Frequently Asked Questions

Alexander the Great was a King of Macedon, a state in northern Greece, and one of history's most successful military commanders. He was born in 356 BCE and succeeded his father, King Philip II, at the age of 20. By the time of his death in 323 BCE, Alexander had created one of the largest empires in the ancient world, stretching from Greece to Egypt, Persia, and into India.
Some of his most famous battles include the Battle of Granicus (334 BCE), the Battle of Issus (333 BCE), the Battle of Gaugamela (331 BCE), and the Battle of Hydaspes (326 BCE). These victories were pivotal in his conquest of the Persian Empire and beyond.
Alexander the Great died in 323 BCE in Babylon, likely at the age of 32. The cause of his death remains unclear, with theories ranging from natural causes like fever (possibly typhoid or malaria) to poisoning, though the latter is widely disputed.
Alexander the Great's empire included parts of modern-day Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of India. His conquests spread Greek culture across the known world.
No, Alexander the Great never lost a battle in his military career. His tactical genius and ability to inspire his troops led to consistent victories, even when outnumbered.
The Battle of Gaugamela (331 BCE) was one of Alexander's most decisive victories, where he defeated the Persian King Darius III. This battle effectively marked the fall of the Persian Empire and secured Alexander’s dominance in the ancient world.
At its peak, Alexander’s army had about 40,000 to 50,000 soldiers. Despite being outnumbered in many battles, Alexander's military strategies and leadership allowed him to defeat much larger forces.
Alexander became King of Macedon at the age of 20 after the assassination of his father, King Philip II, in 336 BCE.
Alexander was tutored by the philosopher Aristotle from the age of 13 to 16. Aristotle taught him philosophy, science, and medicine, significantly influencing Alexander’s approach to leadership and governance.
Yes, Alexander the Great married Roxana, a Persian princess, in 327 BCE. He also married Stateira II and Parysatis II, daughters of Persian rulers, in a political move to consolidate power in Persia.
Alexander is credited with founding over 20 cities, many of which were named Alexandria in his honor. The most famous of these is Alexandria in Egypt, which became a center of culture and learning.
Alexander's conquests spread Greek culture, language, and ideas across a vast area, creating the Hellenistic period. This blending of Greek and Eastern cultures led to the development of new art, philosophy, and scientific advancements.
The Gordian Knot was an intricate knot tied to an ancient wagon, with a prophecy stating that whoever could untie it would rule Asia. Alexander “solved” the knot by slicing it in half with his sword, symbolizing his bold approach to challenges.
The Battle of Issus (333 BCE) was a major victory for Alexander over Darius III of Persia. The battle took place in modern-day Turkey and marked a turning point in Alexander's campaign against Persia.
Alexander sought to both defeat and integrate the Persian Empire. He adopted Persian customs, married Persian women, and promoted Persian officials, aiming to unite his empire under a shared Greek-Persian culture.
The Macedonian phalanx was a key part of Alexander’s military strategy. It was a dense formation of soldiers armed with long spears (sarissas) that could effectively hold enemy forces at bay while allowing Alexander’s cavalry to strike decisively.
Alexander is considered one of history’s greatest military leaders due to his tactical brilliance, ability to inspire his troops, and his undefeated record in battle. He also expanded his empire across three continents in just over a decade.
Alexander was generally tolerant of different religious beliefs. He respected local gods and customs in the territories he conquered and sought to blend his own image with those of deities, especially in Egypt where he was declared a god.
Alexander attempted to merge Greek and local customs, employing local administrators alongside Greeks in positions of power. He also founded cities, established military colonies, and encouraged cultural exchange.
At the Battle of Hydaspes (326 BCE), Alexander faced King Porus of India. Alexander used a clever strategy, crossing the river at night and attacking Porus from an unexpected location, leading to a decisive victory despite the difficult terrain.
Yes, after his death, Alexander was deified, and he was considered a god-king in Egypt and parts of his empire. Some of his followers also believed he was the son of Zeus, especially after his visit to the oracle of Siwa.
The Siege of Tyre (332 BCE) was one of Alexander's most impressive military feats. He built a causeway to reach the island city of Tyre and eventually captured it after seven months, solidifying his control over the Eastern Mediterranean.
Yes, Alexander crossed into India and fought the Battle of the Hydaspes against King Porus. He advanced as far as the Indus River before his troops, exhausted and homesick, refused to march further.
Key companions and generals included Hephaestion, his closest friend and confidant; Ptolemy, who would later become the ruler of Egypt; Seleucus, who established the Seleucid Empire; and Perdiccas, who became a regent after Alexander's death.
After Alexander’s death, his empire was divided among his generals, known as the Diadochi. This led to a series of wars and the eventual fragmentation of the empire into several Hellenistic kingdoms.
Alexander’s empire set the stage for the Hellenistic period, during which Greek culture, science, and philosophy spread across the known world. It influenced art, architecture, and thought from Greece to India.
In Egypt, Alexander visited the Oracle of Siwa, where he was declared the son of Zeus. This moment cemented his belief in his divine right to rule and strengthened his image as a god-king.
Yes, Alexander had one known child, Alexander IV, born to his wife Roxana. After Alexander's death, the child was left as a puppet ruler under the control of his regents.
Alexandria in Egypt became a major center of culture, learning, and trade. It was home to the famous Library of Alexandria and the Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The exact location of Alexander the Great's tomb remains unknown. However, ancient texts suggest he was buried in Alexandria, and his tomb became a site of veneration throughout the Hellenistic and Roman periods.