Adrian Goldsworthy, a renowned classical historian and author, delves into the pivotal role of Philip II of Macedon in shaping his son, Alexander the Great. They discuss Philip's innovative military strategies that transformed a struggling kingdom into a dominant force in Greece. Goldsworthy highlights the relationship between father and son, revealing how Philip's vision and tactics set the stage for Alexander's own conquests. The conversation also speculates on how history might have shifted had Philip lived longer, underscoring the profound impact of character on conquest.
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Macedonia Before Philip II
Macedonia existed on the fringes of the Greek world, its people speaking a Greek dialect but not fully accepted as Greeks.
Politically unstable and considered weak, Macedonia was often a target for plunder by its neighbors due to its rich natural resources.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Alexander I and the Olympics
Alexander I, wanting to compete in the Olympics, sparked a debate about Macedonian Greekness.
He gained entry by claiming ancestry from Argos, highlighting the Macedonian's ambiguous Greek identity.
insights INSIGHT
Dangerous Kingship
Kingship in Macedonia was fraught with danger, as succession wasn't determined by primogeniture but by recognition from Macedonian men and aristocrats.
This system fostered suspicion and plotting, leading to frequent assassinations and instability.
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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].
If asked to think about the greatest generals of the ancient world, one name is likely to come to mind first: Alexander the Great — the incomparable military commander who amassed the world's largest empire by the time he was but thirty years old. A name that probably won't come to mind, however, is that of Philip the II, Alexander's father.
But my guest today argues that if Philip hadn't done all that he did, Alexander wouldn't have been able to do all that he did. His name is Adrian Goldsworthy, and he's a classical historian and the author of numerous books on antiquity, including Philip and Alexander: Kings and Conquerors. Adrian first surveys the state of the Macedonians before Philip assumed the throne, sharing how they differed from other Greeks, who actually weren’t sure Macedonians even counted as fellow Greeks, and how Macedon was burdened with political instability, a deficient army, and a palace full of deadly intrigue. Adrian then explains how Philip, despite having little political or military experience, was able to take control and turn his army and kingdom around, including the innovations in weaponry and tactics that allowed him to achieve domination in Greece. We then talk about the relationship between Philip and his son Alexander, and how Alexander inherited many things from his father that set him up for his own success, including the plan to invade the Persian Empire. We end our conversation exploring the question of whether Philip, if he had lived longer, could have achieved what Alexander did.
The Art of Manliness 