ABSTRACT
Alexander's aim in invading Asia and then his aims in Asia are as controversial as any other aspect of his life. When he became king in 336 on the assassination of Philip,1 his aims were apparently clear: to succeed his father as king and hegemon of his League of Corinth,2 and to fulfil Philip's last ambitious plan, the invasion of Persia (Diod. 16.89.2, Arr. 2.14.4, 3.18.12). Although the Greeks revolted when Philip died, Alexander swiftly reimposed Macedonian hegemony (Diod. 17.3–4, Arr. 1.1.1–3), and in early spring 334 he led his army into Persia (Arr. 1.11.3).
