Alexander the Great: A Detailed Biography

Alexander III of Macedon (356–323 BCE) — known as Alexander the Great — created one of the largest empires in ancient history in just over a decade. Undefeated in battle, he spread Greek culture from the Mediterranean to the Indus and founded cities that endured for centuries. This biography traces his childhood, conquests, death, and lasting legacy, as documented by the Encyclopaedia Britannica and the Livius.org.

Early Life and Education

Birth in Pella

Born in July 356 BCE in Pella, capital of Macedon, Alexander was the son of King Philip II and Queen Olympias. Legend says his birth coincided with the burning of the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, as noted by the Smithsonian Magazine.

Tutored by Aristotle

From age 13 to 16, Alexander was taught by Aristotle at Mieza. He learned philosophy, science, medicine, and literature, and carried a copy of Homer’s Iliad (annotated by Aristotle) on all campaigns.

Ascension and Early Campaigns

King at 20

After Philip’s assassination in 336 BCE, 20-year-old Alexander crushed rebellions and was acclaimed king. In 334 BCE he crossed the Hellespont with ~40,000 men to begin the conquest of Persia, as chronicled by the National Geographic.

Conquest of the Persian Empire (334–330 BCE)

Key Battles

Granicus (334) → Issus (333) → Siege of Tyre (332) → Gaugamela (331) — decisive victory that ended the Achaemenid Empire. Alexander was proclaimed “King of Asia” and entered Babylon, Susa, and Persepolis (which he burned in 330 BCE).

Central Asia and India (329–326 BCE)

He conquered Bactria and Sogdiana, married Roxana (a local noblewoman), and reached India. At the Hydaspes River (326 BCE) he defeated King Porus with brilliant tactics involving an upstream crossing. Exhausted troops mutinied at the Hyphasis (Beas) River and refused to march further.

Return and Death

The brutal march back through the Gedrosian Desert cost thousands of lives. In Babylon in 323 BCE, after weeks of feasting, Alexander fell ill and died on June 10/11 at age 32. His last words (according to tradition): when asked who should succeed him, he replied “to the strongest.”

Personal Life and Bucephalus

Alexander tamed the untameable horse Bucephalus at age 12; the horse carried him into every major battle until its death in 326 BCE. He married Roxana, Stateira, and Parysatis, and had one acknowledged son, Alexander IV (posthumous).

Death and Legacy

Alexander’s Enduring Impact

Dying on June 10/11, 323 BCE in Babylon, his body was later taken to Alexandria by Ptolemy. His empire fragmented among the Diadochi, but the Hellenistic kingdoms and cities he founded spread Greek language, art, and science across three continents for centuries, as explored by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Alexander remains a symbol of ambition, military genius, and the fusion of East and West.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alexander the Great

Why Is Alexander the Great Famous?

For creating one of the largest empires in history and remaining undefeated in battle.

How Far Did Alexander the Great Conquer?

Over 3,000 miles — from Greece to northwestern India, founding more than 20 Alexandrias.

Where Was Alexander the Great Born?

Pella, Macedon, in July 356 BCE.

Who Was Alexander’s Teacher?

Aristotle, from age 13 to 16.

What Horse Did Alexander the Great Ride?

Bucephalus — a city was named after the horse when it died in 326 BCE.

Did Alexander Lose Any Battles?

No — he remained undefeated in major pitched battles.

How Did Alexander the Great Die?

June 323 BCE in Babylon at age 32 — most likely malaria or typhoid, possibly worsened by alcohol; poisoning is unproven.