23 - La giovinezza di Alessandro Magno - I parte [Pillole di Storia]

Summary

This episode of 'Pillole di Storia' takes a deep dive into the early life of Alexander the Great. It explores his birth, the legends surrounding his origins, and the complex relationships within his family, particularly between his parents, King Philip II and Olympias. The narrative also covers Alexander's education under Aristotle, his first military achievements, and his innovative strategies that helped shape the Macedonian army. The episode sets the stage for Alexander's rise to power, filled with political intrigue, personal conflict, and military brilliance, offering a fascinating mix of historical facts and myths.

Takeaways

• 😀 Alexander the Great's life and legacy have always fascinated the speaker since childhood, and the next few days will focus solely on him.
• 😀 Alexander was born on July 16 or 21, 356 BC in Pella, the Macedonian capital. His father, Philip II, was a shrewd and military-minded ruler who had transformed Macedonia into a major power.
• 😀 Philip II was not the rightful successor of the previous king but managed to secure the throne through political maneuvering and military success.
• 😀 Alexander's mother, Olympias, was from the Molossian royal family, and many legends surrounded Alexander's birth, including claims of Zeus being his father.
• 😀 From a young age, Alexander was prepared to rule, being educated by Aristotle, one of Greece's greatest philosophers, who profoundly influenced him.
• 😀 As a prince, Alexander was raised alongside other noble children, forming a tight-knit group that would later accompany him as generals and close companions, known as 'Alexander's Companions.'
• 😀 Alexander's military training began early. At 18, he was left in charge of Macedonia and led a successful campaign to repel northern barbarian incursions.
• 😀 The Macedonian Phalanx, an innovative military formation developed by Philip II, became the backbone of both his and Alexander's conquests, allowing them to dominate the battlefield.
• 😀 At the Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BC, a young Alexander demonstrated his tactical brilliance by leading a cavalry charge that decisively broke the enemy lines.
• 😀 Philip II’s assassination in 336 BC, under mysterious circumstances, marked a turning point. Alexander swiftly secured his position as king, eliminating rivals to solidify his rule.
• 😀 Alexander's famous horse, Bucephalus, played a key role in his campaigns, and he was the only one able to tame the powerful horse at the age of 16, forming a lifelong bond with it.

Q & A

What was the special focus of the episodes in this series?

The episodes were dedicated to a single topic, focusing on the life of Alexander the Great (Megas Alexandros), covering his history from his birth to his rise as a military leader.

How did the birth of Alexander the Great inspire legends?

Several legends surrounded Alexander's birth. One claimed that his mother, Olympias, asserted that Alexander was not the son of King Philip II, but the son of Zeus, after a mysterious encounter with a serpent. Another legend suggested that the goddess Artemis herself attended Alexander’s birth, and the burning of her temple was linked to this event.

What significant political role did Philip II play in Macedonian history?

Philip II transformed Macedonia from a small, semi-barbaric kingdom into a dominant force in Greece. His strategic political alliances and military prowess allowed him to take control of the region and create the powerful Macedonian army.

What unique relationship did Alexander the Great have with his tutor, Aristotle?

Aristotle was Alexander's tutor, and he instilled in him the ideals of Greek philosophy. These teachings had a profound impact on Alexander, influencing his actions and leadership throughout much of his life.

How did Alexander’s early military career begin?

At the age of 18, Alexander led a campaign to quell incursions by northern barbarians. He demonstrated his leadership skills by successfully driving them back and earning recognition as a military leader.

What was the Macedonian phalanx and how did it contribute to Alexander’s success?

The Macedonian phalanx was a military formation developed by Philip II. It consisted of heavily armed soldiers arranged in a dense, compact formation, wielding long spears called sarissas. This formation was highly effective in battle and became the foundation of Alexander's military success.

What innovation did Philip II introduce to the traditional Greek phalanx?

Philip II introduced the concept of the 'oblique phalanx,' where troops were arranged in a staggered formation, with the stronger side concentrated for a decisive strike, forcing the enemy to engage on weaker sides and making it easier to defeat them.

How did Alexander the Great display his military brilliance during the Battle of Chaeronea?

At just 18 years old, Alexander displayed exceptional tactical skill in the Battle of Chaeronea. He led the cavalry charge that split the enemy lines and secured a victory, demonstrating his ability to think quickly and decisively in battle.

What were the political consequences of Philip II's death for Alexander?

After Philip II's death, Alexander was immediately declared king of Macedonia. To secure his throne, Alexander eliminated potential rivals, including his cousin, Cleopatra Eurydice, and other members of the royal family who could claim the throne.

What was the story of Bucephalus, Alexander's famous horse?

Bucephalus was an extraordinary horse that no one could tame except Alexander. When Alexander was just 16, he recognized that Bucephalus was afraid of his own shadow and successfully rode him. Bucephalus accompanied Alexander on his military campaigns until his death, and Alexander even founded a city named Alexandria Bucephala in his honor.