Show 73 - Mania for Subjugation III

What you're about to hear is part three What you're about to hear is part three of a multi-part series on the life of of a multi-part series on the life of of a multi-part series on the life of Alexander the Great. If you missed the Alexander the Great. If you missed the Alexander the Great. If you missed the first two parts and you are like I am first two parts and you are like I am first two parts and you are like I am addicted to context, you might want to addicted to context, you might want to addicted to context, you might want to catch those first. If you don't care catch those first. If you don't care catch those first. If you don't care about anything like that, well, no about anything like that, well, no about anything like that, well, no worries. And if you already heard the worries. And if you already heard the worries. And if you already heard the first two parts, well, here we go. Part first two parts, well, here we go. Part first two parts, well, here we go. Part three of Mania for Subjugation. three of Mania for Subjugation. three of Mania for Subjugation. >> December 7th, >> December 7th, >> December 7th, 1941. 1941. 1941. >> It's history. A date which will live >> It's history. A date which will live >> It's history. A date which will live in infamy. in infamy. in infamy. >> That's one small step for man. >> That's one small step for man. >> That's one small step for man. >> The events, >> The events, >> The events, >> one leap for mankind. Not quite the master Not quite the master from this time and place. I take pride from this time and place. I take pride from this time and place. I take pride in the words ishbin the elite in the words ishbin the elite in the words ishbin the elite >> drama Mr. Gorbachoff >> drama Mr. Gorbachoff >> drama Mr. Gorbachoff tear down this world tear down this world tear down this world six of six of six of Marine 6 tower 2 has had a major Marine 6 tower 2 has had a major Marine 6 tower 2 has had a major explosion and what appears to be a explosion and what appears to be a explosion and what appears to be a complete collapse surrounding the entire complete collapse surrounding the entire complete collapse surrounding the entire area.

area. area. >> I welcome this kind of examination >> I welcome this kind of examination >> I welcome this kind of examination because people have got to know whether because people have got to know whether because people have got to know whether or not their president or not their president or not their president >> the deep question. If we dig deep in our >> the deep question. If we dig deep in our >> the deep question. If we dig deep in our history and our doctrine and remember history and our doctrine and remember history and our doctrine and remember that we are not descended from fearful that we are not descended from fearful that we are not descended from fearful men. men. men. >> It's hardcore history. >> The old world is dying and the new world >> The old world is dying and the new world struggles to be born. struggles to be born. struggles to be born. Now is the time of monsters. Now is the time of monsters. Now is the time of monsters. I love that quote. I love that quote. I love that quote. allegedly, and I only say that because allegedly, and I only say that because allegedly, and I only say that because every quote in my famous quotations book every quote in my famous quotations book every quote in my famous quotations book seems to have been debunked, but seems to have been debunked, but seems to have been debunked, but allegedly penned allegedly penned allegedly penned by Italian communist Antonio Grahamshy by Italian communist Antonio Grahamshy by Italian communist Antonio Grahamshy from prison in Italy during the from prison in Italy during the from prison in Italy during the Mussolini years Mussolini years Mussolini years and it obviously works so well for that and it obviously works so well for that and it obviously works so well for that era. But I think what gives it its era. But I think what gives it its era. But I think what gives it its enduring timelessness is the fact it's enduring timelessness is the fact it's enduring timelessness is the fact it's one of those phrases and of course he one of those phrases and of course he one of those phrases and of course he would have said it if he said it in would have said it if he said it in would have said it if he said it in Italian and there have been some Italian and there have been some Italian and there have been some questions about the translation but it's questions about the translation but it's questions about the translation but it's a phrase that when translated into a phrase that when translated into a phrase that when translated into English anyway works for a lot of English anyway works for a lot of English anyway works for a lot of different eras in human history doesn't different eras in human history doesn't different eras in human history doesn't it? for the simple reason that we can it? for the simple reason that we can it? for the simple reason that we can all think of lots of times when all think of lots of times when all think of lots of times when figuratively speaking the old world was figuratively speaking the old world was figuratively speaking the old world was dying and a new world was struggling to dying and a new world was struggling to dying and a new world was struggling to be born and it was fertile ground for be born and it was fertile ground for be born and it was fertile ground for the rise of monsters. Right? No shortage the rise of monsters. Right? No shortage the rise of monsters. Right? No shortage of monsters in human history.

of monsters in human history. of monsters in human history. We should recall though in the same way We should recall though in the same way We should recall though in the same way that one man's terrorist is another that one man's terrorist is another that one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter, one people's man's freedom fighter, one people's man's freedom fighter, one people's monster is another's founding father. So monster is another's founding father. So monster is another's founding father. So you have to be careful. Some of these you have to be careful. Some of these you have to be careful. Some of these monsters are on the currencies of modern monsters are on the currencies of modern monsters are on the currencies of modern nations today. nations today. nations today. But how many of these, you know, in air But how many of these, you know, in air But how many of these, you know, in air quotes monsters quotes monsters quotes monsters was 21? was 21? was 21? I mean, what if, you know, Mao or George I mean, what if, you know, Mao or George I mean, what if, you know, Mao or George Washington or Hitler had been 21? Not of course to include Washington on Not of course to include Washington on the list of monsters, but had he lost the list of monsters, but had he lost the list of monsters, but had he lost the Revolutionary War, who knows what the Revolutionary War, who knows what the Revolutionary War, who knows what the British history books would have the British history books would have the British history books would have said about him. But Alexander who said about him. But Alexander who said about him. But Alexander who certainly was living in a time period certainly was living in a time period certainly was living in a time period that with hindsight we can say and it's that with hindsight we can say and it's that with hindsight we can say and it's been said for a long time the old world been said for a long time the old world been said for a long time the old world was dying a new world was struggling to was dying a new world was struggling to was dying a new world was struggling to be born and it was you know a good be born and it was you know a good be born and it was you know a good possible time period for a monster and possible time period for a monster and possible time period for a monster and Alexander has just done the functional Alexander has just done the functional Alexander has just done the functional equivalent of drop a nuclear bomb on the equivalent of drop a nuclear bomb on the equivalent of drop a nuclear bomb on the great Greek city of thieves as we great Greek city of thieves as we great Greek city of thieves as we recounted in the last part of this recounted in the last part of this recounted in the last part of this conversation. So you know possible conversation. So you know possible conversation. So you know possible monster territory there. But how many of monster territory there. But how many of monster territory there. But how many of these guys these guys these guys are, you know, 21 years old, just barely are, you know, 21 years old, just barely are, you know, 21 years old, just barely able to drink alcohol in a bunch of able to drink alcohol in a bunch of able to drink alcohol in a bunch of countries today?

