In Our Time: History Alexander the Great
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Oct 1, 2015 Explore the fascinating life of Alexander the Great, his military triumphs and the cultural impact of his conquests. Learn about the rise of Macedonia, tensions between Greece and Asia, Alexander's relationship with Cleopatra, his extension into India, the aftermath of his death, and the projection of fears and anxieties onto him.
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Macedon's Rise to Prominence
- Macedon's rise to prominence in the Greek world was a relatively recent development, orchestrated by Philip II.
- Before Philip II, Macedon was a peripheral kingdom, not a major player in Greek politics.
Olympias and Court Intrigue
- Alexander's mother, Olympias, played a crucial role in his life, coming from Epirus and being one of Philip II's seven wives.
- Olympias and Alexander were implicated in Philip's assassination, creating court intrigue.
Alexander's Education and Achilles
- Alexander received a top-tier Greek education, with Aristotle as his tutor from age 13.
- He developed a strong identification with Achilles, even sleeping with the Iliad under his pillow.