Discover How Alexander the Great Transformed the World Map: A Journey Through History | CNN

Alexander the Great was a remarkable figure who reshaped the ancient world before his untimely death at 32. He expanded his empire across three continents, from Egypt to India, and changed the course of history over 2,000 years ago.

Born in Macedon, now part of Greece, Alexander began his quest for power at just 20 years old. He aimed to conquer the vast Persian Empire, which was the largest known empire of his time. His journey took him through modern-day Afghanistan and into the Indian subcontinent, where he reached the Indus River. He died in Babylon, in present-day Iraq, after a fever that lasted two weeks.

Today, Alexander’s legacy can still be seen across various countries, including Greece, Egypt, and Turkey. For instance, the Royal Palace of Aigai in Greece, which was recently opened to the public, was the ceremonial center for the Macedonian dynasty. Here, Alexander was crowned king after his father’s assassination. Numerous archaeological sites evoke his name, offering a glimpse into his life and times.

According to historian Paul Cartledge, Alexander’s accomplishments were exceptional for someone so young. Crowned king in 336 BCE, he quickly consolidated his power, suppressing revolts throughout Greece before heading to Asia. Between 334 and 324 BCE, he led an impressive military campaign, defeating Persian King Darius III and establishing his authority over vast territories that stretched from the Adriatic Sea to the Indus River. Remarkably, he never lost a single battle.

After extensive campaigns in regions like modern Turkey and Pakistan, Alexander’s army finally turned back due to exhaustion. Tragically, he fell ill and passed away with dreams of further conquest, possibly towards the Persian Gulf or Northern Africa. His body was taken to Egypt, where it became a revered site for figures like Cleopatra and Julius Caesar. However, its exact location remains a mystery.

Despite the quick fragmentation of his empire after his death, Greek remained the predominant language in the region for centuries. This cultural shift influenced everything from administration to literature, including the New Testament, which was written in Greek. Nonetheless, historical perspectives on Alexander vary widely. While he is celebrated by some for his military prowess and leadership, others criticize him for his violence and destruction, particularly against the Persian culture.

Today, travelers can explore sites connected to Alexander’s amazing life. Some important locations include:

• Aigai, Greece
• Alexandria, Egypt
• Babylon, Iraq
• Troy, Turkey
• Kandahar, Afghanistan

Alexander’s story continues to captivate many, inspiring an array of literary works throughout history, from ancient biographies to modern adaptations. His journey ignites a sense of adventure and exploration, pushing us to consider our own limits. Tour operators like Peter Sommer have dedicated their careers to tracing Alexander’s steps, leading trips through regions he once conquered. This passion reflects a widespread fascination with the young conqueror who, against all odds, achieved greatness. His life embodies a relentless pursuit of dreams, and perhaps we can all learn something from his extraordinary journey.

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