Greek and Persian Wars | Father and Son (Lecture 21)

Lecture 21: Philip II’s son Alexander III (better known as Alexander the Great) would prove to be instrumental in ending the Greek and Persian wars. With a volcanic temper and an unquenchable yearning for what lay beyond his reach (pothos), Alexander was such a precocious warrior and commander that Philip II assigned him the command of troops in the Macedonian battle line. At age 20, Alexander was appointed regent of the kingdom during Philip II’s absence in Asia. After his father’s assassination, it took Alexander almost two years to secure his rule at home. Once home rule had been achieved, Alexander ferried his army across the Hellespont into Asia in the spring of 334 B.C. As the young warrior leapt ashore, he threw a spear into Asian soil—inaugurating the final great campaign against the Persians. After more than two centuries of confrontations between Persians and Greeks, the final contest between the East and West was at hand.

Recommended Reading:
Green, Alexander of Macedon.
Renault, The Nature of Alexander.