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ULISSE IL PIACERE DELLA SCOPERTA-ALESSANDRO MAGNO

alessandro.・77 minutes read

Alexander the Great's life from his youth to his conquests is explored, demonstrating his leadership and strategic brilliance in battles. His victories, including over King Darius III, led to widespread support, establishing democratic governments in conquered cities.

Insights

  • 1. Alexander the Great's upbringing under his father Philip II in Macedonia, his education by Aristotle, and his close bond with his horse Bucephalus significantly shaped his character, ambition, and destiny as a fearless leader admired for his courage and destined for greatness.
  • 2. The Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BC, where Alexander led the Macedonian cavalry and infantry to victory, showcased the innovative military tactics of Philip II, laying the foundation for Alexander's future conquests and establishing Macedonian dominance over Greece, solidifying his position as a formidable leader.
  • 3. Alexander's military campaigns against the Persians, starting with his victory over King Darius III at Gaugamela, marked a pivotal turning point in history with widespread support for Alexander's liberating conquests, leading to the establishment of democratic governments in conquered cities and his proclamation as the new king of Asia, solidifying his legacy as an iconic and influential figure.

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Recent questions

  • Who was Alexander the Great?

    Alexander the Great was a renowned ancient Macedonian king known for his military conquests and strategic brilliance, expanding his empire across vast territories.

  • What was Alexander's relationship with his horse?

    Alexander had a legendary bond with his horse Bucephalus, symbolizing his destined greatness and showcasing his early prowess as a leader.

  • How did Alexander's education influence him?

    Alexander's education, under Aristotle's tutelage, instilled in him the ambition to conquer the Persian Empire and shaped his strategic thinking and leadership skills.

  • What was the significance of the Battle of Gaugamela?

    The Battle of Gaugamela marked a turning point in Alexander's conquests, solidifying his victory over the Persians and establishing him as the new king of Asia.

  • What led to Alexander's premature death?

    Alexander's passion for wine and alleged excessive drinking, along with personal losses and illness, are believed to have contributed to his premature death, ending his ambitious quest to unite east and west under his empire.

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Summary

00:00

Alexander the Great: Legendary Conqueror's Journey

  • The journey through time explores the life of Alexander the Great, from his childhood in Macedonia to his conquests of the Persian Empire.
  • Alexander was a fearless leader, admired by many, including Caesar and Pompey, for his courage on the battlefield.
  • A famous mosaic in Pompeii depicts the battle of Issus between Alexander and King Darius III, showcasing Alexander's image with unique features.
  • Alexander's birth was surrounded by legend, with his mother Olympias believing he was of divine origin.
  • Alexander's education included a deep study of Greek mythology, particularly focusing on Achilles, whom he revered.
  • Aristotle became Alexander's tutor at 13, teaching him various subjects and instilling in him the ambition to conquer the Persian Empire.
  • Alexander's bond with his horse Bucephalus, whom he tamed as a child, became legendary and symbolized his destined greatness.
  • Alexander's upbringing in Macedonia, under his father Philip II, shaped him into a warrior and prepared him for his future conquests.
  • Alexander's mother, Olympias, played a significant role in his life, instilling in him a sense of nobility and mysticism.
  • The story of Alexander the Great is filled with legendary episodes, like his taming of Bucephalus, that contributed to his iconic status in history.

21:32

Alexander's Rise to Power: Conquest and Betrayal

  • Alexander the Great's adolescence ends abruptly due to his father Philip's aggressive expansionist policy, sparking a conflict with Greek neighbors over the conquest of important cities on the Dardanelles Strait.
  • Demosthenes, an Athenian statesman, urges the council to oppose Philip's actions and calls for resistance, fearing the threat to Athens' freedom.
  • The term "filippica" originates from Demosthenes' fiery speeches inciting Athenians to war against Philip, influencing public opinion against the Macedonians.
  • A clash over the oracle of Delphi, a sacred place in Greece, escalates tensions as Philip asserts Macedonian authority, leading to Athenian outrage.
  • The Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BC sees Alexander and his friends, including Clitus and Parmenion, preparing for a decisive battle against the Greek coalition.
  • Under Alexander's leadership, the Macedonian cavalry and infantry secure a resounding victory, establishing Macedonian dominance over Greece.
  • Philip's innovative military tactics, including the Macedonian phalanx and heavy cavalry, prove instrumental in securing victory and laying the foundation for Alexander's future conquests.
  • The coordination between the phalanx and heavy cavalry, a unique strategy, contributes to Alexander's victories, showcasing the Macedonian army's efficiency.
  • Philip's efforts to form alliances and reconcile with Athens post-battle aim to solidify Macedonian hegemony over Greece and unite forces against the Persians.
  • Alexander ascends to the Macedonian throne following Philip's death, amidst suspicions surrounding the murder, consolidating his position by eliminating adversaries and securing army support.

