Alexandre, o Grande: Os Grandes da História #2

Summary

In this episode of 'Os Grandes da História', Thiago takes us through the extraordinary life of Alexander the Great. Born in 356 BC in Macedonia, Alexander, under the guidance of Aristotle, grew into an unparalleled military leader. By age 32, he had conquered the Persian Empire and created the largest empire the world had ever seen, all without losing a single battle. The episode delves into his key victories, including the battles of Granicus, Issus, and Gaugamela. It also explores Alexander's cultural impact, his reign, and the mystery surrounding his untimely death. The video highlights his lasting legacy in shaping the Western world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Alexander the Great is widely considered the greatest king, general, and warrior in human history, having conquered the world in just 15 years.
• 😀 His campaign is marked by an unbroken streak of victories, with no recorded battles lost, despite the immense size of his enemies' forces.
• 😀 Alexander was born in 356 BC in Macedonia, the son of King Philip II and Queen Olympias. His mother claimed divine intervention during his conception.
• 😀 He was tutored by Aristotle, learning subjects like philosophy, medicine, and arts, and his education shaped his leadership and intellectual abilities.
• 😀 After his father's assassination, Alexander ascended the throne at the age of 20 and continued his father's vision of conquering the Persian Empire.
• 😀 His first major victory came at the Battle of Granicus, where he began liberating Greek cities under Persian control.
• 😀 In the Battle of Issus (333 BC), Alexander decisively defeated Persian King Darius III, forcing him to flee and leaving his army in disarray.
• 😀 Following this victory, Alexander captured Egypt, founded the city of Alexandria, and eventually marched toward Persia's heartland.
• 😀 The Battle of Gaugamela (331 BC) marked the final defeat of the Persian Empire, where Alexander's smaller army triumphed over a Persian force vastly outnumbering them.
• 😀 Alexander's later reign saw him adopt Persian customs, marry Persian women, and integrate Persians into his army, which caused unrest among his Greek soldiers.
• 😀 At 32, Alexander mysteriously died, with theories ranging from poisoning to illness. His death marked the end of an era and the fall of his empire.

Q & A

Who was Alexander the Great, and why is he referred to as 'the Great'?

Alexander the Great was a king, general, and warrior who created one of the largest empires in history in just 15 years. He is called 'the Great' because of his unmatched military genius, undefeated battle record, and the cultural impact he left by spreading Greek culture across vast territories.

What legendary event is associated with the conception of Alexander the Great?

According to legend, Alexander was conceived when Zeus struck his mother, Olympias, with a lightning bolt, making her pregnant with him. This myth adds a divine aspect to his birth.

Who was Alexander’s tutor, and what subjects did he study?

Alexander’s tutor was the philosopher Aristotle. He taught Alexander a wide range of subjects, including medicine, philosophy, religion, art, and logic.

What major historical event did Alexander's father, King Philip II, achieve for Greece?

King Philip II unified the Greek city-states through the creation of the Corinthian League after his victory in the Battle of Chaeronea. This was crucial for preparing the Greeks for future conquests, especially against Persia.

What marked the beginning of Alexander’s military conquests?

Alexander's military conquests began in 334 BC when he crossed the Hellespont into Asia Minor and started liberating Greek cities from Persian control.

How did the Battle of Granicus impact the Persian Empire?

At the Battle of Granicus, Alexander decisively defeated the Persian forces, marking the beginning of his successful campaign against the Persian Empire and further solidifying his military reputation.

What was the significance of the Battle of Gaugamela?

The Battle of Gaugamela, fought in 331 BC, was the decisive conflict that resulted in the defeat of the Persian king Darius III. Despite being outnumbered, Alexander’s forces crushed the Persians, leading to the fall of the Persian Empire.

What did Alexander do after defeating the Persians and conquering their empire?

After defeating the Persians, Alexander continued to spread Greek culture and established several cities, including the famous city of Alexandria in Egypt. He also adopted some Persian customs and even encouraged marriages between Greeks and Persians.

How did Alexander the Great die, and what are the theories surrounding his death?

Alexander the Great died at the age of 32. Theories about his death include poisoning, malaria, or a disease called Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Some believe he was buried alive, though his actual cause of death remains uncertain.

How did Alexander’s conquests impact the Western world?

Alexander’s conquests spread Greek culture, science, art, and philosophy throughout the known world, establishing a cultural legacy that influenced the development of Western civilization for centuries to come.