Alexander the Great: The Persian Wars
A young king leads a phalanx against the might of an ancient empire.
The Alexander the Great campaign stands as one of the most celebrated historical narratives within the Age of Empires II franchise. Introduced in The Conquerors expansion, this series of scenarios chronicles the legendary Macedonian king's relentless conquest of the Achaemenid Persian Empire. While often grouped under the broader theme of his eastern campaigns, these missions immerse players in pivotal moments where Alexander challenged the might of ancient Persia.
Quick Facts
- Character
- Alexander III of Macedon
- Affiliation
- Kingdom of Macedon
- First appears
- Age of Empires II: The Conquerors Expansion
- Status
- Deceased (Historical)
- Campaign type
- Single-player Historical
Lore & Background
The campaign underscores the strategic depth required to topple such a massive power. From the initial crossing into Asia Minor to the final decisive engagements in Mesopotamia, the story highlights Alexander's ability to adapt tactics against superior numbers.
Reader's Guide
Players assume command of Alexander’s forces across multiple historical battles. Objectives typically involve defeating key Persian generals, defending against siege attempts, or capturing strategic locations like cities and fortresses. Historical background situates these missions during the late fourth century BCE, following Philip II's death. Key events include crossing the Hellespont, besieging coastal strongholds, and engaging Darius in open field battles. Victory is usually achieved by destroying all enemy units or specific leaders, while defeat occurs if Alexander dies or key cities fall to the enemy.
Did You Know?
- Alexander appears as a campaign leader but is not a selectable civilization in standard multiplayer matches.
- The scenarios utilize maps designed to mimic historical battlefields like Issus and Gaugamela.
- It remains one of the most played single-player campaigns due to its epic narrative scope.
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