| Alexander the Great became king of Macedonia when his father, Philip II, was assassinated in 336 bc. He took immediate measures to quell insurrections, both domestic and abroad, establishing himself as a powerful leader. Alexander led his troops in campaigns against Greek city states, Egypt, and the Persian Empire, ruling most of the civilized world by the time he died in 323 bc at the age of 33. His celebrated military and tactical genius share renown with his ego and ruthlessness. |