Character Catalog

The most famous of the many cities founded by Alexander. It became the intellectual and commercial center of the Hellenistic world, home to the famous library and the lighthouse, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

In four years and three major battles (Granicus, Issus, Gaugamela), Alexander overthrew the Persian Empire, the largest state in the ancient world, and proclaimed himself King of Asia.

Alexander founded around twenty cities bearing his name, from Egypt to present-day Afghanistan. These cities became centers for the spread of Greek culture and strategic points for controlling the territory.

The Susa weddings illustrate Alexander's desire to merge Greek and Persian elites. He encouraged mixed marriages, integrated Persian soldiers into his army, and adopted Eastern customs.

Alexander crossed the Hindu Kush and entered the Indian subcontinent, reaching the limits of the known world for the Greeks. This campaign opened lasting contacts between the Greek and Indian worlds.

Alexander's conquests inaugurated the Hellenistic period: the Greek language, art, philosophy, and sciences spread from the Mediterranean to Central Asia, creating a unified cultural space that would endure for centuries.

Alexander was born on the sixth of the month Hecatombaeon, which the Macedonians call Loos, the same day the temple of Artemis at Ephesus was burned. This prompted Hegesias of Magnesia to make a witticism cold enough to have extinguished the fire: he said it was no wonder the temple of Artemis had burned, since the goddess was busy bringing Alexander into the world.

Alexander drew up his troops in battle order and marched against Darius and the Persians. The two armies approached each other in silence, and when they were within missile range, Alexander, at the head of the right wing, launched his cavalry at a gallop against the enemy.

Alexander founded at the mouth of the Nile a great city to which he gave his own name. Thanks to the fortunate position of its site, it became the most flourishing of all cities, and the greatest trading hub of the inhabited world.

Alexander entered Babylon as if in triumph. The crowd, eager to see the new king, pressed at the city gates. The Babylonians had strewn flowers and garlands along the road he was to travel, and set up silver altars laden with incense and perfumes.

Capital of the Kingdom of Macedonia and birthplace of Alexander. It was here that he grew up at the court of Philip II and received his early education before studying under Aristotle.

Founded by Alexander in 331 BC on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt. It became the largest city of the Hellenistic world, famous for its lighthouse and its library.

Site of the decisive battle of 333 BC where Alexander defeated Darius III. This victory opened the way to Syria, Egypt, and the heart of the Persian Empire.

Ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire, captured and burned by Alexander in 330 BC. Its destruction symbolized the definitive fall of Persian power.

Ancient capital of the Neo-Babylonian Empire where Alexander established the center of his empire. It was in the palace of Nebuchadnezzar II that he died in June 323 BC.

River in the Punjab where Alexander won his last great battle against King Porus in 326 BC. This was the easternmost point of his conquests.

A spear five to seven meters long, the main weapon of the Macedonian phalanx. This invention of Philip II, perfected under Alexander, gave the Macedonians a decisive advantage over Greek hoplites and Persian armies.

A white fabric band tied around the head, symbol of Macedonian royalty. Alexander adopted it and gradually added Persian elements to mark his dual sovereignty.

Alexander carried into battle a shield he had taken from the temple of Athena at Troy, believing it to be that of Achilles. This Homeric hero was his absolute model, from whom he claimed descent through his mother Olympias.

Alexander kept under his pillow a copy of Homer's Iliad annotated by his tutor Aristotle. This text accompanied him throughout his campaign in Asia, bearing witness to his attachment to Greek culture.

After his victory, Alexander used the signet ring of Darius III to seal documents destined for Asia, and his own seal for those destined for Europe, symbolizing his dual authority.

Silver coins struck with the effigy of Heracles wearing the skin of the Nemean lion. These coins became the reference currency throughout the Hellenistic world and circulated long after his death.