Show 72 - Mania for Subjugation II

Following the assassination of Philip II, Greece was awash with uncertainty and power struggles, but Alexander the Great moved quickly to stabilize his dominion and assert his authority, a period defined by swift and decisive actions to remove all opposition to his rule.

Alexander moved quickly to assert control and eliminate potential rivals after Philip II's assassination.

Alexander executed members of the royal family and those suspected of being involved in the assassination.

Alexander's first moment in power involved bold and brutal steps to secure his position, initiating violence to cement his rule. At Philip's funeral, Alexander did not hesitate to execute people from another branch of the royal family right at his father’s tomb, including crucifying Pausanias's corpse. He also ordered contract killers to eliminate those who were not within immediate reach, like Attalus in modern-day Turkey.

Demosthenes of Athens and local Greek leaders, sensing opportunity in the wake of Philip's death, courted Attalus's assistance against Alexander. In response, Alexander sent Hecataeus with orders to bring Attalus back alive or to kill him if necessary. Alexander's domestic crackdown also possibly extended to the killing of his half-sister Cleopatra’s newborn child, an act traditionally ascribed to his mother, Olympias, though discussions persist as to whether Alexander had a role or at least knowledge of the killings.

Alexander crushed a rebellion in Thebes, resulting in the city's complete destruction and the massacre of its population.

In Thebes, where rebellious sentiment was brewing, Alexander resolved to quell any sign of defiance. A Theban attack that killed several Macedonians triggered Alexander to act. When Thebes further antagonized him by demanding the surrender of Antipater and Philotas and announcing an open rebellion to join with Persia, Alexander understood that his wider authority was at stake.

Determined to make a harrowing example to Greece, Alexander e ...

Dan Carlin delves into the psyche of Alexander the Great, exploring his ambition, drive, and unique psychological traits that led to his unparalleled success as a conqueror.

Alexander exhibited a strong sense of ambition and drive to excel, embodied in the concept of "Arete."

Alexander believed he was destined for greatness and was guided by a relentless desire to push the boundaries of his achievements.

Dan Carlin speaks about Alexander feeling the hand of destiny on his back, implying he had a strong sense of ambition and believed in his exceptional fate. Alexander is compared to historical figures like Winston Churchill who also felt they were walking with destiny, suggesting they shared a grand sense of purpose. Carlin references Alexander’s education by Aristotle on the subject of aretē, which encouraged striving to be the best in whatever one does, further indicating his internal drive.

Alexander experienced a psychological phenomenon known as "Pothos," a yearning for the unknown and a compulsion to explore and conquer new territories.

The term "Pothos" is introduced by Arian to describe Alexander's state of mind as a deep yearning or irresistible urge for something beyond, which in Alexander's case was the conquering of new lands. This longing sparked his desire to cross the Danube upon seeing the nomads on the far side, igniting his compulsion to explore unknown territories. Peter Green describes "Pothos" as a desire for the unattained and mysterious, a longing that fueled Alexander's drive to constantly reach farther, analogously seeking new worlds and civilizations. It is emphasized that "Pothos" is a psychological characteristic peculiar to Alexander, not commonly associate ...

The siege and sacking of Thebes was a defining moment in Alexander the Great's campaign, marking his reputation and influencing his relationships with other Greek city-states.

The Thebans' defiance of Alexander's demands led to a brutal siege and sack of the city.

Unprepared for Alexander's rapid military advance, Thebes faced an unauthorized assault when Macedonian troops "lost it" during the early stage of the confrontation. Even though Alexander was roped into the conflict rather than launching the assault himself, the entire Macedonian army quickly became involved.

The Theban forces, desperately outnumbered, armed slaves and civilians in a last-ditch effort to defend their city. They performed remarkably well against Alexander's initial forces, nearly succeeding. Determined Theban fighters, motivated by the defense of their freedom and families, posed a robust resistance. However, the tide of the siege turned when Alexander exploited an unguarded gate. This strategic move allowed Perdiccas and Macedonian troops to infiltrate Thebes and spurred a chaotic Theban retreat, with their cavalry and infantry trampling one another in panic.

The Macedonian garrison stationed in the citadel of Cadmea aided in overpowering Theban defenders. Eventually, the defense crumbled, and a massacre ensued. Diodorus describes how the battle shifted to a widespread sack of Thebes, with atrocities rampant in the streets. The last of the Theban resisters made their stand near a temple, likely seeking a stronghold or sanctuary for the vulnerable.

The destruction of Thebes had significant ramifications for Alexander's reputation and relations with other Greek city-states.

The aftermath of Thebes' destruction was severe. Approximately 30,000 people were sold into slavery, and harboring Thebans was declared a crime. This brutal example of consequences for defiance made Thebes a stark warning to other states; cities that succeeded Thebes showed compliance with Alexander's rule, some even executing officials who opposed him.

Athens, anticipating a siege, sent envoys expressing their support for Alexander's actions, despite Athens harboring Theban refugees. Nevertheless, some states, acknowledging the inhumane treatment of Thebes, began to perceive Alexander as a tyrant. Thebes itself, once a major city-state, lay in ruins, its obliteration a shocking and wasteful act given its size and historical significance.

At a c ...