1. After Alexander the Macedonian, Philip’s son, who came from the land of Kittim, had defeated Darius, king of the Persians and Medes, he became king in his place, having first ruled in Greece.
2. He fought many battles, captured fortresses, and put the kings of the earth to death.
3. He advanced to the ends of the earth, gathering plunder from many nations; the earth fell silent before him, and his heart became proud and arrogant.
4. He collected a very strong army and won dominion over provinces, nations, and rulers, and they paid him tribute.
5. But after all this he took to his bed, realizing that he was going to die.
6. So he summoned his noblest officers, who had been brought up with him from his youth, and divided his kingdom among them while he was still alive.
7. Alexander had reigned twelve years when he died.