countries today? countries today? And I was trying to figure out how one And I was trying to figure out how one And I was trying to figure out how one might decide to weigh this because might decide to weigh this because might decide to weigh this because there's, you know, on one hand, we all there's, you know, on one hand, we all there's, you know, on one hand, we all understand 21. We can think of 21 now understand 21. We can think of 21 now understand 21. We can think of 21 now and go, can you imagine? and go, can you imagine? and go, can you imagine? You just think of all the holes in their You just think of all the holes in their You just think of all the holes in their game, so to speak, at 21 through no game, so to speak, at 21 through no game, so to speak, at 21 through no fault of their own. You just haven't fault of their own. You just haven't fault of their own. You just haven't lived long enough to acrue, you know, lived long enough to acrue, you know, lived long enough to acrue, you know, the experience. But you're 21. the experience. But you're 21. the experience. But you're 21. And on one hand, you say, "Well, that's And on one hand, you say, "Well, that's And on one hand, you say, "Well, that's why he's Alexander, right? Cuz he he why he's Alexander, right? Cuz he he why he's Alexander, right? Cuz he he doesn't fit the mold. You're not like doesn't fit the mold. You're not like doesn't fit the mold. You're not like any 21-year-old you've ever run into." any 21-year-old you've ever run into." any 21-year-old you've ever run into." Although, it's worth pointing out that Although, it's worth pointing out that Although, it's worth pointing out that if you think about it, a lot of the if you think about it, a lot of the if you think about it, a lot of the people doing some pretty heavy stuff in people doing some pretty heavy stuff in people doing some pretty heavy stuff in uh even relatively recent history were uh even relatively recent history were uh even relatively recent history were all younger than you think. I mean, look all younger than you think. I mean, look all younger than you think. I mean, look at the soldiers now, but look at the at the soldiers now, but look at the at the soldiers now, but look at the enlistment men in the Second World War. enlistment men in the Second World War. enlistment men in the Second World War. Those guys are all like 17 to 21. Those guys are all like 17 to 21. Those guys are all like 17 to 21. So, let's not forget that, you know, So, let's not forget that, you know, So, let's not forget that, you know, during difficult times, human beings during difficult times, human beings during difficult times, human beings tend to level up. Maybe tough times make tend to level up. Maybe tough times make tend to level up. Maybe tough times make monkeys eat red peppers, as boxing monkeys eat red peppers, as boxing monkeys eat red peppers, as boxing legend Ray Arcel once said, allegedly.

But I got to believe that the Alexander, But I got to believe that the Alexander, had he lived to be a, you know, old man, had he lived to be a, you know, old man, had he lived to be a, you know, old man, think about what that life experience think about what that life experience think about what that life experience added on to the natural abilities we're added on to the natural abilities we're added on to the natural abilities we're seeing as a 21-year-old. what sort of an seeing as a 21-year-old. what sort of an seeing as a 21-year-old. what sort of an interesting character that would have interesting character that would have interesting character that would have made. made. made. I went and looked at some of the ages of I went and looked at some of the ages of I went and looked at some of the ages of people that we might call historical people that we might call historical people that we might call historical comparisons comparisons comparisons and it's stark in most cases. I mean, and it's stark in most cases. I mean, and it's stark in most cases. I mean, look at some of the recent people. I look at some of the recent people. I look at some of the recent people. I mean, Stalin was in his mid40s when he mean, Stalin was in his mid40s when he mean, Stalin was in his mid40s when he first came to the leadership. first came to the leadership. first came to the leadership. Hitler was also in his mid-40s, 43, Hitler was also in his mid-40s, 43, Hitler was also in his mid-40s, 43, something like that. something like that. something like that. Franklin Roosevelt was in, I think he Franklin Roosevelt was in, I think he Franklin Roosevelt was in, I think he was just 50 or somewhere right around was just 50 or somewhere right around was just 50 or somewhere right around 50. Churchill was in his mid60s. 50. Churchill was in his mid60s. 50. Churchill was in his mid60s. Caesar late 40s I think. Um Napoleon now Caesar late 40s I think. Um Napoleon now Caesar late 40s I think. Um Napoleon now he was only about 30 or something when he was only about 30 or something when he was only about 30 or something when he became first consulate like 3345 when he became first consulate like 3345 when he became first consulate like 3345 when he became emperor. And and Napoleon like he became emperor. And and Napoleon like he became emperor. And and Napoleon like Stalin like Hitler came from nothing. Stalin like Hitler came from nothing. Stalin like Hitler came from nothing. He had no there there was no nepotism He had no there there was no nepotism He had no there there was no nepotism going on in his situation. So when you going on in his situation. So when you going on in his situation. So when you get to the top job at 30, that's uh get to the top job at 30, that's uh get to the top job at 30, that's uh impressive. Alexander, as we had said impressive. Alexander, as we had said impressive. Alexander, as we had said earlier, I mean, he's sort of a military earlier, I mean, he's sort of a military earlier, I mean, he's sort of a military nepo baby that starts on third base and nepo baby that starts on third base and nepo baby that starts on third base and gets the greatest army of the age. A gets the greatest army of the age. A gets the greatest army of the age. A good comparison for him might be like good comparison for him might be like good comparison for him might be like Frederick the Great, who also inherited Frederick the Great, who also inherited Frederick the Great, who also inherited a fantastic army in military state. He a fantastic army in military state. He a fantastic army in military state. He was like 28 or something, 7, 8, n um but was like 28 or something, 7, 8, n um but was like 28 or something, 7, 8, n um but 21.

