Alexander III of Macedon, commonly known as Alexander the Great, was a king of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon. A member of the Argead dynasty, he was born in Pella—a city in Ancient Greece—in 356 BC. He succeeded his father King Philip II to the throne at the age of 20, and spent most of his ruling years conducting a lengthy military campaign throughout Western Asia and Northeastern Africa. By the age of thirty, he had created one of the largest empires in history, stretching from Greece to northwestern India. He was undefeated in battle and is widely considered to be one of history's most successful military commanders. During his youth, Alexander was tutored by Aristotle until the age of 16. His father Philip was assassinated in 336 BC at Alexander's sister's wedding, and Alexander assumed the throne to the Kingdom of Macedon. After sacking the city of Thebes, Alexander was awarded the generalship of Greece.
Predecessor | Philip II |
Successor | Alexander IV, Philip III |
Predecessor | Philip II |
Predecessor | Darius III |
Successor | Alexander IV, Philip III |
Born | 20 or 21 July 356 BC, Pella, Macedon, Ancient Greece |
Died | 10 or 11 June 323 BC (aged 32), Babylon, Mesopotamia |
Spouse | Roxana of Bactria, Stateira II of Persia, Parysatis II of Persia |
Issue | Alexander IV, Heracles (alleged illegitimate son) |
Greek | Μέγας Ἀλέξανδρος [d], Mégas Aléxandros, lit. Great Alexander, Ἀλέξανδρος ὁ Μέγας, Aléxandros ho Mégas, lit. Alexander the Great |
Dynasty | Argead |
Father | Philip II of Macedon |
Mother | Olympias of Epirus |
Religion | Greek polytheism |
About Alexander the Great
King of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon and member of the Argead dynasty. He created one of the largest empires of the ancient world by the time he was 30 years old and was awarded the generalship of Greece.
Achievement of Alexander the Great
He was renowned as one of history's most successful military commanders as he went undefeated in battle. He assumed the titles of Hegemon of Hellenic League, Pharaoh of Egypt, King of Persia and Lord of Asia. He died in Babylon at the age of 32.
Top Facts You Did Not Know About Alexander the Great
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Latest information about Alexander the Great updated on July 28 2021.