Alexander the Great was a Macedonian king of Greek origin who conquered most of the known world in the 4th century BC. He was born in 356 BC and died in 323 BC.
Alexander is one of the most celebrated military leaders in history.
Alexander defeated Darius III at Gaugamela in 331 BC and again at Issus in 333 BC. After these victories, Alexander occupied Syria, Egypt and Babylonia, before marching on India where he defeated Porus at Hydaspes (326 BC). After his return from India, Alexander crossed back over into Asia Minor to defeat Darius again at Gaugamela (331 BC), before moving southwards towards Babylon. In the spring of 330 BC, he entered Babylon and there received recognition from the Greek cities as ruler of Persia.
After this victory, Darius fled eastwards towards Bactria with his remaining army; however he was murdered by his own satrap Bessus shortly after crossing the Oxus river (now called Amu Darya). Bessus then declared himself king under Persian rule but was soon captured by Alexander’s men and executed several months later in 328 BCE.