21. 21. And all you have to do to see the And all you have to do to see the And all you have to do to see the difference is look at the resumes of difference is look at the resumes of difference is look at the resumes of these older guys that I just mentioned. these older guys that I just mentioned. these older guys that I just mentioned. I mean, these people have often had I mean, these people have often had I mean, these people have often had extreme levels of experience and stress extreme levels of experience and stress extreme levels of experience and stress and stur and drying already in their and stur and drying already in their and stur and drying already in their life. So, think of what what they've life. So, think of what what they've life. So, think of what what they've been through that a Frederick the Great been through that a Frederick the Great been through that a Frederick the Great hasn't been through or an Alexander hasn't been through or an Alexander hasn't been through or an Alexander hasn't been through. When they take hasn't been through. When they take hasn't been through. When they take over, it's a huge difference. I mean, if over, it's a huge difference. I mean, if over, it's a huge difference. I mean, if you've had 20 heavy duty jobs in your you've had 20 heavy duty jobs in your you've had 20 heavy duty jobs in your life and some kid, no matter how much of life and some kid, no matter how much of life and some kid, no matter how much of a whiz kid they are, you know, comes in a whiz kid they are, you know, comes in a whiz kid they are, you know, comes in and it's their first gig, well, clearly and it's their first gig, well, clearly and it's their first gig, well, clearly there's going to be a difference, right? there's going to be a difference, right? there's going to be a difference, right? And I can't figure out how to weigh And I can't figure out how to weigh And I can't figure out how to weigh that. that. that. Like about I'm going to say 97% of Like about I'm going to say 97% of Like about I'm going to say 97% of history fans in the world, I love history fans in the world, I love history fans in the world, I love playing around with counterfactuals to playing around with counterfactuals to playing around with counterfactuals to try to, you know, get a different look try to, you know, get a different look try to, you know, get a different look at a story. And so I wonder in the at a story. And so I wonder in the at a story. And so I wonder in the Alexander the Great story where we are Alexander the Great story where we are Alexander the Great story where we are right now, right? 335 B.CE. He's just right now, right? 335 B.CE. He's just right now, right? 335 B.CE. He's just done the functional equivalent of drop a done the functional equivalent of drop a done the functional equivalent of drop a nuclear bomb on thieves, nuclear bomb on thieves, nuclear bomb on thieves, resubjugated Greece cuz his dad had resubjugated Greece cuz his dad had resubjugated Greece cuz his dad had already done that once. And now maybe already done that once. And now maybe already done that once. And now maybe for this sacrilege, the gods strike him for this sacrilege, the gods strike him for this sacrilege, the gods strike him down. Right. Right outside of thieves, down. Right. Right outside of thieves, down. Right. Right outside of thieves, drinks some bad water or something. And drinks some bad water or something. And drinks some bad water or something. And it's the ancient world after all, and it's the ancient world after all, and it's the ancient world after all, and just dies.

just dies. just dies. What happens when the next person takes What happens when the next person takes What happens when the next person takes over? First of all, who's the next over? First of all, who's the next over? First of all, who's the next person going to be? I mean, your choices person going to be? I mean, your choices person going to be? I mean, your choices are really Philip Eridus. And as we are really Philip Eridus. And as we are really Philip Eridus. And as we said, that's Alexander's half brother, said, that's Alexander's half brother, said, that's Alexander's half brother, and there's something wrong with Philip and there's something wrong with Philip and there's something wrong with Philip Heridus. So, that might be a little bit Heridus. So, that might be a little bit Heridus. So, that might be a little bit more like the story behind the movie more like the story behind the movie more like the story behind the movie Tommy Boy, if that happened. Or you get, Tommy Boy, if that happened. Or you get, Tommy Boy, if that happened. Or you get, you know, some dude as yet unknown, you know, some dude as yet unknown, you know, some dude as yet unknown, right? King some dude. And either one of right? King some dude. And either one of right? King some dude. And either one of those guys those guys those guys I as my thought experiment sort of goes I as my thought experiment sort of goes I as my thought experiment sort of goes forward is probably going to do the same forward is probably going to do the same forward is probably going to do the same thing Alexander is going to do thing Alexander is going to do thing Alexander is going to do because if you look at the constraints because if you look at the constraints because if you look at the constraints that we're working on Alexander they that we're working on Alexander they that we're working on Alexander they would have been working on anybody right would have been working on anybody right would have been working on anybody right whoever takes over from Alexander if he whoever takes over from Alexander if he whoever takes over from Alexander if he dies outside of thieves going to be dies outside of thieves going to be dies outside of thieves going to be looking at the same balance sheet for looking at the same balance sheet for looking at the same balance sheet for example that Alexander's looking at and example that Alexander's looking at and example that Alexander's looking at and this is part of how I can't figure out this is part of how I can't figure out this is part of how I can't figure out how to assess Alexander because if how to assess Alexander because if how to assess Alexander because if somebody else is going to do the same somebody else is going to do the same somebody else is going to do the same thing Alexander's going to do. Well, how thing Alexander's going to do. Well, how thing Alexander's going to do. Well, how much of this is Alexander and how much much of this is Alexander and how much much of this is Alexander and how much of it is the forces and various elements of it is the forces and various elements of it is the forces and various elements at work, you know, in that time period?

