From Alexander to The Great

Alexander the Great not only conquered the Achaemenid Persian Empire, but also many nations in Central Asia and parts of ancient northwest India. In ten years of campaigning, he did not lose a single battle. He became the richest man in the world, and was regarded by many as a god. 


Despite this, none of his men, indeed, no ancient Macedonian, ever called him ‘the Great.’ So, where did this title come from? What was Greatness when it came to a king? What role might a monk in his cell during the age of Charlemagne might have played in its story? And is it appropriate for us today to still call Alexander, ‘the Great?’


All of these questions, and more, are answered as Malcolm and Frances explore the origin and history of Alexander’s enduring epithet.


Resources

on-line texts for the Alexander Historians:

Arrian

Curtius

Diodorus

Plutarch

Justin


About Malcolm and Frances

Malcolm spends his days with his head in books and his heart in faraway lands, especially ones conquered by Alexander. When he looks at maps of Alexander’s empire, his go-to response remains “Crikey”.

Frances is an academic who specialises in Hellenistic numismatics. She is currently writing a novel about Alexander’s first wife, Roxane, bringing life to the woman who existed in the shadow of a man who was larger than life.


Spearpoint Socials

Facebook

Instagram: @spearpointATG

Threads: @SpearpointATG

X: @SpearpointATG


Malcolm

Instagram: @thesecondachilles

Facebook: @alexander.of.macedon


Frances

Instagram: @futuristichistorian


Email: spearpointatg@gmail.com


Intro + Outro Music

Epic by Hot_Dope (pixabay.com)

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Om Podcasten

Spearpoint is a podcast about Alexander the Great. Join Malcolm Mann and Dr. Frances Joseph as they explore the life and times of one of the most extraordinary men ever to live. In thirteen short years, Alexander conquered the Persian Empire, taking his army from ancient Macedonia into India. Undefeated in battle, Alexander saw himself in the image of Achilles and Heracles. In Spearpoint, Malcolm and Frances explore not only what makes Alexander so famous, but his origins and his influence on the world, which continues even today. It's an epic tale of gods, men, glory and tragedy.

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