The Lost Crown Campaign

Lore & Background

Alexander the Great of Macedon carried out a series of conquests and military campaigns from 336 to 323 BC. They began with his conquest of the Achaemenid Empire, which was ruled by Darius III. After a series of victories over the Persians and the defeat of Darius, he began a campaign against local chieftains and warlords that stretched from Greece to as far as the Indus Valley. At the time of his death, Alexander ruled over most regions of Greece and the conquered Achaemenid Empire, including much of Achaemenid Egypt. His campaign of conquests spanned across Anatolia, Syria, Phoenicia, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greater Iran, Afghanistan, and India. The borders of his Macedonian Empire extended as far east as the city of Taxila in modern-day Pakistan.

Reader's Guide

The campaign began with the crossing of the Hellespont into Asia in 334 BC. Key battles included the Battle of the Granicus River in May 334 BC in Northwestern Asia Minor. Alexander advanced through Anatolia, defeating Persian satraps. After consolidating support in Asia Minor, he continued eastward.

Did You Know?

• The Battle of the Granicus River was fought in May 334 BC near the site of Troy.
• Prior to his death, Alexander planned a military expedition into the Arabian Peninsula and then west to Carthage, but these plans were abandoned after his death.