at work, you know, in that time period? at work, you know, in that time period? I mean, what is Alexander known for the I mean, what is Alexander known for the I mean, what is Alexander known for the most? He's a military guy, right? It's most? He's a military guy, right? It's most? He's a military guy, right? It's conquest and stuff like that. Well, I conquest and stuff like that. Well, I conquest and stuff like that. Well, I have a pretty good sense here that if I have a pretty good sense here that if I have a pretty good sense here that if I put you in charge of that army in this put you in charge of that army in this put you in charge of that army in this time period, you could win with it. All time period, you could win with it. All time period, you could win with it. All you have to do is sit back and let the you have to do is sit back and let the you have to do is sit back and let the army do everything. I mean, just the army do everything. I mean, just the army do everything. I mean, just the generals that run it alone, but the generals that run it alone, but the generals that run it alone, but the entire officer corps, the the junior entire officer corps, the the junior entire officer corps, the the junior officer corps, it is it's an amazing officer corps, it is it's an amazing officer corps, it is it's an amazing army and it operates almost on autopilot army and it operates almost on autopilot army and it operates almost on autopilot at this time period. You could win with at this time period. You could win with at this time period. You could win with it. If you know, King Tommy Boy or King it. If you know, King Tommy Boy or King it. If you know, King Tommy Boy or King some dude uh took that army and did what some dude uh took that army and did what some dude uh took that army and did what Alexander did, I think it still wins. Alexander did, I think it still wins. Alexander did, I think it still wins. And then what does that mean? How much And then what does that mean? How much And then what does that mean? How much did Alexander the Great influence this did Alexander the Great influence this did Alexander the Great influence this story versus that place in that time? story versus that place in that time? story versus that place in that time? Now, here's where I think it's Now, here's where I think it's Now, here's where I think it's different. I think Alexander has no end different. I think Alexander has no end different. I think Alexander has no end to his appetites. And whereas, and to his appetites. And whereas, and to his appetites. And whereas, and nobody knows, by the way, what the plan nobody knows, by the way, what the plan nobody knows, by the way, what the plan was originally under his dad, you know, was originally under his dad, you know, was originally under his dad, you know, how far they were going to conquer into how far they were going to conquer into how far they were going to conquer into the Persian Empire or what have you, the Persian Empire or what have you, the Persian Empire or what have you, what the goal was, nobody knows. But if what the goal was, nobody knows. But if what the goal was, nobody knows. But if all all he did was uh take Turkey, all all he did was uh take Turkey, all all he did was uh take Turkey, modern-day Turkey, that would be an modern-day Turkey, that would be an modern-day Turkey, that would be an enormous amount of land to hold and nail enormous amount of land to hold and nail enormous amount of land to hold and nail down and keep and absorb for, you know, down and keep and absorb for, you know, down and keep and absorb for, you know, a kingdom the size of Macedonia.

a kingdom the size of Macedonia. a kingdom the size of Macedonia. So, I think that's the difference here So, I think that's the difference here So, I think that's the difference here is that anybody maybe could win with is that anybody maybe could win with is that anybody maybe could win with that army, but nobody's going to keep that army, but nobody's going to keep that army, but nobody's going to keep using it to conquer farther and farther using it to conquer farther and farther using it to conquer farther and farther and farther forever until it's, you and farther forever until it's, you and farther forever until it's, you know, whittleled down to the nub. And know, whittleled down to the nub. And know, whittleled down to the nub. And maybe that's what makes Alexander the maybe that's what makes Alexander the maybe that's what makes Alexander the real different figure here. He has a, real different figure here. He has a, real different figure here. He has a, you know, and this runs the story too. you know, and this runs the story too. you know, and this runs the story too. This this homeriic idea, this desire to This this homeriic idea, this desire to This this homeriic idea, this desire to be the best. And clearly his lane, as we be the best. And clearly his lane, as we be the best. And clearly his lane, as we said in the last installment, is the said in the last installment, is the said in the last installment, is the killing people lane. Now, he doesn't come across like a Now, he doesn't come across like a murderer, like somebody who wants to murderer, like somebody who wants to murderer, like somebody who wants to slit throat. I mean, he doesn't he's not slit throat. I mean, he doesn't he's not slit throat. I mean, he doesn't he's not an orc or anything, an orc or anything, an orc or anything, but the end result of but the end result of but the end result of what he wants to do is going to require what he wants to do is going to require what he wants to do is going to require him to grind through peoples and him to grind through peoples and him to grind through peoples and kingdoms and empires in order to do it.

