The Ancients Philip and Alexander: Kings and Conquerors
Nov 5, 2020
Adrian Goldsworthy, a distinguished historian and author specializing in ancient Rome, joins to delve into the lives of Philip II and Alexander the Great. They explore how Philip transformed Macedon into a military powerhouse, enabling Alexander's legendary conquests. Adrian shares insights on Philip's frontline leadership, battlefield risks, and his influential strategies. The conversation also covers Olympias' political role, Alexander’s upbringing, and the factors behind Philip's assassination. Their legacies and the cultural shifts initiated by Alexander are equally captivating.
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Philip's Rapid Transformation Of Macedon
- Philip transformed a weak, vulnerable Macedon into a dominant regional power within about twenty years.
- His reforms and leadership explain how Alexander could later conquer the Persian Empire.
War As A Self-Funding Machine
- Philip funded continual military expansion by reinvesting plunder and mine revenues into the army and administration.
- This created a self-reinforcing war machine that required constant campaigning to sustain it.
Leadership By Example And Its Risks
- Macedonian kings led from the front as part of a cultural expectation tying leaders to their companions.
- That personal exposure created morale but made the regime vulnerable if the king died in battle.
