TRIGGERnometry The Great Leaders of Antiquity Explained in 60 Minutes - Barry Strauss
Jan 28, 2024
In a riveting discussion, historian Barry Strauss delves into the lives of legendary leaders like Alexander the Great, Hannibal, and Julius Caesar. He highlights their relentless ambitions amidst socio-political challenges. Strauss explores their perceived divine legacies and tactical genius, shedding light on Hannibal's dilemmas and Caesar's strategic rise in Roman politics. He draws fascinating comparisons between power dynamics in antiquity and modern leadership, reflecting on the timeless intricacies of ambition, conspiracy, and the complexities of human ambition in history.
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Divine Destiny of Leaders
- Alexander the Great's mother, Olympias, claimed his father was Zeus, influencing his belief in divine destiny.
- Caesar, though skeptical, was declared a god by the Roman Senate, perhaps to flatter or challenge him politically.
Fatal Flaws of Leaders
- A shared flaw of Alexander, Hannibal, and Caesar was their inability to know when to stop.
- Alexander's ambition led him to plan further conquests even after conquering the Persian Empire, possibly contributing to his death at 33.
Alexander's Early Genius
- Alexander the Great, despite his young age, demonstrated military genius partly due to his father's training, Aristotle's tutelage, and his own intelligence.
- He was also pragmatic enough to retain his father's advisors initially, acknowledging his own need for guidance.