kingdoms and empires in order to do it. kingdoms and empires in order to do it. But even if he didn't want to do it, But even if he didn't want to do it, But even if he didn't want to do it, even if he was King Tommy Boy or King even if he was King Tommy Boy or King even if he was King Tommy Boy or King some dude, we find out at this point in some dude, we find out at this point in some dude, we find out at this point in the story a little about Alexander the the story a little about Alexander the the story a little about Alexander the Great's finances. Great's finances. Great's finances. and he is at the point where he is and he is at the point where he is and he is at the point where he is borrowing money from friends. borrowing money from friends. borrowing money from friends. Now, if you're examining the Alexander Now, if you're examining the Alexander Now, if you're examining the Alexander story from a screenwriter point of view, story from a screenwriter point of view, story from a screenwriter point of view, where we are in it now would be one of where we are in it now would be one of where we are in it now would be one of those places they'd be tempted to cut. those places they'd be tempted to cut. those places they'd be tempted to cut. Save a little time here cuz, you know, Save a little time here cuz, you know, Save a little time here cuz, you know, we there's not a lot of action going on we there's not a lot of action going on we there's not a lot of action going on in this next chunk. But this is where in this next chunk. But this is where in this next chunk. But this is where they get it wrong so often because we're they get it wrong so often because we're they get it wrong so often because we're at the part of the story where after at the part of the story where after at the part of the story where after Alexander nukes thieves, resubjugates Alexander nukes thieves, resubjugates Alexander nukes thieves, resubjugates Greece, he he goes back home northward Greece, he he goes back home northward Greece, he he goes back home northward to Macedonia to Macedonia to Macedonia and it's this interlude in the story and it's this interlude in the story and it's this interlude in the story between you know the fighting in Greece between you know the fighting in Greece between you know the fighting in Greece and the invasion of the Persian Empire and the invasion of the Persian Empire and the invasion of the Persian Empire 335 334 BC right over the winter just an 335 334 BC right over the winter just an 335 334 BC right over the winter just an interlude but a bunch of things happen interlude but a bunch of things happen interlude but a bunch of things happen during that interlude and we get some during that interlude and we get some during that interlude and we get some information. It really helps me at least information. It really helps me at least information. It really helps me at least to visualize the story because a lot of to visualize the story because a lot of to visualize the story because a lot of the Alexander story is polluted as we the Alexander story is polluted as we the Alexander story is polluted as we all know um because it's been written all know um because it's been written all know um because it's been written about for thousands literally of years about for thousands literally of years about for thousands literally of years but there are certain economic realities but there are certain economic realities but there are certain economic realities that would affect anybody at any time that would affect anybody at any time that would affect anybody at any time and worse by the way in a period before and worse by the way in a period before and worse by the way in a period before modern banking and everything and that's modern banking and everything and that's modern banking and everything and that's the Alexander situation. So let's talk the Alexander situation. So let's talk the Alexander situation. So let's talk about how we know about it. So so about how we know about it. So so about how we know about it. So so Alexander goes home to Macedonia. It's a Alexander goes home to Macedonia. It's a Alexander goes home to Macedonia. It's a little bit more poignant with our little bit more poignant with our little bit more poignant with our knowledge of how things turn out here

knowledge of how things turn out here knowledge of how things turn out here because it's the last time he will ever because it's the last time he will ever because it's the last time he will ever see home. see home. see home. Uh he may have had an inkling cuz if Uh he may have had an inkling cuz if Uh he may have had an inkling cuz if you're going to fight in the front rank you're going to fight in the front rank you're going to fight in the front rank and you're launching this endeavor and you're launching this endeavor and you're launching this endeavor that's going to involve a lot of that's going to involve a lot of that's going to involve a lot of fighting, there's a good chance you fighting, there's a good chance you fighting, there's a good chance you might not make it home. But we know he might not make it home. But we know he might not make it home. But we know he doesn't. So it's the last time, for doesn't. So it's the last time, for doesn't. So it's the last time, for example, he will ever see his mother example, he will ever see his mother example, he will ever see his mother face to face, that woman he has that face to face, that woman he has that face to face, that woman he has that very interesting, intense relationship very interesting, intense relationship very interesting, intense relationship with. they will correspond for the rest with. they will correspond for the rest with. they will correspond for the rest of his life, but this is the last time of his life, but this is the last time of his life, but this is the last time they spend any time together. they spend any time together. they spend any time together. So, while he's home, we're also told he So, while he's home, we're also told he So, while he's home, we're also told he murders a couple of uh his dad's last murders a couple of uh his dad's last murders a couple of uh his dad's last wife's relatives. Just a little pruning wife's relatives. Just a little pruning wife's relatives. Just a little pruning of the family tree. His father was great of the family tree. His father was great of the family tree. His father was great at that, too. But you don't want to at that, too. But you don't want to at that, too. But you don't want to leave people uh on the family tree with leave people uh on the family tree with leave people uh on the family tree with enough blue blood for one of Macedonia's enough blue blood for one of Macedonia's enough blue blood for one of Macedonia's arch foes to use as a potential puppet arch foes to use as a potential puppet arch foes to use as a potential puppet king, right? and divide macadon and king, right? and divide macadon and king, right? and divide macadon and everything while you're gone away everything while you're gone away everything while you're gone away fighting. So that's just common sense. fighting. So that's just common sense. fighting. So that's just common sense. Get rid of a few of those people. But Get rid of a few of those people. But Get rid of a few of those people. But then the ancient sources uh Diodoris has then the ancient sources uh Diodoris has then the ancient sources uh Diodoris has a whole paragraph on it says that a whole paragraph on it says that a whole paragraph on it says that Alexander calls what amounts to a staff Alexander calls what amounts to a staff Alexander calls what amounts to a staff meeting here where they're going to meeting here where they're going to meeting here where they're going to discuss this Persian expedition.

