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Alexander was born in Pella, the capital of ancient Macedonia, to King Philip II and Queen Olympias. His early education by Aristotle would greatly influence his later approach to spreading Greek culture throughout his empire.

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18-year-old Alexander led the cavalry charge that secured victory for his father Philip II against the Greek city-states and demonstrated Alexander's military skill at a young age. This battle effectively united Greece and its many city-states under Macedonian rule and set the stage for Alexander's future conquest of Persia. It also established Alexander's reputation as a brilliant and strategic military leader.

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Alexander's first major victory against the Persian Empire. This battle opened the door to Asia Minor and demonstrated his brilliant military tactics. He ordered the construction of Greek-style buildings in captured territories, beginning the spread of Hellenistic culture.

As he advanced and won several key victories, he opted not to rule with martial law, but established semi-independent nations (similar to what the Persians had done). This more democratic approach helped Alexander retain his control over the region despite his continued military campaigns.

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Alexander the Great cuts the Gordian Knot

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In a legendary story, Alexander fulfilled the prophecy of Asia's conquest by cutting the impossible-to-untie Gordian Knot. The story goes that whoever untied the knot would become ruler of Asia. When Alexander was shown the knot, he did not attempt to untie the knot, but instead cut it in half with his sword. This story became a symbol of Alexander's bold solution to complex problems and his divine right to rule Asia.

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Alexander established the most famous of his namesake cities - Alexandria in Egypt. This city became the greatest center of learning in the ancient world, home to the Great Library and the fusion of Greek and Egyptian culture. Also, by creating Alexandria at the mouth of the Nile, occupying Egypt gave his armies a strong military advantage on the Mediterranean.

By the end of his reign, Alexander found over 20 cities named Alexandria. These cities often served as military outposts or administrative centers to spread Greek influence and maintain control of his large empire.

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Alexander's decisive victory over the Persian Empire under Darius III. This victory effectively ended Persian resistance and ended the Persian Empire, allowing Alexander to take control of Babylon, Susa, and Persepolis, the heart of the Persian Empire. It solidified Alexander's reputation as one of history’s greatest military commanders and marked the beginning of the Hellenistic era, as Greek culture and influence spread across the former Persian territories.

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After defeating the Persian Empire, Alexander turned his attention to Bactria, a region that was strategically important due to its location as a gateway between Persia, India, and Central Asia. The region was ruled by local kings, but it had been a Persian satrapy before Alexander’s invasion. His successful conquest of Bactria not only secured his eastern flank but also served as a crucial base for his further campaigns into India.

Alexander married Roxana (a princess from the region) in Bactria, and their marriage was both a political and symbolic act. Alexander sought to solidify his control over Bactria and strengthen his relationship with the local people. It also represented his policy of integrating local cultures and peoples into his empire, as he had previously married other women from different regions, such as Darius III's daughters, to create political alliances. This region became a major center of Hellenistic culture in Central Asia, mixing Greek and Eastern traditions.

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Alexander's easternmost victory against King Porus of India. It marked Alexander's first major encounter with an Indian king, showcasing his ability to adapt to new kinds of warfare, including facing war elephants. Alexander’s victory gave him control over the Punjab region and further extended his empire into India. After the battle, his soldiers, exhausted and longing to return home, refused to march further into India, leading Alexander to turn back.

He respected Porus's bravery and allowed him to retain his kingdom, demonstrating Alexander's policy of incorporating local rulers into his empire while spreading Greek culture.

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Alexander died in Babylon at age 32, possibly from fever or poisoning. His death marked the end of his conquest but not his cultural legacy. After Alexander's death, Greek culture continued to spread across parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia leading to the rise of the Hellenistic era. The term "Hellenistic" means "like the Greeks" and the Hellenistic kingdoms that emerged from his empire would continue to spread Greek culture for centuries.