Alexander fights the monster of habash, taken from the Demotte Shahnama, circa before 1335. The Shahnama is an epic poem written by the Persian poet Ferdowsi and is the national epic of Iran and the Persian speaking world. The poem tells the mythical and to some extent the historical past of the Persian empire from the creation of the world until the Islamic conquest of Persia in the 7th century. Illustration shows Alexander the Great, who conquered Persia in 332 BC, fighting the monster of Habash, or Ethiopia. The monster is a dragon, a composite of rhinoceros, wolf, lion and eagle and a fire-breathing creature. 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.