discuss this Persian expedition. discuss this Persian expedition. He calls the person that you could He calls the person that you could He calls the person that you could probably call the chief of staff of the probably call the chief of staff of the probably call the chief of staff of the Macedonian army, his dad's famous Macedonian army, his dad's famous Macedonian army, his dad's famous general, Parmmenio. He calls him back general, Parmmenio. He calls him back general, Parmmenio. He calls him back from Persia. Pminio was the guy who's from Persia. Pminio was the guy who's from Persia. Pminio was the guy who's commanding the advanced force that his commanding the advanced force that his commanding the advanced force that his dad sent out before his dad was dad sent out before his dad was dad sent out before his dad was assassinated to establish the beach assassinated to establish the beach assassinated to establish the beach head, right? Send Permenia over there, 8 head, right? Send Permenia over there, 8 head, right? Send Permenia over there, 8 to 10,000 guys with him, establish the to 10,000 guys with him, establish the to 10,000 guys with him, establish the beach head, await the arrival of the beach head, await the arrival of the beach head, await the arrival of the main army, and then Philip dies. And the main army, and then Philip dies. And the main army, and then Philip dies. And the main army, you know, was never main army, you know, was never main army, you know, was never dispatched. And Parmenia has been dispatched. And Parmenia has been dispatched. And Parmenia has been sitting around in Turkey waiting. So sitting around in Turkey waiting. So sitting around in Turkey waiting. So Alexander calls him back over for this Alexander calls him back over for this Alexander calls him back over for this staff meeting. staff meeting. staff meeting. Probably get some good intelligence Probably get some good intelligence Probably get some good intelligence from, you know, on the ground too from from, you know, on the ground too from from, you know, on the ground too from Pmenia. Pmenia. Pmenia. And we should remember how Augusta And we should remember how Augusta And we should remember how Augusta figure this is by the way. I mean he's figure this is by the way. I mean he's figure this is by the way. I mean he's won some of the greatest battles in won some of the greatest battles in won some of the greatest battles in Macedonian history. Uh Philip II had Macedonian history. Uh Philip II had Macedonian history. Uh Philip II had that great line. I think we mentioned it that great line. I think we mentioned it that great line. I think we mentioned it in the last installment where he was in the last installment where he was in the last installment where he was sarcastically referring to the fact that sarcastically referring to the fact that sarcastically referring to the fact that the Athenians yearly would elect 10 the Athenians yearly would elect 10 the Athenians yearly would elect 10 generals to command their military generals to command their military generals to command their military forces. And Philip is looking at this forces. And Philip is looking at this forces. And Philip is looking at this and marveling, wondering where they get and marveling, wondering where they get and marveling, wondering where they get all these good candidates from.

all these good candidates from. all these good candidates from. Sarcastically, he says, "In my whole Sarcastically, he says, "In my whole Sarcastically, he says, "In my whole life, I've only ever found one good life, I've only ever found one good life, I've only ever found one good general. Pminio. general. Pminio. general. Pminio. Parminio at this time in the story. I Parminio at this time in the story. I Parminio at this time in the story. I mean, first of all, his resume is mean, first of all, his resume is mean, first of all, his resume is incredible. He's won some of the biggest incredible. He's won some of the biggest incredible. He's won some of the biggest battles in Macedonian history. He is in battles in Macedonian history. He is in battles in Macedonian history. He is in his mid60s, his mid60s, his mid60s, Winston Churchill age, basically uh when Winston Churchill age, basically uh when Winston Churchill age, basically uh when Winston Churchill took over. And uh just Winston Churchill took over. And uh just Winston Churchill took over. And uh just like the other major general here was a like the other major general here was a like the other major general here was a force in helping Alexander nail down the force in helping Alexander nail down the force in helping Alexander nail down the succession in that chaotic couplike succession in that chaotic couplike succession in that chaotic couplike period after his father was period after his father was period after his father was assassinated. The other big general who assassinated. The other big general who assassinated. The other big general who helped was Antiper helped was Antiper helped was Antiper who's also at this staff meeting who's who's also at this staff meeting who's who's also at this staff meeting who's also one of these amazing figures and also one of these amazing figures and also one of these amazing figures and who's also in his mid60s. who's also in his mid60s. who's also in his mid60s. and they've come to talk to a and they've come to talk to a and they've come to talk to a 21-year-old 21-year-old 21-year-old with very little on his resume about how with very little on his resume about how with very little on his resume about how to continue his father's plans, to continue his father's plans, to continue his father's plans, plans of which they were both intimately plans of which they were both intimately plans of which they were both intimately connected to and involved with.

connected to and involved with. connected to and involved with. It's at this meeting that we find out It's at this meeting that we find out It's at this meeting that we find out some stuff about the economic situation some stuff about the economic situation some stuff about the economic situation and it plays into how Alexander reacts and it plays into how Alexander reacts and it plays into how Alexander reacts to the general's advice we're told um to the general's advice we're told um to the general's advice we're told um that he receives. So he's basically they that he receives. So he's basically they that he receives. So he's basically they talk for a while and then the generals talk for a while and then the generals talk for a while and then the generals advise that he should get married, advise that he should get married, advise that he should get married, be get an heir and then they should be get an heir and then they should be get an heir and then they should attack the Persian Empire. attack the Persian Empire. attack the Persian Empire. And this is where we can start to have And this is where we can start to have And this is where we can start to have some interesting conversations about all some interesting conversations about all some interesting conversations about all this. And we have to now talk about one this. And we have to now talk about one this. And we have to now talk about one of the major tropes that's going to be a of the major tropes that's going to be a of the major tropes that's going to be a part of Alexander's story. and it's part of Alexander's story. and it's part of Alexander's story. and it's concerning the relationship he has with concerning the relationship he has with concerning the relationship he has with these august generals. these august generals. these august generals. The ancient historian Justin had a great The ancient historian Justin had a great The ancient historian Justin had a great line about the Macedonian general staff line about the Macedonian general staff line about the Macedonian general staff and he said that it was like being in a and he said that it was like being in a and he said that it was like being in a room with all these august senators of room with all these august senators of room with all these august senators of some ancient republic, meaning these old some ancient republic, meaning these old some ancient republic, meaning these old hardbitten guys who've seen it all and hardbitten guys who've seen it all and hardbitten guys who've seen it all and done it all. You know, you think of done it all. You know, you think of done it all. You know, you think of these scarred figures who just um have these scarred figures who just um have these scarred figures who just um have known Alexander. I think they I think known Alexander. I think they I think known Alexander. I think they I think they've known him since he was a babe in they've known him since he was a babe in they've known him since he was a babe in the cradle. Certainly known him since he the cradle. Certainly known him since he the cradle. Certainly known him since he was I mean was I mean was I mean Napoleon didn't have to deal with Napoleon didn't have to deal with Napoleon didn't have to deal with Marshall Nay knowing him when he was a Marshall Nay knowing him when he was a Marshall Nay knowing him when he was a toddler or being twice or three times toddler or being twice or three times toddler or being twice or three times his age. So there's a dynamic there that his age. So there's a dynamic there that his age. So there's a dynamic there that if you know the freedom of a if you know the freedom of a if you know the freedom of a screenwriter in my movie would be able screenwriter in my movie would be able screenwriter in my movie would be able to play that up in some interesting to play that up in some interesting to play that up in some interesting ways. And because Alexander is the

