The turmoil following Alexander the Great's death left a brutal power vacuum. His relentless military campaigns transformed the Macedonian army but strained his soldiers' resolve. The chaos grew as ambitious generals like Craterus and Antipater fought for control. Meanwhile, conflicts between factions and rebellions against Macedonian rule erupted, leading to instability. The podcast explores the complexities of Alexander's legacy, his untimely demise, and the fierce rivalries that defined the empire's fragmented future.
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Veteran's Reflection
An old Macedonian soldier reflects on his decades of service under King Philip and Alexander the Great.
He recounts battles, injuries, and the emotional toll of war, highlighting the soldiers' exhaustion and growing discontent.
insights INSIGHT
Alexander's Legacy
Alexander the Great died young, leaving a vast but unstable empire.
His death raised questions about the empire's future and the legacy of his conquests.
insights INSIGHT
Fragile Empire
Alexander's conquests, though vast, lacked a solid foundation of administration and governance.
The empire was essentially a military occupation, reliant on pre-existing structures and the loyalty of his generals.
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Philip II, Alexander the Great, and the Rise and Fall of the Macedonian Empire
Ian Worthington
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.
Dividing the Spoils
Robin Waterfield
The last years of Alexander the Great's reign were a troubled time. The king wanted to keep fighting, but his soldiers were spent after years of campaigning. Then, quite suddenly, the king died, and it was up to his generals to determine the fate of the empire he'd built.
Patrick's book is now available! Get The Verge: Reformation, Renaissance, and Forty Years that Shook the World in hardcopy, ebook, or audiobook (read by Patrick) here: https://bit.ly/PWverge. And check out Patrick's new podcast The Pursuit of Dadliness! It’s all about “Dad Culture,” and Patrick will interview some fascinating guests about everything from tall wooden ships to smoked meats to comfortable sneakers to history, sports, culture, and politics. https://bit.ly/PWtPoD
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