Editing List of monarchs of Iran (section)

==== Alexander's empire (331–305 BC) ====
{{See also|Argead dynasty}}
[[File:Macedonia (ancient kingdom, greatest extent).svg|thumb|[[Alexander the Great]]'s empire|190px]]
The Achaemenid Empire was defeated and conquered by [[Alexander the Great]], king of [[Macedonia (ancient kingdom)|Macedonia]], in 331{{Sfn|Roux|1992|p=412}}–329 BC.{{Sfn|Stark|2021|pp=701–702}} After Alexander's death in 323 BC, the [[Wars of the Diadochi]] broke out between his successors, leading to the rapid disintegration of the empire.{{Sfn|Shenkar|2014|p=5}}

Alexander did not assume the former Achaemenid royal title of 'King of Kings'.{{Sfn|Worthington|2003|p=139}}{{Sfn|Hammond|1993|p=13}} His main royal title, appearing on coins intended for his Asian territories, was instead ''[[basileus]]'' ({{Literal translation|king}}).{{Sfn|Worthington|2003|p=139}} To mark his rule over the Achaemenid territories he also sometimes used the new title "Lord of Asia" (sometimes "King of Asia").{{Sfn|Worthington|2003|p=139}} The only royal title recorded for Alexander's two immediate heirs is ''basileus''.{{Sfn|Carney|1991|p=157}} Alexander ruled his empire from [[Babylon]]{{Sfn|Sykes|2011|p=40}} and planned to establish Babylon and [[Alexandria]] in Egypt as the twin imperial capitals.{{Sfn|Roux|1992|p=412}} From 319 BC onwards, Alexander's heirs resided in Macedonia while the regency in Asia was contested by several generals.{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=113}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; width:80%;"
! width="7%" |Portrait
! width="27%" |Name
! width="32%" |Reign
! width="34%" |Succession
|-
|[[File:Alexander the Great mosaic (cropped).jpg|65px]]
|[[Alexander the Great|'''Alexander''']]{{Efn|Enumerated as Alexander III as king of Macedon (after [[Alexander I of Macedon|Alexander I]] and [[Alexander II of Macedon|Alexander II]]).}}<br/><small>''the Great''</small>
|1 October 331{{Sfn|Roux|1992|p=412}}{{efn|The date of Alexander's victory at the [[Battle of Gaugamela]], which opened the way for his conquest of [[Babylonia]] and Persia.{{Sfn|Roux|1992|p=412}}}} – 10/11 June 323 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=112}}<br /><small>(7 years, 8 months and 10/11 days)</small>
|Conquered the Achaemenid Empire{{Sfn|Shenkar|2014|p=5}}
|-
|[[File:Philip Arrhidaeus Pharaoh.jpg|65px]]
|[[Philip III of Macedon|'''Philip''' Arrhidaeus]]{{Efn|Enumerated as Philip III as king of Macedon (after [[Philip I of Macedon|Philip I]] and [[Philip II of Macedon|Philip II]]).}}
|June 323 – late 317 BC{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=112}}<br /><small>(6 years)</small>
|Brother of Alexander the Great{{sfn|Frye|1984|p=149}}
|-
|[[File:Alexander Aegus Pharaoh.jpg|65px]]
|[[Alexander IV of Macedon|'''Alexander''' Aegus]]{{Efn|Enumerated as Alexander IV as king of Macedon (after [[Alexander I of Macedon|Alexander I]], [[Alexander II of Macedon|Alexander II]], and Alexander the Great).}}
|August 323{{Sfn|Venning|2023|p=112}} – 309 BC{{Sfn|Mørkholm|2001|p=187}} (305 BC){{efn|Alexander IV's murder by his regent [[Cassander]] in 309 BC was not made public knowledge until 306/305 BC and he thus continued to be recognized as king posthumously for an additional 3–4 years.{{Sfn|Mørkholm|2001|p=187}}}}<br /><small>(14 years, recognized for 18 years)</small>
|Son of Alexander the Great{{sfn|Frye|1984|p=149}}
|}