“Non est ad astra millis e terries via” – There is no easy way from the earth to the stars. When Alexander set out to see the world he changed the course of world history and brought about a new political and cultural order. This course will narrate Alexander’s life and critically analyse the argument that surround controversies about Alexander’s ethnicity, personality and deeds. This course is for people who are interested in critical examination of history and it will require some reading or listening to audio books and watching documentaries and films to be able to actively and lively participate in discussion or class debate
The purpose of this course is to: like Thucydides, investigate cause and effect; like Herodotus, tell a fantastic narrative; like Machiavelli, identify worthy lessons from the past and like Socrates, to seek the fundamental and underlying truth. The focus will be on the personality and character of Alexander and the aim will be to sift through our extant sources to decipher his motives and attainments and to survey the consequences.
Lecture 1: Macedon before Alexander became King
If the extraordinary events set in motion by Alexander had not taken place, his father Philip II, would have been known in history as Philip the Great. In this lecture we will explore the world in which Alexander was born; the wars and diplomacy of his father; the establishment of the Corinthian league; the role of the Macedonian pike; Alexander’s education and his early military experience.
Lecture 2: The Succession of Alexander and the Invasion of Asia
With the assassination of Philip II, Alexander first had to secure his recognition as king and then deal with numerous revolts from several Greek cities, Illyria and Thrace. In this lecture we will examine how various historians analyse the sack of Thebes; the battle of Granicus; the reasons for Alexander’s Persian Campaign; the legend of the Gordian Knot and we will investigate how historians deal with inconstancy in the sources.
Lecture 3: Alexander in Egypt
After the Battle of Issus and the Siege of Tyre, Alexander set his sights on Egypt. He founded the City of Alexandria and then travelled the hazardous route to the Oracle of Amun at Siwa Oasis. We will critically analyse how do the image of Alexander as an unbeatable military commander with fearless courage continually setting insurmountable feats compare to that of the image of a reckless drunkard pirate?
Lecture 4: Alexander in Babylon
In this lecture we will follow Alexander III at; the epic Battle of Gaugamela against Darius III of Persia; the surrender of Babylon and Susa; the defeat of Persepolis; the campaign in Bactria and Sogdiana; the capture of the Rock of Ariamazes and the marriage to Roxane. We will analyse the various interpretations of the ‘symbolic’ burning of the palace at Persepolis and look at Alexander’s logistical challenges.
Lecture 5: Alexander in India
Here we will look at the battle at the Hydaspes River against King Porus and the invasion of India. We will compare the various interpretations of the Mutiny of Hyhasis; the mass marriages at Susa; the re-organisation of the army; the proclamation of the Exiles Decree; his plan to circumnavigate Africa; the death of Hephastion and have a look at how Alexander was preparing to govern and tax his empire.
Lecture 6: The Alexander Debates: Personality & Controversy
It seems that Alexander can be portrayed either as a megalomaniac or a genius. We will look closely at both sides of the arguments and analyse in detail how they are substantiated. We will also look at the heritage and legacy of Alexander the Great. What has been his impact on World History, Science, Philosophy and Education? We will examine the accuracy of various TV Documentaries and Hollywood in their portrayal of the world’s most known secular historical figure? This lecture will attempt to align and connect the History of Alexander with modern life and notions.
Recommended Reading:
Arrian, The Campaigns of Alexander, (rev. ed. with intro. by J.R. Hamilton) Penguin Classics, 1971 or later.
Plutarch, The Age of Alexander, Penguin Classics, 1973.
Quintus Curtius Rufus, The History of Alexander, Penguin Classics, 1984.
Eugene N Borza, In the Shadow of Olympus: the Emergence of Macedon, Princeton University Press, 1990.
Comments from past students of Sven’s Alexander the Great course:
- Very enjoyable, well-informed and fascinating course. I highly recommend it.
- The greatest story I ever heard. I want to hear it again.
- I liked the enthusiasm of the tutor.
- Very well prepared, wish it was longer.
- The tutor made the subject interesting and challenging.
- Very dynamic class, very well supported by pictures, maps, audio-visuals and complete references.