Alexander of Macedon - Conquest of Persia - Ancient History DOCUMENTARY

Kings and Generals・2 minutes read

Alexander the Great, a historical figure, conquered a vast empire in just over 10 years, spreading Hellenic culture and altering human history. His life story has been analyzed for over 2,000 years, evolving from a young king of Macedonia to a hero and god during his lifetime.

Insights

Alexander the Great's conquest of a vast empire in a short time reshaped history by spreading Hellenic culture.
Alexander's life story evolved from a young king to a hero and legend, influencing politicians and military leaders.
Inheriting a strong army and tactics from his father, Philip II, Alexander displayed boldness and audacity in asserting his authority.
Alexander's victory over the Thracians and Triballians showcased his military prowess, leading to their submission.
Despite initial setbacks, Alexander's strategic maneuvers and military brilliance secured victories and alliances.
Alexander's harsh treatment of resistors, such as the massacre at Tyre, revealed his despotic tendencies.
The Battle of Gaugamela highlighted Alexander's strategic brilliance and leadership, securing a decisive victory over Darius III.

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Who was Alexander the Great?
A historical figure who conquered vast territories.

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Summary

00:00

Alexander the Great: Conqueror and Legend

Alexander the Great, a historical figure, conquered a vast empire in just over 10 years, spreading Hellenic culture and altering human history.
His life story has been analyzed for over 2,000 years, evolving from a young king of Macedonia to a hero and god during his lifetime.
Alexander's legend grew after his death, becoming an influential figure for politicians and military leaders.
He is recognized as a military genius but also as a complex individual with contradictory traits.
Alexander inherited a strong army and tactics from his father, Philip II of Macedonia, upon his assassination.
He faced opposition from Attalus and Demosthenes but managed to secure his position through strategic actions.
The geopolitical situation after Philip's death was unstable, with anti-Macedonian sentiments in Greek states and tribal areas.
Alexander displayed boldness and audacity in asserting his authority, swiftly gaining control over regions.
He effectively dealt with Thracian opposition using strategic maneuvers and maintained high morale in his army.
Alexander's victory over the Thracians and Triballians showcased his military prowess, leading to their submission and alliance.

14:40

Alexander's Westward Escape and Tactical Triumph

Alexander, instead of heading south, turned west and sought refuge with his ally King Langarus of the Agrianians.
Three Illyrian rulers - Cleitus, Glaucias, and an Autariantes prince - were in revolt against Alexander.
Alexander quickly moved to attack Cleitus' stronghold at Pelium before the Illyrians could unite.
The terrain around Pelium was challenging, with wooded hills surrounding the citadel on three sides.
Alexander's tactical error led to his army being trapped by Glaucias and his Taulantian forces.
To secure supplies, Alexander sent Philotas to forage, but Glaucias almost encircled him.
Alexander swiftly intervened, saving Philotas and driving Glaucias back.
Alexander devised a strategic maneuver using his phalanx and cavalry to break free from the encirclement.
The Macedonian army successfully crossed the Apsus river, utilizing siege weapons as field artillery.
Alexander then marched towards Thebes, where he faced a revolt that he ruthlessly crushed, leading to the city's destruction and enslavement of its population.

28:34

Alexander's Conquest: Persia, Battles, and Debt

Demades persuaded Alexander to forgive Thebes, but this did not improve his relationship with other Greeks.
Alexander gathered Macedonian magnates to plan the invasion of Persia, despite advisors suggesting he marry and have an heir.
Alexander inherited a large debt from his predecessor, Philp, and borrowed money from companions to finance his campaign.
Alexander's army in 334BC consisted of 35,000 to 45,000 troops, including phalangites, hypaspists, mercenaries, and allied soldiers.
The infantry force included Thracians, archers, and Agrianians, known for their stealth and discipline.
The cavalry force was led by the Companion cavalry, stationed on the right flank, and supported by Thessalians and light cavalry.
Alexander crossed the Hellespont, claimed Asia as spear-won land, and visited Troy before uniting with his army near Arisbe.
The Persian satraps, advised by Memnon, considered a scorched earth policy but ultimately chose to fight Alexander.
The Persian army, led by Arsames, Memnon, and Arsites, faced Alexander's forces at the River Granicus.
Alexander's army, led by phalanx brigades, faced a larger Persian cavalry force and Greek mercenary hoplites in the battle.

