School of War Ep 166: Rachel Kousser on Alexander the Great
Dec 20, 2024
Rachel Kousser, a professor of Classics and Art History at CUNY and author of 'Alexander at the End of the World,' dives into the complex legacy of Alexander the Great. They discuss his pragmatic military strategies, including his dramatic conquest of Persia and the controversial burning of Persepolis. Kousser elaborates on the challenges he faced in Central Asia, battles against Darius, and pivotal moments that defined his leadership. The conversation also touches on the heavy toll of ambitious empire-building and the cultural clashes Alexander encountered.
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Alexander's Initial Aims
- Alexander the Great's early conquests were surprisingly swift, raising questions about his initial strategic goals.
- Did he envision himself as king of kings from the start, or was it a more opportunistic pursuit of wealth?
Persepolis's Burning: A Persian Perspective
- The burning of Persepolis, while seen by Greeks as revenge for Athens, had a different meaning for Persians.
- It signaled Alexander's dominance and Darius's inability to protect them, encouraging surrender.
Darius's Demise
- Darius, repeatedly defeated by Alexander, fled east but was killed by his own conspirators.
- Alexander aimed to capture Darius alive for a smoother transition of power, but this hope ended with Darius's death.
