38 Alexander the Great: Inherited Glory w/ Adrian Goldsworthy
Jun 18, 2021
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Explore the debate on Alexander the Great's success - was it due to his own greatness or his father Philip II's influence? Military historian Adrian Goldsworthy offers insights. Delve into the enduring fascination with Alexander's conquests and his father's political savvy. Discover the evolution of warfare in the ancient Mediterranean and contemplate a hypothetical scenario of Alexander conquering Rome. Unravel the mythologized legacy of Alexander as a legendary hero.
Philip II's military strategies and army laid the foundation for Alexander's conquests.
Alexander's impact on history stems from his remarkable achievements, daring exploits, and contradictory nature.
The rise of conquerors in the fourth and third centuries BC was fueled by the growth in military power and transfer of knowledge.
Deep dives
Philip II: The Forgotten Father of Alexander the Great
Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great, has often been overshadowed by his son's epic conquests. However, Philip's role in laying the foundations for Alexander's success should not be overlooked. As a military strategist, Philip transformed Macedonia from a backwater kingdom into a major world power. He built and trained the army that Alexander would later inherit and use to conquer the mighty Persian Empire. While Alexander receives much of the glory, it was Philip's vision and military prowess that set the stage for his son's achievements.
The Fascination with Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great remains a household name even after 2,300 years. His short but spectacular success, conquering vast territories and overthrowing the Persian Empire, has captivated people's imaginations. His unconventional personality, daring exploits, and early death have contributed to his mystique as an eternal youthful hero. The fascination with Alexander stems from his remarkable achievements, the speed and extent of his conquests, and his contradictory nature—inspiring one moment, cold-hearted the next. His impact on history is further evident in the Roman emperors who measured themselves against him. Despite his untimely death, Alexander's legacy continues to endure.
Philip vs. Alexander: What Sets Them Apart
The question of whether Philip could have achieved what Alexander did is a matter of speculation. Philip's military strategies and the army he built laid the groundwork for Alexander's conquests. However, Philip may have been more inclined to consolidate his conquests rather than continuously expanding. Alexander, on the other hand, was restless and driven by a desire for military glory. His youth and success led to a thirst for more conquests, pushing him to march into India and to plan further campaigns. While Philip's diplomatic skills and consolidating abilities may have differed from Alexander's, both men played critical roles in shaping history.
The Survival and Success of Philip of Macedon
Philip of Macedon's main accomplishment was surviving the challenges and rivalries from a young age to become king. Despite being the third brother in line, he overcame adversity and took charge of the kingdom. He quickly defeated the Illyrians, beat off pretenders, and expanded his territory. Philip's energy and restlessness drove him to continuously seek more resources and conquer new lands.
The Rise of Conquerors in the Hellenistic World
The fourth and third centuries BC saw the rise of conquerors like Alexander, Hannibal, and Scipio who commanded armies over large territories. This period witnessed the development of states and kingdoms beyond previous sizes, allowing for increased manpower and resources. This growth in military power was fueled by the escalation of rivalries, longer campaigns, the use of mercenaries, and the adoption of more sophisticated techniques. The Greek's prior experience in warfare and the transfer of knowledge and ideas contributed to the rise of these conquerors in the Hellenistic world.
Was Alexander the Great really that *great* on his own? Or did he owe much of his success to the work of his father Philip II of Macedonia? Joining us to discuss the matter is Adrian Goldsworthy, military historian and author of the new book Philip and Alexander: Kings and Conquerors.
