Following in the Footsteps of Alexander the Great

In the 4th century CE, a young king from the small state of Macedon set off at the age of 22 on a grand expedition to Asia. Within a decade, he had conquered the largest empire the world had ever seen, stretching across three continents—from Greece and Albania in the west to Egypt in the south and India in the east—covering around two million square miles of territory. The scale of this unpredictable historical turn is difficult to grasp. Now, travel has become easier than ever, and you can follow the footsteps of Alexander the Great that offers an unprecedented opportunity to explore the vastness of his empire.

With modern infrastructure and access to historical sites, there has never been a better time to experience the remnants of his epic campaign. Whether through ancient ruins or modern cities along his route, retracing his steps today provides a unique perspective on the incredible scope of his conquests and their lasting impact on world history.

Follow the footsteps of Alexander the Great

Follow in the footsteps of Alexander the Great, whose remarkable achievement has captivated historians and enthusiasts for centuries. His story is a significant part of the literature in over 80 countries, stretching from Britain to Kazakhstan and Malaysia. Over time, his character has been the subject of endless reinterpretation: hailed as a visionary philosopher, an inspiring leader, a tactician, and one of the greatest generals in history. Yet, he has also been described as a severely paranoid tyrant, a cruel monster, and a megalomaniac.

However, perhaps the most striking aspect of Alexander’s story is its brevity. After ten years of relentless campaigning, Alexander died in Babylon—what was intended to be the capital of his new empire—at the age of 32. Without their Great King, his empire fractured almost immediately. But despite its collapse, Alexander’s greatest and most enduring legacy was the spread of Greek Hellenistic culture throughout the East. Over 70 cities named ‘Alexandria’ were founded across his empire, from the famous one at the mouth of the Nile in Egypt to ‘Alexandria Eschate’ in modern Tajikistan and ‘Alexandria on the Indus’ in Pakistan.

Tracing Alexander’s route

In the wake of Alexander’s conquests, fascinating cultural fusions took place. Menander I, a Greek successor, ruled an independent Indo-Greek kingdom in Punjab, where he famously converted to Buddhism. Sculptures of Buddha from this era even depict him under the protection of Herakles wielding a club. The Greek influence is evident in places like Petra in Jordan, where the architecture showcases Hellenistic styles amidst Arabic territories in the Near East. Alexander’s explosive life impacted the region for centuries and continues to be felt today, with the appropriation of his legacy remaining central to political debates in places like the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Alexander’s campaign is most notably documented by historians Arrian and Plutarch, who provide detailed accounts that have been corroborated by modern scholarship. Though regional instability has made it difficult to follow the exact path of his campaign, much of it remains accessible to the modern traveler.

Starting the journey: Macedonia to Asia

Alexander’s campaign began in 334 BCE, departing from Pella, the royal capital of Macedon (modern-day Greece). The army crossed into Asia at the Hellespont (Dardanelles in Turkey), first confronting the Persians at the River Granicus. They then moved down Turkey’s Aegean coast, conquering Greek cities under Persian rule. Alexander’s next significant battle occurred near Issus, a town in Turkey near the Syrian border, where he faced the Great King Darius III. He continued through Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Palestine, ultimately encountering greater challenges as he advanced.

Egypt: the pilgrimage to Siwa

Three years into the campaign, Alexander passed through Egypt, where the populace hailed him as a liberator from Persian rule. He made a pilgrimage to the Siwa Oasis, home to the oracle of Zeus-Ammon. There, the oracle declared Alexander the son of the god and Pharaoh of Egypt. The Siwa Oasis remains a fascinating, remote settlement that can be visited today, with ruins of the oracle still standing amidst a small community of Berbers.

Alexander’s journey continued through Syria and Mesopotamia, modern-day Iraq. One of the campaign’s most significant battles took place at Gaugamela near Erbil in northern Iraq, where Alexander defeated the Persians in a decisive victory. This led to the collapse of the Persian empire, and Alexander entered the ancient city of Babylon along the Euphrates River, one of the most significant urban centers of the ancient world.

Exploring the Ruins of Susa

Following his conquest of Babylon, Alexander moved on to Susa, the Persian empire’s winter capital. Today, the small town of Shush marks the site, home to vast archaeological remains, including the enigmatic Tomb of Daniel. The town, with its impressive castle and bustling market, offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history.

Persepolis: The Jewel of the Persian Empire

Next on Alexander’s route was Persepolis, the ceremonial capital built by Darius I. The grand palaces and ornate sculptures displayed the grandeur of the Persian empire. After looting and celebrating, Alexander’s forces destroyed the palace, an event that remains shrouded in mystery. The ruins of Persepolis were rediscovered in the 1930s, and today, visitors can explore the site and enjoy a trip to the beautiful city of Shiraz, known for its poetic history and splendid gardens.

After leaving Persepolis, Alexander passed through Pasargadae, the tomb of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian empire. The tomb stands in serene isolation amidst vast wilderness, offering a poignant contrast to the grandeur of Persepolis. This site, less frequented than Persepolis, is a tranquil destination for history enthusiasts.

Isfahan: A City of Persian Splendor

The Macedonian army then moved to Isfahan (ancient Aspardana), today a stunning city filled with tree-lined boulevards, turquoise-tiled mosques, and Persian gardens. Highlights include the beautiful Friday Mosque and the historic bazaar, one of the longest and oldest domed roof markets in the Near East.

Ecbatana: The Final Imperial Capital

From Isfahan, Alexander advanced to Ecbatana, the summer capital of the Persian court. The modern city of Hamadan now lies at the site of Ecbatana, where a poorly preserved sepulchral lion can still be seen. This symbol marks the location of the ancient Lion Gate, built by Alexander to commemorate his companion Hephaestion, who died here.

Alexander’s campaign continued north, reaching Samarkand in modern-day Uzbekistan. Samarkand, a vital stop on the Silk Road, was where Alexander’s Hellenistic influence mixed with other cultural elements, from Islamic architecture to Mongol history. Visitors today can admire the mausoleum of Timur, an architectural wonder that influenced the Mughal Taj Mahal.

Make it happen

If you want more information on organizing your own expedition to Asia, or just want to learn more about the mysteries and culture of the region, visit our destination page or send an enquiry to our local experts. Ask them about their new itinerary ‘Follow the Footsteps of Alexander the Great’ for more ideas on what a trip to this fascinating part of the world could look like.