42:35

Alexander's Cavalry Charge Secures Victory in Asia

Nicanor’s 3,000 hypaspists were to the right of the phalanx, followed by Philotas and Alexander leading 1,800 companion cavalry, skirmishers, agrianians, and archers.
Parmenion commanded 2,700 Thessalian, Thracian, and league cavalry on the left.
Parmenion advised Alexander to delay the battle until morning to potentially force the Persians to withdraw.
Alexander, driven by a desire for heroic deeds, disregarded Parmenion’s advice and prepared for an immediate attack.
Alexander led a charge with 2,000 companion cavalry in a wedge formation, targeting the exposed Persian left wing in the riverbed.
The companions' discipline and armament, particularly the cornel wood xyston lance, turned the tide in favor of the Macedonians.
Alexander faced near-death encounters with Persian leaders but was saved by Cleitus the Black.
The Macedonians, aided by Agrianian skirmishers, broke through the Achaemenid left, causing panic in the satrapal army.
Alexander showed no mercy to Greek mercenaries, leading to thousands being slaughtered or captured.
Casualty figures indicated significant losses for the Greeks, with Alexander's forces suffering far fewer casualties, leading to the opening of Asia Minor for conquest.

56:42

Alexander's Siege of Miletus and Halicarnassus

Alexander decided to keep his fleet on the defensive at Lade and prepared his siege weaponry and infantry to breach city fortifications.
A messenger from the mercenary garrison offered Miletus as an open city if the siege was lifted, but Alexander refused, deeming the city too vital for his supply line.
Macedonian ballistae and catapults attacked the fortifications, creating breaches, while infantry stood ready to exploit any gaps.
The initial Macedonian attack was thwarted by the garrison's strength and missile fire, but Nicanor blocked Persian fleet assistance.
Alexander's army eventually broke through Miletus' walls, sparing Greek civilians but enslaving foreigners.
Alexander disbanded his fleet after conquering Miletus, focusing on a land campaign due to distrust of Greek crews and inability to match Darius' naval strength.
Alexander planned to capture coastal cities to counter Persian naval power, starting with Halicarnassus.
Alexander allied with Princess Ada of Caria, aiming to regain her position and secure local support.
Alexander faced resistance at Halicarnassus, with Memnon's forces impeding the Macedonian siege efforts.
A daring attack by Ephialtes and Persian reserves nearly broke Alexander's siege, but his veteran battalion turned the tide, averting defeat.

01:11:11

Alexander's Conquest: Battles, Betrayal, and Triumph

Ephialtes’ men smashed into the spent ranks, rallying the Greek army and leading to the death of Ephialtes and his soldiers.
The sudden attack caused panic among the Halicarnassians, resulting in a rout and the closing of gates, trapping some forces outside.
Over 1,000 of Memnon’s troops were slain in the failed action, prompting Alexander to cautiously retreat to camp.
Memnon and Orontobates decided to cede part of the city, relocating soldiers to citadels and navy, setting fire to prevent Alexander's gains.
Alexander entered the burning city, rescuing inhabitants and fortifying areas, leaving some troops behind to handle resistance in Caria.
Alexander divided his army, with Parmenion securing inland territories while Alexander subdued towns along the coast.
Alexander faced resistance from Pisidian brigands before reaching Celaenae, accepting the defenders' surrender terms.
Antigonus the One-Eyed was appointed to handle Celaenae, as Alexander moved to Gordium, untying the Gordian knot.
Memnon's strategy of scorched earth and a second front was disrupted by his sudden death, leading to the collapse of the plan.
Darius III gathered advisors in Susa, deciding to confront Alexander, while Charidemus' opposition led to his execution. Alexander fell ill but recovered after a warning from Parmenion about a potential poisoning plot.

