A military and political history of one of the world’s most remarkable leaders, with over 250 photographs, illustrations, maps and battleplans. This concise and expert book describes the might of Alexander’s armies, and the arms, troops, ships and war machines crucial to his campaigns. It includes detailed coverage of every significant battle, from Alexander’s early commands to the final campaigns, and analysis of his greatest opponents. Alexander’s brief reign is placed in the context of the rise of Macedonia and the disintegration of his immense empire after his death, from Philip II of Macedon until Hadrian in ad138.