Alexander the Great was a king of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon and one of history's most successful military commanders. Born in 356 BC, he created one of the largest empires of the ancient world, stretching from Greece to India by the time of his death in 323 BC. His conquests spread Greek culture and influence throughout the regions he conquered, leading to the Hellenistic Era. Alexander's legacy includes not only his military achievements but also the cities he founded, such as Alexandria, which became centers of learning and culture in the ancient world.