01:25:22

Battle of the Granicus: Alexander's Triumph and Transformation

Darius arrayed his cavalry across the Pinarus, including Medes, Hyrcanians, Paphlagonians, Cappadocians, Cilicians, Bactrians, Sogdians, and steppe nomads.
Alexander divided his main battle-line into six brigades, led by Amyntas, Ptolemy, Meleager, Craterus, Perdiccas, and Coenus.
Alexander's army included Cretan archers, Thracian javelinmen, elite hypaspists, companion cavalry, Paeonian light horse, Agrianians, and archers, totaling about 40,000 soldiers.
Alexander adjusted his plan to reinforce Parmenion's left flank against overwhelming Achaemenid cavalry and secured the hills occupied by Persians.
Alexander initiated a slow advance across his line, goading Darius to attack first, but Darius kept his line solidly behind the Pinarus.
Alexander led a devastating charge across the Pinarus, smashing through Achaemenid archers and infantry, collapsing Darius' left wing.
Parmenion's Thessalian cavalry was beleaguered and outnumbered, while the Macedonian phalanx faced challenges due to a gap in the line and rough terrain.
Alexander relieved pressure on the phalanx by charging the Persian center, causing the Persians to flee as Darius abandoned the battlefield.
Alexander pursued Darius but returned empty-handed, while his army looted the Persian camp, capturing vast riches and royal women.
Alexander's treatment of the royal women and reaction to the luxurious Persian camp foreshadowed his future as a near-despotic ruler, despite his initial magnanimity.

01:39:28

Alexander's Siege of Tyre: Naval Warfare & Persistence

Alexander's proposal during a war council was rejected, leading to his arrogant response demanding to be addressed as the King of all Asia.
Alexander continued his march south, accepting the surrender of Phoenician cities and kings of Cyprus.
Approaching Tyre, Alexander was met by Tyrian dignitaries who offered alliance, provisions, and gifts but refused to hand over the city.
Alexander's request to offer sacrifice at Tyrian great temple was declined, leading to tensions and threats exchanged.
Despite counsel to submit, Tyre decided to fight, buoyed by their island fortress and support from Carthaginians.
Alexander began constructing a 200-foot-wide mole from the mainland to Tyre to make the island part of the mainland.
Tyrians launched naval attacks on the mole, causing casualties and hindering construction.
Tyrians used a fire ship to damage the mole severely, burning down towers and killing many of Alexander's troops.
Alexander rebuilt the mole wider with towers and artillery, sought a fleet, and gained naval support from Phoenician rulers and others.
With a reinforced fleet, Alexander blockaded Tyre's harbors, neutralizing their sea dominance, and resumed construction on the mole despite setbacks from a storm.

01:54:01

Siege of Tyre: Alexander's Brutal Conquest

Thirty Carthaginian emissaries arrived with words of encouragement but informed their city that aid was impossible due to war at home.
Alexander cleared stones from the water to allow his ships to approach the walls of Tyre.
The mole connecting the Phoenician coast to Tyre was finally completed, enabling a full-scale attack.
Macedonians launched an assault on Tyre via land and sea, using catapults and archery to breach the walls.
Tyrians fiercely defended using metal pots filled with heated sand and gravel to burn attackers.
After a long struggle, Alexander considered abandoning the siege but persisted due to the high cost of giving up.
Tyrian ships launched a naval sortie but were defeated by Alexander, who then focused on breaching the city walls.
Alexander's army breached the walls, leading to fierce fighting and the eventual capture of Tyre.
Macedonian soldiers conducted a brutal rampage in Tyre, massacring thousands and crucifying 2,000.
Tyre was destroyed, and its population sold into slavery, marking Alexander's harsh treatment of resistors.

