Alexander the Great: The Persian Wars
A young king leads a phalanx against the might of an ancient empire.
The Alexander the Great campaign stands as one of the most celebrated historical narratives within the Age of Empires II franchise. Introduced in The Conquerors expansion, this series of scenarios chronicles the legendary Macedonian king's relentless conquest of the Achaemenid Persian Empire. While often grouped under the broader theme of his eastern campaigns, these missions immerse players in pivotal moments where Alexander challenged the might of ancient Persia.
- Character
- Alexander III of Macedon
- Affiliation
- Kingdom of Macedon
- First Appears
- Age of Empires II: The Conquerors Expansion
- Status
- Deceased (Historical)
- Campaign Type
- Single-player Historical
Lore & Background
The campaign underscores the strategic depth required to topple such a massive power. From the initial crossing into Asia Minor to the final decisive engagements in Mesopotamia, the story highlights Alexander's ability to adapt tactics against superior numbers. It serves as a testament to how leadership and morale can overcome logistical disadvantages.
In Their Own Story
The dust of Asia Minor hangs heavy in the air as Alexander surveys the Persian lines from the ridge. Below, the vast formations of enemy infantry stretch like a sea of bronze shields. He grips his spear, feeling the weight of expectation on his shoulders. Tonight, the fate of empires will be decided not by kings sitting on thrones, but by men standing in the mud.
Reader's Guide
Players assume command of Alexander’s forces across multiple historical battles. Objectives typically involve defeating key Persian generals, defending against siege attempts, or capturing strategic locations like cities and fortresses. Historical background situates these missions during the late fourth century BCE, following Philip II's death. Key events include crossing the Hellespont, besieging coastal strongholds, and engaging Darius in open field battles. Victory is usually achieved by destroying all enemy units or specific leaders, while defeat occurs if Alexander dies or key cities fall to the enemy.
Did You Know?
- This campaign was one of the original five added in The Conquerors expansion for Age of Empires II.
- Alexander appears as a campaign leader but is not a selectable civilization in standard multiplayer matches.
- The scenarios utilize maps designed to mimic historical battlefields like Issus and Gaugamela.
- It remains one of the most played single-player campaigns due to its epic narrative scope.