331 BC facts for kids
| Millennium: | 1st millennium BC |
|---|---|
| Centuries: | 5th century BC – 4th century BC – 3rd century BC |
| Decades: | 360s BC 350s BC 340s BC – 330s BC – 320s BC 310s BC 300s BC |
| Years: | 334 BC 333 BC 332 BC – 331 BC – 330 BC 329 BC 328 BC |
| 331 BC by topic | |
| Politics | |
| State leaders – Sovereign states | |
| Birth and death categories | |
| Births – Deaths | |
| Establishments and disestablishments categories | |
| Establishments – Disestablishments | |
| Gregorian calendar | 331 BC CCCXXX BC |
| Ab urbe condita | 423 |
| Ancient Egypt era | XXXII dynasty, 2 |
| - Pharaoh | Alexander the Great, 2 |
| Ancient Greek era | 112th Olympiad, year 2 |
| Assyrian calendar | 4420 |
| Balinese saka calendar | N/A |
| Bengali calendar | −923 |
| Berber calendar | 620 |
| Buddhist calendar | 214 |
| Burmese calendar | −968 |
| Byzantine calendar | 5178–5179 |
| Chinese calendar | 己丑年 (Earth Ox) 2366 or 2306 — to — 庚寅年 (Metal Tiger) 2367 or 2307 |
| Coptic calendar | −614 – −613 |
| Discordian calendar | 836 |
| Ethiopian calendar | −338 – −337 |
| Hebrew calendar | 3430–3431 |
| Hindu calendars | |
| - Vikram Samvat | −274 – −273 |
| - Shaka Samvat | N/A |
| - Kali Yuga | 2770–2771 |
| Holocene calendar | 9670 |
| Iranian calendar | 952 BP – 951 BP |
| Islamic calendar | 981 BH – 980 BH |
| Javanese calendar | N/A |
| Julian calendar | N/A |
| Korean calendar | 2003 |
| Minguo calendar | 2242 before ROC 民前2242年 |
| Nanakshahi calendar | −1798 |
| Thai solar calendar | 212–213 |
| Tibetan calendar | 阴土牛年 (female Earth-Ox) −204 or −585 or −1357 — to — 阳金虎年 (male Iron-Tiger) −203 or −584 or −1356 |
The year 331 BC was a time of big changes in the ancient world. It was a year when a famous leader, Alexander the Great, continued his amazing journey, and other parts of the world saw important events too. This year is part of the old Roman calendar.
Alexander the Great's Victories
Leaving Egypt and Heading East
In 331 BC, Alexander the Great left Egypt. He led his powerful army towards a region called Phoenicia. He left a man named Cleomenes of Naucratis in charge of Egypt. Alexander was on a mission to conquer the huge Persian Empire.
The Epic Battle of Gaugamela
On October 1, Alexander faced the Persian King Darius III in a massive fight. This battle was called the Battle of Gaugamela. It happened near the ancient city of Ninevah. Alexander's army was very strong, and they fought bravely.
During the battle, Darius III, the Persian King, turned his chariot and ran away. Alexander chased the Persian forces all the way to Arbela. But Darius managed to escape with his cavalry and some Greek soldiers into a place called Media.
This was the first time Alexander's army saw war elephants in battle. Even with these powerful animals, Alexander won a huge victory.
Alexander Takes Over the Persian Empire
After winning at Gaugamela, Alexander became the ruler of the Persian Empire. This victory marked the end of the Achaemenid dynasty, which had ruled Persia for a long time.
Important cities like Babylon and Susa welcomed Alexander. In Susa, which was the capital, Alexander found a massive amount of treasure. It was so much gold that it was worth about 50,000 talents!
Other Events Around the World
Revolts in Greece
While Alexander was busy in Persia, some Greek cities tried to fight back against Macedonian rule. Agis III, the King of Sparta, led this revolt. He managed to take control of Crete from the Macedonian forces.
In the area known as the Peloponnesus, Agis defeated a Macedonian general named Coragus. The city of Athens decided to stay out of the fight. However, other cities like Elis, Achaea (except Pellene), and Arcadia (except Megalopolis) joined Agis.
Conflicts in Italy
In Italy, another leader named Alexander of Epirus was fighting. He captured Heraclea from the Lucanians. He also took Terina and Sipontum from the Bruttii.
However, the people of Tarentum turned against Alexander of Epirus. They realized he wanted to create his own kingdom in southern Italy. Alexander was defeated and killed in the Battle of Pandosia. This battle happened near the Acheron River.
Peace for the Romans
In the Roman Republic, the Gallic tribe called the Senones and the Romans started a period of friendship. This good relationship lasted for the rest of the century.
Important People Who Died
- Alexander I of Epirus, a king from Epirus (born around 370 BC).
- Vahe, a legendary king of Armenia. He was said to be the last king of the Hyke dynasty.
Images for kids
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The Battle of Gaugamela
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Alexander the Great is shown at the Battle of Gaugamela (331 BCE) in a mosaic from Pompeii. He is riding his famous horse Bucephalos.
See also
In Spanish: 331 a. C. para niños
