Alexander was born in Macedonia and assumed rule after his father, Phillip, was assassinated. The prevailing theory is that Phillip was assassinated by a lover, but there are whispers that it may have been plotted by Darius III, the then-current ruler of Persia. Alexander used this opportunity to conquer Thebes, submitting Athens to his rule and setting the stage for the conquest of Persia. After his conquest of Persia and the speedy evacuation of Darius, Alexander headed south to Egypt, where he was greeted as a liberator. He founded Alexandria in that country, defeated Darius III again in Assyria and then marched on Babylon. After Darius' eventual death, Alexander declared an end to his war of vengeance and got down to the business of Empire building. He founded several cities (all named Alexandria) including what is now Kandahar in Afghanistan.

During Alexander's conquest of India, his ranks fell into disarray as his Macedonian and Greek officers grew unruly at the introduction of Persian officers and customs into his army. While trying to quell these uprisings, Alexander died on his return to Babylon, most likely from disease.

His favored god and proclaimed mentor, Achilles, was more legend than man. Said to have been born of a man, Peleus, and the sea nymph Thetis, Achilles is supposed to have been superhuman. In Rise & Fall, you can play as Alexander in the Single Player Campaign, or play as Achilles in any of the multiplayer modes.