ALL ALEXANDER DATES

356 BC

Alexander is born – Born in Pella to King Philip II and Queen Olympias, destined for greatness from birth.

c. 344 BC

Tames Bucephalus – Alexander tames the wild horse Bucephalus, showcasing his bravery and potential.

343–340 BC

Tutored by Aristotle – Receives a classical Greek education under Aristotle, shaping his intellect and worldview.

340 BC

Acts as Regent of Macedon – Governs Macedon in Philip's absence and crushes a rebellion in Maedi, showing early leadership.

338 BC

Battle of Chaeronea – Fights alongside Philip II in a decisive victory against Greek city-states, proving his military skill.

336 BC

Philip II assassinated – Philip is assassinated, clearing the way for Alexander’s sudden rise to the throne.

336 BC

Becomes King of Macedon – Alexander becomes king and swiftly secures his power in a fragile political climate.

335 BC

Destroys Thebes – Suppresses a revolt and razes Thebes, sending a brutal warning to other Greek city-states.

335 BC

Campaigns in Thrace and Illyria – Secures Macedon’s northern frontiers before embarking on the Persian campaign.

334 BC

Crosses the Hellespont – Launches his invasion of the Persian Empire by crossing into Asia Minor.

334 BC

Honours Achilles at Troy – Visits Troy and honours Achilles, reinforcing his identity as a heroic Greek warrior.

334 BC

Battle of the Granicus – Defeats Persian satraps in his first major victory, solidifying morale and momentum.

334 BC

Siege of Miletus – Captures Miletus, showing skill in naval strategy and weakening Persian coastal control.

334 BC

Siege of Halicarnassus – Takes the fortified city after fierce resistance, advancing along the western coast.

334–333 BC

Conquest of Lycia and Pisidia – Secures southern Asia Minor, strengthening his hold and gaining local support.

333 BC

Gordian Knot- Alexander visits Gordium and solves the legendary Gordian Knot by slicing it with his sword, symbolising bold leadership and destiny to rule Asia.

333 BC

Cilician Gates- Alexander led his army through the narrow and dangerous Cilician Gates pass into southern Asia Minor, a key strategic move that allowed him to surprise Darius.

333 BC

Alexander falls ill at Tarsus- Alexander became seriously ill after bathing in the cold Cydnus River in Tarsus; his recovery boosted his heroic image and the troops’ belief in his divine favour.

333 BC

Battle of Issus – Defeats Darius III in a key battle, despite being outnumbered, proving his tactical brilliance.

333 BC

Captures Darius’s family – Takes Darius’s royal family but treats them with dignity to show magnanimity.

332 BC

Siege of Tyre – Conducts a seven-month siege and captures the island city, breaking Persian naval power.

332 BC

Conquest of Gaza – Captures Gaza after fierce resistance, opening the way to Egypt.

332–331 BC

Founds Alexandria in Egypt – Welcomed as a liberator in Egypt and founds Alexandria, which becomes a major city.

331 BC

Visit to Siwah Oracle – Consults the Oracle of Zeus-Ammon, reportedly being called the “son of Zeus.”

331 BC

Battle of Gaugamela – Wins a decisive battle against Darius III, effectively ending the Persian Empire.

331 BC

Takes Babylon – Enters Babylon peacefully and is celebrated as a liberator by its people.

331–330 BC

Takes Susa and Persepolis – Seizes Persian capitals, gaining vast wealth and symbolic dominance.

330 BC

Burning of Persepolis – Burns the city, likely as revenge or a symbolic end to Persian supremacy.

330 BC

Darius III dies – Pursues Darius, who is killed by his own men; Alexander claims to avenge him.

330 BC

Executes Philotas and Parmenion – Has Philotas and his father executed to eliminate threats to his authority.

330–327 BC

Bactrian and Sogdian campaigns – Faces guerrilla resistance but secures control through brutal and diplomatic tactics. Killed Besus

327 BC and 326 BC

Marriage to Roxana and capture of Aornos

327 BC

Indian campaign begins – Begins pushing into India, expanding beyond the Persian Empire’s former borders.

327 BC

Crosses Hindu Kush – Leads his army over dangerous mountains to enter India.

326 BC

Recieved approval and supplies from King Taxiles

326 BC

Battle of the Hydaspes – Defeats King Porus, who impresses Alexander enough to be reinstated as a ruler.

326 BC

Bucephalus dies – His cherished horse dies; Alexander honours him by founding the city of Bucephala.

326 BC

Mutiny at Hyphasis River – Troops refuse to march farther east, forcing Alexander to turn back.

325 BC

March through Gedrosian Desert – Takes a perilous route home through the desert, suffering massive losses.

324 BC

Marriage to Stateira II – Marries Darius’s daughter in a mass wedding to promote unity between Macedonians and Persians.

324 BC

Death of Hephaestion – Hephaestion, his closest friend, dies, deeply affecting Alexander’s emotional state.

324 BC

The Exiles Decree – Orders Greek city-states to recall political exiles, reinforcing his pan-Hellenic control.

324–323 BC

Returns to Babylon – Returns to the empire’s centre and begins preparing for new campaigns and reforms.

June 323 BC

Death of Alexander the Great – Dies unexpectedly at age 32 in Babylon, leaving behind a vast but fragile empire.