logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2020
57m 3s

Philip and Alexander: Kings and Conquero...

History Hit
About this episode

Alexander the Great. One of the most recognisable names in history. In his short lifetime he conquered the mighty Persian Empire and marched his army as far as the Indus River Valley. But it is important to remember that Alexander’s achievements were only possible because of his father Philip. It was Philip who transformed the Kingdom of Macedon from a backward domain into the dominant power in the Central Mediterranean. It was Philip who reformed the army and created the force that would serve as the nucleus of Alexander’s famous victories. Both were extraordinary leaders. Both embodied a charismatic style of leadership that helped transform them into semi-legendary conquerors.


Anyone who knows me knows that I have a soft spot for the story of Alexander, his successors and the Hellenistic Period in general, and so I was delighted to be joined by the one and only Adrian Goldsworthy to talk all things Philip and Alexander. One of Britain’s most renowned ancient historians, Adrian has written countless books on ancient Rome, while his most recent work covers the stories of Philip and Alexander.

This was a great chat and I hope you enjoy.


Adrian is the author of Philip and Alexander: Kings and Conquerors.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Yesterday
Emperor Tiberius: Monster or Misunderstood?
<p>*WARNING: This podcast contains adult themes and discussion of paedophilia*</p><br><p>A brilliant general. A brooding autocrat. A recluse surrounded by scandal. Few Roman emperors divide opinion like Tiberius. But was he truly a monster, or the victim of centuries of salacious ... Show More
53m 10s
Nov 20
Zoroastrianism
<p>A faith born in the distant prehistoric past, rooted in ancient Iranian texts over 4,000 years old, Zoroastrianism is one of the world’s oldest living religions. and one that shaped empires.</p><br><p>In this episode of <em>The Ancients</em>, Tristan Hughes is joined by Profes ... Show More
1 h
Nov 16
Decline & Fall of the Ancient World
<p>Tristan Hughes invites Matt Lewis, host <em>The Ancients's </em>sister podcast <em>Gone Medieval</em>, for a lively debate with about the blurred boundary between the ancient and medieval worlds. Can Tristan champion Roman Emperor Justinian as an Ancient? What about Charlemagn ... Show More
46m 36s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2021
Alexander the Great (Part 1)
Alexander the Great took his father's kingdom and made it the greatest empire the world had ever seen. Part one covers his childhood, education, rise to power, and early conquests. Sources: * Alexander the Great and His Times by Agnes Savill * Philip & Alexander: Kings and C ... Show More
54m 29s
Oct 2015
Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great is one of the most celebrated military commanders in history. Born into the Macedonian royal family in 356 BC, he gained control of Greece and went on to conquer the Persian Empire, defeating its powerful king, Darius III. At its peak, Alexander's empire cover ... Show More
47m 13s
Nov 2023
102. Alexander the Great: The Conquest of Persia
Darius III rules Persia and he has already demonstrated his heroism and skill in battle. The Empire itself, despite having been through a period of court intrigue, was stable. Yet, coming through their western border, originally from Macedonia, was a young man bent on conquering ... Show More
49m 43s
May 2023
Alexander the Great
Though he ruled for just 13 years, Alexander the Great is as famed for his hedonistic lifestyle as his military genius. But how did he become one of the best known military leaders in history? What inspired such loyalty among his troops? And what drove this young man in his endle ... Show More
50m 2s
Jan 2020
EP9 Glimpses of Olympias
Description:Philip II of Macedonia and his son Alexander the Great are two of the most impressive figures in history. Few could contend with either man. One woman held her own with both of them. Alexander's mother Olympias. Notes: Olympias: Mother of Alexander the Great by Elizab ... Show More
3h 31m
Nov 2021
117. Alexander the Great part 2
In the second part of our Alexander the Great special, we head to the limits of the known world, burning down palaces, storming mountain-top fortresses and battling elephants as we go. Might Alexander have kept his empire together had he lived? What killed him? Why is he in the Q ... Show More
57m 57s
Jun 2024
The First Persian Empire
For a little over 200 years, the First Persian Empire ruled over a vast expanse across three continents, making it arguably the world’s first great superpower. At its peak, it stretched from its base in Persia - roughly analogous to modern-day Iran, all the way to India in the Ea ... Show More
57m 35s
Feb 2024
Alexander The (kinda) Great
Today we are getting down and dirty with the original G.O.A.T, Alexander. Unpacking his rise to power, the expansion of his empire, his relationship with his male lover and more we answer the question of who Alexander was and whether he was, in fact, great. 
22m 47s
Dec 2023
La fin d'un empire : le cas d'Alexandre le Grand
<p>Mes chers camarades, bien le bonjour !</p><p>Vous connaissez tous Alexandre le Grand, roi de Macédoine et sans doute un des plus grands personnages de l’Antiquité, voire de l’Histoire. Vous savez probablement qu’il a eu un des plus grands empires du monde, et j’ai moi même par ... Show More
21m 2s
Feb 2024
Alexandria: the first modern city
According to legend, when Alexander the Great rocked up on the island of Pharos in northern Egypt, he had a vision of a spectacular city – a vision that later became reality in the form of Alexandria. On the mainland nearby, connected by a new causeway to Pharos, the metropolis g ... Show More
30m 27s