The Ancients Philip and Alexander: Kings and Conquerors
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Nov 5, 2020 
Adrian Goldsworthy, a distinguished historian and author specializing in ancient Rome, joins to delve into the lives of Philip II and Alexander the Great. They explore how Philip transformed Macedon into a military powerhouse, enabling Alexander's legendary conquests. Adrian shares insights on Philip's frontline leadership, battlefield risks, and his influential strategies. The conversation also covers Olympias' political role, Alexander’s upbringing, and the factors behind Philip's assassination. Their legacies and the cultural shifts initiated by Alexander are equally captivating.
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Leadership By Example And Its Risks
- Macedonian kings led from the front as part of a cultural expectation tying leaders to their companions.
- That personal exposure created morale but made the regime vulnerable if the king died in battle.
Philip's Public Assassination
- Philip was stabbed at a public ceremony by Pausanias and died almost instantly.
- The assassin tripped over a vine root and was killed by bodyguards before escaping.
Unclear Motives Behind Philip's Murder
- Motive for Philip's murder remains ambiguous with plausible personal and political explanations.
- Ancient sources propose Pausanias' personal grudge, Persian plotting, or involvement by Olympias or Alexander.
