Alexander the Great

HISTORY REPORT #1

My report is on Alexander III(354-323 B.C.E) of Macedon. My source for report

is an article from January, 1968 edition of the National Geographic. The article is titled

"In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great". It discusses entire journey through Asia and

Egypt conquering every country that he wished. As if being king of Macedon wasn't

enough for an eighteen year old boy to handle. Throughout his battle he took over

countries like Egypt, Persia, Mesopotamia, and Asia Minor. At the age of twenty-four he

was king of more than three countries.

Alexander the Great became king of Macedon in 336 B.C.E. ascending his father's

throne. Since his father, Philip II, had conquered Greece too. Beginning his voyage in

334, at the age of twenty, Alexander crossed the Hellespont into Asia. The Persian

offered Alexander battle at the Granicus River on the coast of Asia Minor. Alexander led

a cavalry charge across the river into the teeth of the enemy. His courage, inspired his

soldiers, and the victory opened all of Asia Minor to conquest by the Greeks.

In 331 B.C.E. Alexander marched into Mesopotamia to meet an army Darius III,

Persia's king, had assembled. Once again Alexander and his army broke the Persian line

and Darius was forced to flee. Eventually in 330 B.C.E., in a series of brilliant battles,

Alexander destroyed the power of Darius III and took his lands and titles for himself. He

might have stopped then, rich in glory and plunder. But his thirst for fame and his

questing sprit drove him on.