ways. And because Alexander is the ways. And because Alexander is the Michael Jackson of history and Michael Jackson of history and Michael Jackson of history and everybody's had a crack at at this everybody's had a crack at at this everybody's had a crack at at this theory or that theory. I mean, there's a theory or that theory. I mean, there's a theory or that theory. I mean, there's a historian uh here or there who suggests historian uh here or there who suggests historian uh here or there who suggests that Alexander's the equivalent of like that Alexander's the equivalent of like that Alexander's the equivalent of like some, you know, talented artist or some, you know, talented artist or some, you know, talented artist or musician or something or boy band member musician or something or boy band member musician or something or boy band member that's uh really controlled by the that's uh really controlled by the that's uh really controlled by the puppet master managers in the puppet master managers in the puppet master managers in the background, right? And he gets to be background, right? And he gets to be background, right? And he gets to be sort of the face of the regime, go off sort of the face of the regime, go off sort of the face of the regime, go off there, be charismatic, lead the cavalry there, be charismatic, lead the cavalry there, be charismatic, lead the cavalry on the decisive charge and all that on the decisive charge and all that on the decisive charge and all that while guys like Parminio and Antiper while guys like Parminio and Antiper while guys like Parminio and Antiper just count the money in the background. just count the money in the background. just count the money in the background. Alexander the puppet king. I don't buy Alexander the puppet king. I don't buy Alexander the puppet king. I don't buy that, by the way. But it's interesting that, by the way. But it's interesting that, by the way. But it's interesting that that's out there. And what it shows that that's out there. And what it shows that that's out there. And what it shows is it's not that hard to believe that is it's not that hard to believe that is it's not that hard to believe that guys as um guys as um guys as um dominant and powerful and august as dominant and powerful and august as dominant and powerful and august as these mid60s yearear-old generals of these mid60s yearear-old generals of these mid60s yearear-old generals of Alexander's dad who knew him when he was Alexander's dad who knew him when he was Alexander's dad who knew him when he was a little kid that they might be a little kid that they might be a little kid that they might be dominating. I mean, can you imagine the dominating. I mean, can you imagine the dominating. I mean, can you imagine the relationship they would have with King relationship they would have with King relationship they would have with King Tommy Boy or King some dude? you might Tommy Boy or King some dude? you might Tommy Boy or King some dude? you might have to be Alexander the Great and have have to be Alexander the Great and have have to be Alexander the Great and have everything that makes that 21-year-old everything that makes that 21-year-old everything that makes that 21-year-old so unusual to push back against these so unusual to push back against these so unusual to push back against these guys. So, the trope might be true, but guys. So, the trope might be true, but guys. So, the trope might be true, but we're told these generals give him some we're told these generals give him some we're told these generals give him some very good conservative advice. And the very good conservative advice. And the very good conservative advice. And the trope is that they continually give him trope is that they continually give him trope is that they continually give him some very good conservative advice. And some very good conservative advice. And some very good conservative advice. And every time Alexander says to hell with every time Alexander says to hell with every time Alexander says to hell with that, that, that, overrules their good conservative advice overrules their good conservative advice overrules their good conservative advice and is proven to be right about it every and is proven to be right about it every and is proven to be right about it every time. So that's the trope and this is

time. So that's the trope and this is time. So that's the trope and this is the first time I can remember this the first time I can remember this the first time I can remember this happening maybe happened at earlier happening maybe happened at earlier happening maybe happened at earlier times in his career but you see this is times in his career but you see this is times in his career but you see this is what it's on display uh openly because what it's on display uh openly because what it's on display uh openly because they say you that you should marry Ben they say you that you should marry Ben they say you that you should marry Ben get an heir and then attack the Persian get an heir and then attack the Persian get an heir and then attack the Persian Empire as we said and Alexander says no Empire as we said and Alexander says no Empire as we said and Alexander says no he's going to attack ASAP he's going to attack ASAP he's going to attack ASAP and this has been dissected over 2300 and this has been dissected over 2300 and this has been dissected over 2300 years every way you can without going years every way you can without going years every way you can without going into every possibility. into every possibility. into every possibility. There are some good reasons why he said There are some good reasons why he said There are some good reasons why he said this. I mean, how long is it going to this. I mean, how long is it going to this. I mean, how long is it going to take to marry and beget an heir? And if take to marry and beget an heir? And if take to marry and beget an heir? And if the heir has to be male, well, it's a the heir has to be male, well, it's a the heir has to be male, well, it's a gamble anyway. You could do everything, gamble anyway. You could do everything, gamble anyway. You could do everything, wait the 9 months at least uh to do it wait the 9 months at least uh to do it wait the 9 months at least uh to do it and then end up with someone who wasn't and then end up with someone who wasn't and then end up with someone who wasn't an heir anyway. an heir anyway. an heir anyway. I read some historians that pointed out I read some historians that pointed out I read some historians that pointed out that both Antiper and Pmeno had uh that both Antiper and Pmeno had uh that both Antiper and Pmeno had uh eligible women in their family that they eligible women in their family that they eligible women in their family that they would have liked to have seen marry would have liked to have seen marry would have liked to have seen marry Alexander. It's always nice to be Alexander. It's always nice to be Alexander. It's always nice to be married to the king's family, but that married to the king's family, but that married to the king's family, but that would have maybe pissed off the other would have maybe pissed off the other would have maybe pissed off the other guy. So, good reason to say no.

