Show 72 - Mania for Subjugation II

This book is a historical biography that covers the lives of Philip II of Macedon and his son Alexander the Great over a period of 78 years. Goldsworthy argues that Alexander's success was heavily dependent on the military reforms, victories, and political strategies of his father. Philip transformed ancient Macedon from a minor kingdom into a dominant power in Greece, creating the armies that Alexander later led to conquer vast territories, including the Achaemenid Persian Empire. The book provides a detailed account of their military campaigns, political maneuvers, and the cultural context of their time, emphasizing the crucial role of Philip in Alexander's subsequent achievements[2][4][5].

This book provides an exhilarating military narrative of the careers of Philip II and Alexander the Great, showing how Philip was the architect of the Macedonian empire, which reached its zenith under Alexander but disintegrated upon his death. It also explores the impact of Greek culture in the East, the problems Alexander faced in dealing with a diverse subject population, and his strategies for nation building. The book sheds light on contemporary events in culturally dissimilar regions and raises questions about whether great conquerors make great kings.

This book offers a fresh insight into the conquests of Alexander the Great by viewing the events of 336-323 BCE from the vantage point of the defeated. It examines the reasons for the varied responses of the states and populations that faced Alexander's advance, including military, political, and cultural resistances. The book debunks many long-held views concerning Alexander's motives and provides a nuanced portrait of Alexander, highlighting how his decisions were influenced by the need to maintain control over his domains. Through rigorous analysis of ancient sources, Heckel presents a complex picture where excessive use of violence often proved ineffective and counterproductive.

This book presents a critical assessment of Olympias, penetrating myth, fiction, and sexual politics to bring her to life in the context of her ancient, brutal political world. It examines the role of Greek religion in Olympias' life, literary and artistic traditions about her, and varying representations of her in major ancient sources. The book is a compelling read for students, scholars, and anyone interested in Greek, Classical, or women’s history.

This book provides comprehensive coverage of Alexander the Great, from his family background to his military conquests, death, and legacy. It includes substantial extracts of texts written by historians, geographers, biographers, and military writers. The book features a general introduction and introductions to each chapter, setting the sources in context, along with a bibliography of modern works, visual sources, and a map of Alexander's expedition.