Alexander the Great's Conquests: What Happened
Between 334 and 323 BC, Alexander III of Macedon, known as Alexander the Great, led an army from Greece across the Persian Empire and into India, creating one of the largest empires in history. Crossing into Asia Minor with around 40,000 men, he won major victories over the Persians at the Granicus River, Issus and Gaugamela. He took the island city of Tyre after a long siege, was welcomed in Egypt, where he founded Alexandria, and captured the great Persian capitals of Babylon, Susa and Persepolis. After the death of the Persian king Darius III, Alexander claimed his throne and pushed east through Central Asia, marrying the Bactrian princess Roxana. In 326 BC, he defeated King Porus at the Hydaspes River in India, but his exhausted soldiers refused to march farther. After a brutal return journey, Alexander died in Babylon in 323 BC, aged just 32. He never lost a major battle. His conquests spread the Greek language and culture from Egypt to Afghanistan, beginning the Hellenistic Age, and his generals divided his empire among themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big was Alexander the Great's empire?
Alexander's empire stretched from Greece and Egypt across the Persian Empire to Afghanistan and the borders of India, making it one of the largest empires of the ancient world.
How long did Alexander the Great's conquests take?
Alexander's campaigns lasted from 334 BC, when he crossed into Asia, until his death in 323 BC, about eleven years in total.
Did Alexander the Great ever lose a battle?
Alexander never lost a major battle. His key victories included the Granicus, Issus, Gaugamela and the Hydaspes, as well as the famous siege of Tyre.
Why did Alexander the Great turn back from India?
After the Battle of the Hydaspes in 326 BC, his exhausted soldiers refused to march farther east. Alexander was forced to turn back toward Babylon.
What was the legacy of Alexander's conquests?
His conquests spread the Greek language and culture from Egypt to Afghanistan, beginning the Hellenistic Age. After his death, his generals divided the empire among themselves.
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