Alexander the Great vs the Persian Empire on a 3D Map
The Persian Empire was the greatest power of its age, stretching from Egypt to India. In just a few years, a young king from Macedonia, Alexander, beat its armies in three huge battles and took the whole empire for himself.
Alexander the Great vs Persian Empire at a glance
| Alexander the Great | Persian Empire | |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | 336 to 323 BC | 550 to 330 BC |
| Largest area | About 5 million km² | About 5.5 million km² |
| Leader during the war | Alexander III of Macedon | Darius III |
| Capitals | Pella, later Babylon | Susa, Persepolis, Pasargadae and others |
| Famous for | Never losing a major battle | The Royal Road and a well-run system of provinces |
| Army | Smaller, built around the Macedonian phalanx and cavalry | Much larger, drawn from all over the empire |
| What came after | Split among his generals | Taken over by Alexander |
Three battles
Alexander crossed into Asia in 334 BC and won his first big battle at the river Granicus. In 333 BC he beat Darius III himself at Issus. In 331 BC, at Gaugamela, he defeated a far larger Persian army, and Darius fled. Alexander took Babylon, Susa and Persepolis, and in 330 BC Darius was killed by his own nobles.
Conqueror or heir?
Alexander did not destroy the Persian system. He kept many Persian governors, wore some Persian royal dress and married a Bactrian noblewoman, Roxana. His empire was really the Persian Empire with Greece and Macedonia added on top. After he died in 323 BC, his generals fought over it and split it into several kingdoms.
Quick facts
- Cyrus the Great founded the Persian Empire around 550 BC.
- The Persian Royal Road ran about 2,700 km, from Sardis to Susa.
- Alexander founded more than a dozen cities named Alexandria.
- Persepolis was burned during Alexander’s stay in 330 BC.
- Alexander was taught as a boy by the philosopher Aristotle.
Alexander the Great vs Persian Empire questions
How did Alexander the Great defeat the Persian Empire?
Through three big victories, at Granicus in 334 BC, Issus in 333 BC and Gaugamela in 331 BC, using fast cavalry charges and the Macedonian phalanx.
Which was bigger, Alexander’s empire or the Persian Empire?
They were similar, about 5 to 5.5 million km². Alexander’s empire was mostly the old Persian Empire plus Greece and Macedonia.
Who was the Persian king Alexander fought?
Darius III.
How old was Alexander when he died?
32, in Babylon in 323 BC.
What happened to Alexander’s empire after he died?
His generals fought over it and split it into several kingdoms.
More face-offs: see all 3D comparisons.
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