Conquest and empire · Macedonia · 356–323 BCE
Alexander the Great Life & Career Timeline
From Macedonian prince to ruler of an empire stretching from Greece to India.
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ATAlexander the GreatConquest and empire · Macedonia
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About Alexander the Great
Alexander defeated the Achaemenid Empire and accelerated cultural exchange across a vast, violently conquered territory.
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Alexander the Great biography
Alexander the Great timeline: key events
Explore 18 documented Moments in chronological order. Read the dates, locations and source references below. Where available, additional context explains why a milestone matters.
Born at Pella
Alexander was born to King Philip II and Olympias in the Macedonian capital.
Source: www.britannica.comStudies with Aristotle
Aristotle tutored the prince in literature, philosophy, medicine and natural inquiry.
Source: www.britannica.comActs as regent
While Philip campaigned, the teenage Alexander governed and led action against the Maedi.
Source: www.britannica.comCommands at Chaeronea
Alexander led cavalry in Philip’s decisive victory over Athens and Thebes.
Source: www.britannica.comBecomes king
Philip’s assassination brought the twenty-year-old Alexander to the throne.
Source: www.britannica.comDestroys rebellious Thebes
After a revolt, Macedonian forces destroyed much of the city and enslaved survivors.
Source: www.britannica.comCrosses into Asia
Alexander began the invasion of the Persian Empire and visited the traditional site of Troy.
Source: www.britannica.comWins at the Granicus
His first major victory in Asia opened western Asia Minor to the Macedonian army.
Source: www.britannica.comDefeats Darius at Issus
Alexander’s army defeated a larger Persian force; Darius III escaped.
Source: www.britannica.comSiege of Tyre
A seven-month siege and vast causeway captured the island city with severe violence.
Source: www.britannica.comEnters Egypt
Egypt accepted Alexander, who was crowned pharaoh.
Connected: Cleopatra VII
Source: www.britannica.comFounds Alexandria
Alexander selected the site of a new port city that became a major centre of the Hellenistic world.
Connected: Cleopatra VII
Source: www.britannica.comVictory at Gaugamela
The defeat of Darius broke the organised power of the Achaemenid Empire.
Source: www.britannica.comPersepolis burned
Alexander occupied the ceremonial capital; fire destroyed its palaces in a still-debated act.
Source: www.britannica.comKills Cleitus
During a drunken quarrel, Alexander killed the veteran officer who had once saved his life.
Source: www.britannica.comMarries Roxana
Marriage to the daughter of a local noble followed years of resistance in Central Asia.
Source: www.britannica.comBattle of the Hydaspes
Alexander defeated King Porus but restored him as a subordinate ruler; the army later refused to advance farther east.
Source: www.britannica.comDies in Babylon
Alexander died aged thirty-two without a settled adult successor; his generals divided the empire.
Source: www.britannica.comExplore related timelines
This educational timeline is not endorsed by or affiliated with Alexander the Great or their representatives. Event text is original editorial copy based on the linked sources.
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Who is Alexander the Great?
Alexander defeated the Achaemenid Empire and accelerated cultural exchange across a vast, violently conquered territory.
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This public timeline currently contains 18 sourced moments spanning 356–323 BCE.
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