02:08:17

Alexander's Conquest: Egypt and Divine Approval

Alexander demanded Batis' surrender, but when Batis refused, he was tied behind a chariot and dragged around the city until his death.
No other source mentions Batis' fate, suggesting it may be a rumor associated with Alexander, known for his questionable actions.
Alexander swiftly crossed into Egypt, reaching Pelusium in just a week, where he was welcomed as a liberator by the Egyptians.
The Achaemenid governor Mazaces welcomed Alexander, granting him access to Egypt and its treasuries.
Alexander sailed up the Nile to Memphis, offering sacrifices and being honored with titles like King of Upper and Lower Egypt.
Alexander ordered the construction of a new city opposite Pharos island, which would become Alexandria, the ancient world's capital.
Alexander embarked on a journey to visit the oracle of Zeus-Ammon in Siwah, 300 miles west, seeking divine backing for his campaign against Persia.
Alexander's visit to the oracle is debated, with different accounts suggesting he was welcomed as the son of Zeus-Ammon and would rule the earth.
Alexander returned to Alexandria after rewarding the Siwah shrine, preparing to resume the campaign against Darius III.
Alexander implemented administrative reforms in Egypt, separating governance into civil and military branches, earning favor with the locals.

02:22:24

Battle of Gaugamela: Alexander vs Darius

Alexander successfully forded the river with his army, resting before continuing towards Darius' army.
Darius prepared the battlefield at Gaugamela, focusing on flattening hills and clearing obstacles.
Alexander learned of Darius' army's proximity and their intentions to stay at Gaugamela.
Darius attempted to turn Greek soldiers against Alexander with promises of gold, intercepted letters revealed this.
Darius made a generous peace offer to Alexander, including money, territories, and marriage proposals.
Alexander's ambition surpassed accepting Darius' offer, aiming for the entirety of the Persian Empire.
Alexander scouted the battlefield terrain and analyzed Persian units' potential damage and tactics.
Alexander refused a night attack, opting for open battle due to the risk and tactical advantage.
Alexander's army rested while Darius' troops were exhausted and demoralized, waiting in battle order.
The Battle of Gaugamela commenced with Alexander's strategic positioning and maneuvering against Darius' army.

02:35:50

Alexander's Triumph: Gaugamela and Beyond

A messenger from Parmenion informed Alexander that his half of the army was in dire straits during the battle against Mazaeus’ forces.
Alexander's left battalions of the phalanx got bogged down in fighting, creating a gap in his line that Persian and Indian cavalry exploited.
Alexander chose to save Parmenion over capturing Darius, rallying the Companions to smash into the Persian right flank.
Ancient sources suggest Alexander lost around 1,000 troops while the Persians lost 30,000 at Gaugamela.
Alexander's victory at Gaugamela was attributed to his strategic brilliance and personal leadership.
After Gaugamela, Alexander moved east into the Persian Empire to capture Darius.
Alexander arrived in Babylon around October 23rd, 331BC, where he rested his army and reinforced it with troops from Greece, Macedonia, and Thrace.
Alexander appointed satraps, including the Persian satrap of Babylon, Mazaeus, who surrendered the city without a fight.
Alexander's attempt to blend Eastern and Hellenic cultures in Babylon raised concerns among his companions.
Alexander marched to Susa, securing its surrender and finding a significant amount of gold and silver.

02:49:28

Alexander's Deceptive Tactics and Conquest of Persepolis

Alexander's army lit extra fires at night to deceive the enemy into thinking the entire army was present.
Departing in mid-winter, Alexander faced challenging terrain on his journey.
Alexander reached a split in the mountain path, sending Philotas with 3,000 men on one route and leading the rest around the Persian camp.
After a grueling march, Alexander's forces positioned themselves and attacked the Persian camp.
Despite a brave fight, Ariobarzanes managed to escape, while the rest of the Persian force was annihilated.
Alexander's victory allowed him to open the route to Persepolis.
Alexander encountered a group of mutilated Greeks on the road, whom he rewarded generously.
Upon entering Persepolis, Alexander claimed the Persian treasury and allowed looting of the city.
Alexander's decision to burn the palaces of Persepolis was met with disapproval by historians.
Darius III was captured and killed by Bessus, leading to Alexander's pursuit and eventual discovery of Darius' body.

03:03:48

"Reforms, Death, and Historical Figure's Return"

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