The Rest Is History 117. Alexander the Great part 2
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Nov 9, 2021 Dive deep into the adventurous life of Alexander the Great as he battles elephants and storms fortresses. Explore the complex dynamics of his conquests and leadership struggles, including his attempts to unite Macedonians and Persians through marriage. Discover the moral implications of his campaigns and the cultural fusion that emerged from his efforts. Touch on his tragic demise and the lingering fascination with his legacy, comparing him to other legendary figures while reflecting on the relevance of his story today.
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Lowell's Alexander
- Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook discuss Robert Lowell's poem about Alexander the Great.
- They debate whether it's fair to judge historical figures by modern morality.
Ambition's Call
- Alexander the Great could have accepted Darius's offer, securing immense wealth and power.
- He chose to continue eastward, driven by ambition beyond mere material gain.
Oversleeping Alexander
- Alexander supposedly overslept on the day of the Battle of Gaugamela.
- He claimed he wasn't worried because he knew he would win.
