Why alexander the great is important

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You cannot download interactives. Ancient Greek politics, philosophy, art and scientific achievements greatly influenced Western civilizations today. One example of their legacy is the Olympic Games. Use the videos, media, reference materials, and other resources in this collection to teach about ancient Greece, its role in modern-day democracy, and civic engagement.

Macedonia, a small kingdom in northern Greece, established a growing empire from B. With Alexander the Great, Macedonia would come to conquer many lands and usher in the Hellenistic age in the region. Ruled by Hammurabi, restored by Nebuchadrezzar, conquered by Cyrus—this city in the heart of Mesopotamia was both desired and despised, placing it at the center stage of the dawn of history. Due to the limited nature of the information we have about ancient Egypt, the historical figures that we call key is a more limited group than it would be in contemporary times.

The article explores three groups of key figures: those involved in developing the form of the pyramid, famous Egyptian rulers, and important non-Egyptian rulers. Join our community of educators and receive the latest information on National Geographic's resources for you and your students.

Skip to content. Image Alexander the Great Alexander the Great, depicted in typical Hellenistic style in this alabaster bust from Egypt, was probably physically ordinary.

He then laid siege to the heavily fortified island of Tyre in January B. But Alexander had no navy to speak of and Tyre was surrounded by water. Alexander instructed his men to build a causeway to reach Tyre. All went well until they came within striking distance of the Tyrians. After rejecting another peace offer from Darius, Alexander set out for Egypt. He was sidelined at Gaza, however, and forced to endure another lengthy siege. After several weeks, he took the town and entered Egypt where he established the city that still bears his name: Alexandria.

Alexander traveled to the desert to consult the oracle of Ammon, a god of supposed good counsel. Legends abound about what transpired at the oracle, but Alexander kept mum about the experience.

Still, the visit furthered speculation Alexander was a deity. Following fierce fighting and heavy losses on both sides, Darius fled and was assassinated by his own troops. Finally rid of Darius, Alexander proclaimed himself King of Persia.

With Bessus out of the way, Alexander had full control of Persia. To gain credibility with the Persians, Alexander took on many Persian customs. He began dressing like a Persian and adopted the practice of proskynesis, a Persian court custom that involved bowing down and kissing the hand of others, depending on their rank. The Macedonians were less than thrilled with the changes in Alexander and his attempt to be viewed as a deity. They refused to practice proskynesis and some plotted his death.

Increasingly paranoid, Alexander ordered the death of one of his most esteemed generals, Parmenio, in B. Pushed too far, Alexander killed Cleitus with a spear, a spontaneous act of violence that anguished him.

Some historians believe Alexander killed his general in a fit of drunkenness—a persistent problem that plagued him through much of his life. Alexander struggled to capture Sogdia, a region of the Persian Empire that remained loyal to Bessus. Supposedly, one of those on the rock was a girl named Roxane. As the story goes, Alexander fell in love with Roxane on sight. He married her despite her Sogdian heritage and she joined him on his journey.

Some tribes surrendered peacefully; others did not. Even so, after a fierce battle in a raging thunderstorm, Porus was defeated. One event took place at Hydaspes which devastated Alexander: the death of his beloved horse, Bucephalus.

Alexander approached the thinker in a public plaza, asking Diogenes if there was anything he in his great riches could do for him.

From his first victory at age 18, Alexander gained a reputation of leading his men to battle with impressive speed, allowing smaller forces to reach and break the enemy lines before his foes were ready. After securing his kingdom in Greece, in B. Alexander commemorated his conquests by founding dozens of cities usually built up around previous military forts , which he invariably named Alexandria. The most famous of these, founded at the mouth of the Nile in B.

Near the site of the battle of the river Hydaspes—the costliest victory of his Indian campaign—Alexander founded the city of Bucephala, named for his favorite horse, which was mortally wounded in the battle. For Carney, the popularity of the "Alexander Romance" reflects the enduring allure of this world-changing figure. Alexander's mother, Olympias, deserves credit for his rise to greatness, too.

Greek historians report that she had several rival heirs to the throne murdered after Phillip's death. Sign up for our Newsletter! Mobile Newsletter banner close. Mobile Newsletter chat close. Mobile Newsletter chat dots. Mobile Newsletter chat avatar. Mobile Newsletter chat subscribe. Historical Figures. Alexander the Great fights the Battle of Issus, ca.

Alexander the Great listens to his tutor, Greek philosopher Aristotle. All the city was pillaged. Everywhere boys and girls were dragged into captivity as they wailed piteously the names of their mothers. In the end, when night finally intervened, the houses had been plundered and children and women and aged persons who had fled into the temples were torn from sanctuary and subjected to outrage without limit. Alexander the Great's first major victory over the Persians at Granicus.

Now That's Interesting. Alexander took the throne when he was 20 years old, after his father, Phillip was assassinated in B. He died in Babylon from a fever at just 32 years old after reigning for 12 years and eight months.

When Alexander died at the age of 32, he ruled a territory that spanned three continents and covered nearly 2 million square miles. He was the king of his native Macedonia, ruler of the Greeks, the king of Persia and even an Egyptian pharaoh.