Alexander the Great: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of Alexander the Great, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
A prince was raised for greatness
Lane Fox describes Alexander's upbringing as the son of King Philip of Macedon and the fierce Queen Olympias.
Educated by the philosopher Aristotle, he grew up admiring the heroes of Homer's poems and longing for glory.
- IDEA 2 OF 8
He inherited a powerful army
When Philip was assassinated, Alexander became king at twenty.
He inherited a well-trained army and quickly secured his power. This strong start let him turn his attention quickly to his father's old dream of fighting Persia.
- IDEA 3 OF 8
He invaded the Persian Empire
Alexander crossed into Asia to attack the vast Persian Empire.
His bold leadership won early victories. The army that followed him was well trained, and early success made his soldiers trust him more as their commander.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
Issus defeated the Persian king
At the Battle of Issus, Alexander defeated King Darius III, who fled the battlefield.
This victory opened the way south. The victory showed that the Persian king could be beaten, even though his empire was far larger.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
Tyre fell after a long siege
Alexander besieged the island city of Tyre, building a causeway to reach it.
Its capture showed his determination. The long effort showed that Alexander would go to great lengths to finish what he started.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
Gaugamela ended Persian power
At Gaugamela, Alexander defeated Darius again, effectively ending the Persian Empire.
He became ruler of a vast territory. After this battle, Alexander could treat himself as the new master of lands that Persia had ruled for generations.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
He marched into India
Alexander led his army into India, fighting King Porus at the Hydaspes river.
His exhausted troops finally refused to go further. The long march and years of fighting had worn his men down, and the army wanted to go home.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
He died young
Alexander died in Babylon at thirty-two, leaving no clear successor.
His empire soon split apart. His early death left his generals fighting over the lands he had won, so his rule did not outlast him.
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