westoner :
336 BC, Alexander's sister married the king of Molossia, who was also her maternal uncle and shared his name. Shortly after their wedding, King Philip II was assassinated by Pausanias, a Macedonian nobleman. As the 19-year-old Alexander sought power, he rallied support from the Macedonian army, enlisting the generals and regiments he fought with at the Battle of Chaeronea. They proclaimed him king and assisted in removing rivals. Meanwhile, his mother, Olympias, solidified his rule by executing King Philip II's infant daughter and driving Cleopatra to suicide.
Despite becoming king, Alexander had to secure control over the League of Corinth, as southern city-states celebrated Philip II's death and sought to break the alliance, with Athens aiming to lead. In response, Alexander marched south, making Thessaly recognize him as the leader of the League and compelling formal allegiance in a meeting at Thermopylae. By autumn of 336 BC, he had renegotiated treaties with the cities of the League, although Athens remained resistant. He was granted military authority for a planned campaign against Persia, but first, he subdued the Thracian Triballi in 335 BC to secure Macedonia’s northern borders.
As Alexander concluded the northern campaign, he learned of a revolt in Thebes. To prevent further rebellions, he mobilized a force of 3,000 cavalry and 30,000 infantry, swiftly marching south. Upon arrival, Thebes was unprepared for the onslaught, resulting in the city's destruction three days later. This brutal display served as a warning to other cities, effectively maintaining loyalty among the Greeks.
In 334 BC, Alexander started his campaign in Asia, reaching Troy by spring. He faced and defeated the forces of Persian King Darius III at the Granicus River, continuing to push through Asia Minor to Gordium for winter quarters. In 333 BC, the armies clashed again at the Battle of Issus, where Alexander's tactical brilliance led to another victory, prompting Darius to escape.
Next, Alexander invaded Egypt, facing little resistance after taking Gaza. In 331 BC, he founded Alexandria, aimed at being a cultural hub, and later defeated Darius's forces at the Battle of Gaugamel
2026-08-31 19:41:35