Mrstrategy
Banned
What if instead of trying to expand and conquer the east Alexander the Great goes west toward the Balkans and Western Europe how much could he conquer
Italy is very valuable - Greek poleis, Etruscan cities and the emerging power named Rome. Carthage is too, as the Phenicians control the Western Mediterranean. Balkans aren't worth it, Gaul and Spain have useful coasts.
Though, it's non-strategic to take the west before/instead of the east. The east (Persia) is a threat to Greece - the west isn't, except some sheep herders and nomads attacking Macedonia in small numbers.
If Alexander doesn't deal with the Persians, they will eventually try to get a foothold in Thrace or even northern Greece - meanwhile, Alexander is fighting against Carthaginian fleets and can't defend his homeland.
Also, Alexander needs the help of the Greek cities which will only help him voluntarily if he attacks the old Greek enemy
The best way for Alexander is thus to first conquer Persia, then secure the Arabian border as he planned to do, and only after that is done to attack the west.