In 336 BC Alexander the Great became king of Macedon. During his twelve-year reign he conquered the Achaemenid Persian Empire, the largest to have yet existed, and in the process had a profound effect on the world he moved through. In this examination of his life and career, Hugh Bowden explores his cultural and historical legacy.

Before Alexander -- Prince : Alexander in the Macedonian court -- Warrior : Alexander's army -- Commander : Alexander and the Greeks -- Pharaoh : Alexander and Egypt -- King of the world : Alexander and Persia -- Traveller : Alexander in Afghanistan and Pakistan -- Doomed to die : Alexander in Babylon -- After Alexander.