Alexander the Great

Alexander III of Macedon (356–323 BCE), known as Alexander the Great, was one of history's most successful military commanders. By age 30, he had created an empire stretching from Greece to northwestern India, including Egypt and Persia. Tutored by Aristotle, Alexander spread Greek culture and language throughout his conquests (Hellenization), founding over 20 cities including Alexandria in Egypt. His military genius included the decisive battles of Granicus, Issus, and Gaugamela against the Persian Empire. He died at age 32 in Babylon, and his empire was divided among his generals (the Diadochi), creating the Hellenistic kingdoms that shaped the ancient world until Roman conquest.