43:13

Alexander's Conquest: Rise to Power

  • Alexander moves quickly from the theater of war north to the gates of Thebes, promising to spare rebels if they surrender, but they refuse.
  • Thebes is destroyed by Alexander, with over 6,000 slain and the survivors reduced to slavery, leading to the acceptance of his authority throughout Greece.
  • The destruction of Thebes is considered barbaric and a stain on Alexander's legacy, but it solidifies his power in Greece.
  • Alexander sets his sights on the Persian Empire, a vast territory ruled by King Darius III, encompassing three continents and numerous peoples.
  • The Persian Empire is a formidable adversary, with Darius commanding a massive army and the elite Immortals as his guard.
  • Alexander, driven by a desire to emulate his father and protect Greek freedom, embarks on a risky campaign against the Persians at just twenty years old.
  • Alexander's military campaign begins with victories over the Persians, causing concern in the Persian court and leading to a clash between Alexander and Darius.
  • In a pivotal battle, Alexander's strategic skill and cavalry speed secure a surprising victory over Darius, marking a turning point in the conflict.
  • Alexander's success in liberating Greek colonies and defeating the Persians leads to widespread support and the establishment of democratic governments in conquered cities.
  • The battle between Alexander and Darius is immortalized in a mosaic depicting Alexander's daring attack on Darius, showcasing the courage and leadership that defined Alexander's military campaigns.

01:04:03

"Mosaic Reveals Alexander's Victorious Battle"

  • The spears seen in the mosaic were actually long pikes carried by Macedonian soldiers for close combat.
  • The chariot in the mosaic had a wheel projecting a shadow, indicating movement towards the viewer.
  • The enveloping maneuver by Macedonians caused Darius to feel trapped and attempt to flee.
  • The soldiers depicted in the mosaic show Persian soldiers without helmets, wearing hood caps.
  • A javelin used by soldiers had a throwing mechanism allowing it to reach up to 50 meters.
  • Darius' personal guard was elegantly dressed and was preparing a horse, but was pierced by a spear.
  • Alexander the Great, depicted without a helmet, is shown in the mosaic launching an impetuous attack.
  • Alexander's armor, made of metal plates with the medusa symbol, is depicted in the mosaic.
  • Alexander's victory over Darius was a significant moment in history, with Marco Polo referencing it as the "battle of it."
  • Alexander's establishment of Alexandria in Egypt, a monumental city with a strategic port, marked a significant cultural and economic development.

01:21:37

Alexander's Triumph: Conquest of Persia and Beyond

  • Darius' army extends over 5 kilometers in Gaudi's plain, making a frontal attack impossible.
  • Alexander plans a diversionary maneuver to surprise the Persians, moving his cavalry parallel to the enemy deployment.
  • Alexander orders his palanti to attack the center of the Persian army where the immortals are located.
  • Darius coordinates his cavalry to follow Alexander's movements, leaving the center of his deployment engaged against the Macedonian phalanx.
  • Alexander seizes the decisive moment of the battle, attacking the Persian king in the center.
  • Alexander resorts to a strategy of direct confrontation, engaging in battle man against man.
  • Darius abandons his troops to their fate, resulting in the second great defeat of the Persians against Alexander.
  • Alexander's victory at Gaugamela marks the beginning of the end for the Persians, with Alexander proclaimed the new king of Asia.
  • Alexander enters Babylon triumphantly, avenging Greece and obtaining the conquest of the largest empire in the world.
  • Alexander embarks on a new project to build an empire uniting east and west, eliminating those who oppose his vision, including his childhood friend and general, Parmenione.

01:42:55

Alexander's Conquests and Personal Struggles

  • Alexander's passion for wine was well-known among the Macedonians, with some attributing his premature death to excessive drinking.
  • Clito's accusations against Alexander for introducing Persian genuflection rituals with ropes caused offense among the Greeks.
  • Despite the Clito incident, Alexander decided to abandon imposing genuflection on his Macedonian companions.
  • Alexander embarked on a new exploration towards the east, aiming to extend his empire beyond Afghanistan.
  • Alexander led his men through the Indus mountains, facing challenges and battles to expand his empire.
  • The Macedonian army doubled in size, including Persians and nomadic knights from Afghan deserts.
  • The army faced the Raja Porus and his army with 200 war elephants, leading to a bloody battle.
  • Despite victories, Alexander's army faced exhaustion, with his beloved horse Bucephalus dying.
  • Alexander's men mutinied, refusing to continue towards the Ganges, leading to his first real defeat.
  • After a triumphant return, Alexander celebrated a mixed wedding in Susa to unite his empire, followed by a period of serenity before facing personal losses and illness.
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