History of Alexander the Great in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 25, 2024

"Alexander the Great", King of Macedon, ascended to the throne at 20 years old. He dedicated a significant portion of his reign leading military campaigns across Western Asia, Central Asia, parts of South Asia, and Egypt. By the age of 30, he had established one of the largest empires in history, spanning from Greece to northwestern India. He remained undefeated in battle and is widely regarded as one of history's most exceptional military commanders.

1969: New Insights on the Alexander Sarcophagus

In 1969, Karl Schefold proposed that the "Alexander Sarcophagus" in Istanbul might pre-date the death of Abdalonymus, the king of Sidon appointed by Alexander. The sarcophagus, despite its name, isn't believed to have housed Alexander's remains but depicts him in battle and hunting scenes.

1998: Typhoid Fever as Cause of Alexander's Death

A 1998 article in the New England Journal of Medicine proposed that Alexander the Great died from typhoid fever, which was further complicated by bowel perforation and ascending paralysis.

2003: BBC Documentary Investigates Alexander the Great's Death

In 2003, a BBC documentary explored various theories surrounding Alexander the Great's death, including poisoning. One expert proposed that the plant white hellebore could have been used, aligning with the described symptoms.

2004: Infectious Diseases and Alexander's Declining Health

In 2004, an analysis suggested that pyogenic spondylitis or meningitis might have contributed to Alexander the Great's death. This analysis, along with others, highlighted the possibility of his declining health due to years of heavy drinking and severe wounds.

2010: Water Poisoning Theory Emerges

In 2010, a new theory suggested that Alexander the Great might have been poisoned by water from the river Styx, which contained a dangerous compound called calicheamicin. This theory offered an alternative explanation for his death.

2014: New Research on Alexander the Great's Poisoning

A 2014 manuscript in the journal Clinical Toxicology suggested that Alexander the Great's wine might have been poisoned with Veratrum album. This theory aligns with the prolonged course of his illness and the symptoms he experienced.

2014: Discovery of a Tomb in Amphipolis

In 2014, an enormous tomb from the time of Alexander the Great was discovered in Amphipolis, northern Greece. Initially, there was speculation that it was intended for Alexander, aligning with the destination of his funeral procession. However, it was later found to be dedicated to his close friend, Hephaestion.

2023: Possible Temple Founded by Alexander the Great

In 2023, experts from the British Museum suggested that a Greek temple at Girsu in Iraq might have been founded by Alexander the Great. Recent discoveries indicate that the site honors Zeus and two divine sons, potentially Heracles and Alexander.