the Great?
He was Alexander III of Macedon, king of Macedon from 336 to 323 BCE, and a major military conqueror of the ancient world.
Why is he called “the Great”?
The title reflects his extraordinary military success and the scale of his conquests, which made him one of history’s most influential rulers.
What empires or regions did he conquer?
He overthrew the Persian Empire and extended his power across Egypt, the Middle East, and as far east as northwestern India.
Where was Alexander the Great born?
He was born in Pella, the capital of Macedon, in 356 BCE.
Where did Alexander the Great die?
He died in Babylon in 323 BCE; sources differ slightly on the exact day and reported cause.
What happened to his empire after he died?
His empire split among his successors, forming kingdoms such as the Seleucid, Antigonid, and Ptolemaic states.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alexander-the-Great
    Supports: Birth, reign, conquests, death, and historical significance
  2. BBC History — https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/alexander_the_great.shtml
    Supports: Birth, reign, and death
  3. National Geographic Education — https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/alexander-great/
    Supports: Birthplace, accession, conquests, and empire size
  4. History Hit — https://www.historyhit.com/facts-about-alexander-the-great/
    Supports: Cities founded, death-date uncertainty, and posthumous division of empire
  5. World History Encyclopedia — https://www.worldhistory.org/Alexander_the_Great/
    Supports: Hellenistic cultural influence and successor kingdoms