Ancient history

What key cities of the Persian Empire did Alexander conquer and why?

Susa:

- This was the winter capital of the Persian Empire.

- It contained a large treasury that Alexander seized, significantly boosting his resources.

Babylon:

- It was an ancient city with great cultural and historical significance.

- Alexander wanted to establish Babylon as his new capital, symbolizing his ambition to rule over a vast multi-ethnic empire.

Persepolis:

- The ceremonial capital of the Persian Empire.

- Alexander burned Persepolis to the ground, both as revenge for the destruction of Greek temples by the Persians during the Greco-Persian Wars and as a symbolic gesture of his conquest.

Ecbatana:

- The summer capital of the Persian Empire.

- Alexander occupied Ecbatana after defeating Darius III in the Battle of Gaugamela.

By conquering these key cities, Alexander not only gained control over vast territories but also weakened the Persian Empire's power base. These conquests allowed him to establish a vast Hellenistic empire that extended from Greece to the Indus Valley.