Alexander the Great changed the world map decisively

a mysterious death

Paul Cartledge, professor of Greek culture at the University of Cambridge, describes what Alexander achieved in his 32 years as "unique". In 336 BC BC, he was crowned King Macedonia at the age of 20 and only spent two years in Europe in which he pushed up risks in southern Europe and in the Balkans. 334 v. BC, he led his army to Asia to realize his father Philipp's dream: the conquest of the Persian Empire, which was the greatest realm of the world at the time.

For a period of ten years, Alexander fought in today's Türkiye, in the Middle East and to Afghanistan and Pakistan. He defeated the Persian king Darius III. And conquered his kingdom for himself, so that its territory extended from the Adriatic Sea to the Indus River-and all of this at the age of only 30. He then penetrated the Indian subcontinent, where he continued his conquests until his exhausted army rebelled. On the way back, Alexander was hit by a two -week fever and died in Babylon.

a visionary conqueror

Alexander had never lost a battle in his life. Although his kingdom soon fell down, the Greek language remained the official administrative language in the conquered areas for centuries. "This explains why Greek was spread throughout the Middle East and why the New Testament is written in Greek," says Cartledge. Despite the hostility of many Athenians who believed in democracy and not in monarchies or imperies, Alexander has achieved an almost divine status since his death.

in the footsteps of Alexander

• Aigai, Greece
• Istanbul, Türkiye
• Alexandria, Egypt
• Babylon, Iraq
• Troy, Türkiye
• Pella, Greece
• Persepolis, Iran
• Kandahar, Afghanistan
• Siwa, Egypt
• Perperikon, Bulgaria (maybe)
• Susa, Iran
• Venice, Italy (maybe)

Alexander's legacy is anything but a dry history lesson. Already in the Roman age, historians such as Arrian and Plutarch wrote biographies. The “Alexander Roman”, which was written in Alexandria in the third century, enjoyed great popularity and was translated into many languages. Alexander is not only worshiped in historiography, but also in literature and culture.

a character of unsurpassed importance

Cathledge says that it is the combination of Alexander's young age and the enormous distances that he laid on his conquests, which makes his story so remarkable. "He had come to Afghanistan, Pakistan and a piece of India. He overcome everything that was put in his way: mountains, rivers, war elephants, war -consumed characters. He has overcome everything that was thrown towards him," he explains.

The legend lives on

Although Alexander is a controversial character, he continues to inspire people through history and trip. Tourists take part in guided tours that step in his footsteps and experience up close from the places he once conquered. These connections to Alexander's legacy make history alive and still feel its fascination.

"He did not spare himself. He never chose the long way, but achieved everything he could, in the shortest possible time," says Cartledge about this extraordinary man, who still serves as a source of inspiration. "Alexander never had doubts that he would achieve his goal."