After the death of Alexander the struggle for his empire began between his successors (=the Diadochi).

Antigonus, one of Alexander's generals tried to keep undivided power; he was opposed by Seleucus, governor of Babylonia, and Ptolemy, historian and general.

After 35 years of warfare the empire was divided into 3 great monarchies:
Macedonia under the Antigonides; Asia Minor under the Seleucides; Egypt under the Ptolemies.