Alexander of Macedon
Also called: Alexander the Great · Topic: The Mauryan Empire · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 1 "Writing and City Life"; Class 11, Ch 2 "An Empire Across Three Continents"
Meaning
Alexander was king of Macedon in Greece from 336 to 323 BCE. He wanted to reach "the end of the world". He conquered Egypt, West Asia and the Persian empire. Then he entered northwest India (327-325 BCE) and defeated Porus in Punjab. His tired soldiers refused to march further towards the Ganga, so he turned back. He died at Babylon at the age of 32, and his generals and satraps (provincial governors) divided his empire among themselves.
Example
On the way back, Alexander took the southern coastal route and crossed Iran's harsh deserts. Many soldiers died of thirst, hunger and disease. His Indian campaign had little political effect. Its main result was opening the door to contact between Indian and Greek cultures.
Don't confuse with
- Seleucus Nicator: one of Alexander's generals who later ruled West Asia and dealt with Chandragupta Maurya. Alexander himself never met the Mauryas.