Silver Tetradrachm of Alexander the Great, circa 325-319 BC. The tetradrachm was an Ancient Greek silver coin equivalent to four drachmae and it was in wide circulation from circa 510 to 38 BC. The tetradrachm's use as a currency was adopted by many other city-states of the ancient Greece, Asia Minor, Magna Grecia and other Greek colonial cities throughout the Mediterranean Sea. With the armies of Alexander the Great it spread to the Greek-influenced areas of present-day Iran and India. Alexander III of Macedon (356-323 BC) was a Greek king. In 334 BC, he invaded Persian-ruled Asia Minor and began a series of campaigns that lasted ten years. Alexander broke the power of Persia in a series of decisive battles, overthrew the Persian King Darius III and conquered the entirety of the Persian Empire. He was undefeated in battle and is considered one of history's most successful commanders. His campaigns greatly increased contacts and trade between East and West, and vast areas to the east were significantly exposed to Greek civilization and influence. In June 323 BC, Alexander died a painful death in the palace of Nebuchadnezzar II, at age 33.