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Tides of History
What If: Alexander the Great had Died at the Granicus River?
Jan 2, 2025
Imagine if Alexander the Great had died at the Battle of Granicus River. This intriguing speculation dives into the fallout from his hypothetical death, exploring chaos in succession and the potential unraveling of the Macedonian campaign in Asia. The discourse critiques the Great Man Theory of History, questioning how much of our past hinges on individual leaders. It also highlights the strategic landscape of Alexander's time, pondering what new powers may have risen in his absence and how history as we know it could have drastically changed.
32:54
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Quick takeaways
- The Great Man Theory oversimplifies history by attributing massive changes solely to powerful figures like Alexander instead of acknowledging collective influences.
- Without Alexander's exceptional leadership, Macedonia's military might and the momentum of conquests could have resulted in civil chaos and a power struggle.
Deep dives
The Great Man Theory of History
The predominant narrative in historical accounts tends to characterize powerful individuals as the key drivers of events, a perspective known as the Great Man Theory. This viewpoint simplifies complex historical processes by attributing significant changes, such as wars and revolutions, to the actions of renowned figures like Hitler, Washington, or Columbus. However, this approach is increasingly criticized for overlooking the contributions of the countless individuals who collectively shaped history. Acknowledging the role of these marginalized groups and systemic factors offers a more nuanced understanding of historical dynamics.
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Discover
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Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode