336 B.C.

He was a King, a commander, and a conqueror. Alexander the Great was so powerful—some people called him a god. He’ s one of the greatest generals in history. Alexander was born in 356 B. C. His father, King Philip II, hired the famous Greek philosopher Aristotle to tutor young Alexander. In the summer of 336 B.C. , his father was murdered by one of his body guards. Alexander then became King. Many people, inside and outside this country, flooded against the young king. But Alexander was shrewd. He quickly ordered the execution of all those who were against him. Crashed the rebellions and restored his rule. Next in 334 B. C. , Alexander turned his attention toward the Persian Empire in southwest Asia. Their armies met in 333 B. C. and fought a fierce battle. Alexander won and the Persian Emperor fled. Alexander then let his soldiers south into the Egypt where he ceased power. At the mouth of Nile River in northern Egypt, Alexander founded a new city. He named the city "Alexanderia". Alexander was a military genius and a greatest explorer. He also had a grand ambition. He wanted to rule a world empire where people could live in peace with one another. As he traveled, he built more cities. He recruited soldiers, merchants and scholars from many lands to settle in them. In 326 B. C. Alexander turned south into India. But by then his men were tired and weak. The soldiers rebelled and refused to go farther. Although he was not willing, Alexander had to turn back. By 323 B. C he reached Babylon in Iraq. While he was in Iraq, he caught a fever and died at the age of 33. His empire was divided up.