The video above shows a very brief history of the wars and campaigns of Alexander the Great. Here’s a little more about the man himself, where he came from, and his legacy. Origins: Where Alexander Came FromBorn: 356 BCE in Pella, the capital of the Kingdom of Macedon.Father: King Philip II of Macedon, a brilliant military leader who unified Greece under Macedonian hegemony.Education: Tutored by Aristotle, Alexander received an elite education in philosophy, science, medicine, and literature.Rise to Power: After Philip’s assassination in 336 BCE, Alexander became king at age 20. He immediately consolidated power and crushed uprisings in Greece.Timeline of Alexander’s Wars and Campaigns (334–323 BCE)YearEvent / Campaign334 BCEBattle of the Granicus – Alexander crosses into Asia Minor (modern Turkey) and defeats Persian satraps.333 BCEBattle of Issus – Defeats Persian King Darius III in Syria.332 BCESiege of Tyre and conquest of Egypt – Founding of Alexandria.331 BCEBattle of Gaugamela – Decisive victory over Darius III in Mesopotamia; the Persian Empire effectively falls.330 BCEDarius III assassinated; Alexander claims title of "King of Asia." Pursues and defeats remaining Persian forces.329–327 BCECampaigns in Central Asia – Harsh resistance in Bactria and Sogdiana (modern Afghanistan, Uzbekistan). Marries Roxana (a Bactrian noblewoman).327–326 BCEInvasion of India – Wins Battle of the Hydaspes River against King Porus. His troops, exhausted, refuse to go further east.325 BCEReturns via Gedrosian Desert, suffering major losses.324 BCEReorganizes empire; promotes fusion of Greek and Persian elites.323 BCEDies in Babylon at age 32, possibly from fever, poisoning, or disease.Aftermath of Alexander’s DeathNo clear successor: His only legitimate heir, Alexander IV, was a child.Wars of the Diadochi (Successors): Alexander’s generals fought for control, dividing the empire into several Hellenistic kingdoms:Ptolemaic Egypt (Ptolemy)Seleucid Empire (Seleucus)Antigonid Macedon (Antigonus and descendants)Cultural legacy:Spread of Hellenistic culture, art, and Greek language across the Near East.Cities named “Alexandria” flourished as centers of trade and learning. Why Was Alexander So Successful?Military Genius:Master of tactics and logistics.Innovated combined-arms warfare (infantry + cavalry coordination).Used speed and surprise as core elements of his strategy.Inherited a Powerful Army:Philip II built a professionalized and disciplined army (phalanx, cavalry).Alexander added strategic brilliance to an already formidable force.Charisma and Leadership:Personally led charges in battle; shared dangers with his men.Inspired loyalty, even in foreign troops.Visionary Strategy:Aimed not just to conquer but to unify East and West.Promoted intermarriage, wore Persian dress, and encouraged cultural integration.Weakness of Opponents:The Persian Empire was large but politically unstable and poorly coordinated.Many regions welcomed him as a liberator.