guy. So, good reason to say no. guy. So, good reason to say no. Alexander's sexuality uh has been Alexander's sexuality uh has been Alexander's sexuality uh has been brought up also at this point, although brought up also at this point, although brought up also at this point, although there are some parts in the story where there are some parts in the story where there are some parts in the story where it's relevant. Um here it's I mean some it's relevant. Um here it's I mean some it's relevant. Um here it's I mean some historians would say that this historians would say that this historians would say that this demonstrates his tepid that's the word demonstrates his tepid that's the word demonstrates his tepid that's the word you see often interest in sex or that you see often interest in sex or that you see often interest in sex or that he's just not interested in women so he he's just not interested in women so he he's just not interested in women so he doesn't want to get married. I mean none doesn't want to get married. I mean none doesn't want to get married. I mean none of that stuff makes sense when you're of that stuff makes sense when you're of that stuff makes sense when you're talking about royal weddings and talking about royal weddings and talking about royal weddings and beginning you know heirs to the kingdom. beginning you know heirs to the kingdom. beginning you know heirs to the kingdom. I mean that happened look at Alexander's I mean that happened look at Alexander's I mean that happened look at Alexander's dad. Nothing constrained him dad. Nothing constrained him dad. Nothing constrained him and the modern tilt anyway is more and the modern tilt anyway is more and the modern tilt anyway is more towards Alexander being more like his towards Alexander being more like his towards Alexander being more like his dad sexuality wise and not having any dad sexuality wise and not having any dad sexuality wise and not having any problem with it at all liking it. Uh the problem with it at all liking it. Uh the problem with it at all liking it. Uh the point is is that in this part of the point is is that in this part of the point is is that in this part of the story, even though it's brought up here, story, even though it's brought up here, story, even though it's brought up here, that's why he doesn't want to get that's why he doesn't want to get that's why he doesn't want to get married because he doesn't like girls. married because he doesn't like girls. married because he doesn't like girls. Uh not really relevant. Uh not really relevant. Uh not really relevant. What sticks right out like a sore thumb What sticks right out like a sore thumb What sticks right out like a sore thumb are the finances. are the finances. are the finances. And the biggest drain on those finances And the biggest drain on those finances And the biggest drain on those finances is the army. So this is where we should is the army. So this is where we should is the army. So this is where we should say this because we've been extolling say this because we've been extolling say this because we've been extolling how great this army is. Any chance we how great this army is. Any chance we how great this army is. Any chance we get a little bit of army fetish going on get a little bit of army fetish going on get a little bit of army fetish going on here about the Macedonian professional here about the Macedonian professional here about the Macedonian professional army and how dominant it's been this army and how dominant it's been this army and how dominant it's been this whole time. Remember what it did to the whole time. Remember what it did to the whole time. Remember what it did to the Yrian tribesmen that shook them to their Yrian tribesmen that shook them to their Yrian tribesmen that shook them to their boots? All they had to do was perform boots? All they had to do was perform boots? All they had to do was perform some drill in front of them. Turn left, some drill in front of them. Turn left, some drill in front of them. Turn left, turn right, spears up, spears down, you turn right, spears up, spears down, you turn right, spears up, spears down, you know, yell on command, scared the pants know, yell on command, scared the pants know, yell on command, scared the pants off them. They ran away.

off them. They ran away. off them. They ran away. It's not that armies didn't do that kind It's not that armies didn't do that kind It's not that armies didn't do that kind of stuff. Uh there are armies throughout of stuff. Uh there are armies throughout of stuff. Uh there are armies throughout history that did. And in this case, uh, history that did. And in this case, uh, history that did. And in this case, uh, the great city states of the time the great city states of the time the great city states of the time period, the Athens, the Spartas, and the period, the Athens, the Spartas, and the period, the Athens, the Spartas, and the Thieves before thieves was destroyed, Thieves before thieves was destroyed, Thieves before thieves was destroyed, they all had professional units that they all had professional units that they all had professional units that they built the rest of the army around. they built the rest of the army around. they built the rest of the army around. But most states didn't want to pay the But most states didn't want to pay the But most states didn't want to pay the piper, literally, when it comes to what piper, literally, when it comes to what piper, literally, when it comes to what it takes to maintain these kind of it takes to maintain these kind of it takes to maintain these kind of armies. armies. armies. They almost have to pay for themselves. They almost have to pay for themselves. They almost have to pay for themselves. I mean, they almost drive your foreign I mean, they almost drive your foreign I mean, they almost drive your foreign policy because of the need to have them policy because of the need to have them policy because of the need to have them do something do something do something because when other powers aren't at war, because when other powers aren't at war, because when other powers aren't at war, most of their troops go home to job one, most of their troops go home to job one, most of their troops go home to job one, right? We would think of militia armies. right? We would think of militia armies. right? We would think of militia armies. A lot of those people were farmers and A lot of those people were farmers and A lot of those people were farmers and when there's no war, they're on the when there's no war, they're on the when there's no war, they're on the farm. That's really good for your farm. That's really good for your farm. That's really good for your economic situation. economic situation. economic situation. But what you lose is the institutional But what you lose is the institutional But what you lose is the institutional memory. You lose the ability to act as a memory. You lose the ability to act as a memory. You lose the ability to act as a welloiled machine. um all that stuff has welloiled machine. um all that stuff has welloiled machine. um all that stuff has to sort of be relearned and and to sort of be relearned and and to sort of be relearned and and reacquired every time a war happens.

reacquired every time a war happens. reacquired every time a war happens. Whereas Alexander's dad created an army Whereas Alexander's dad created an army Whereas Alexander's dad created an army that never goes home, that's training that never goes home, that's training that never goes home, that's training all the time when they're not fighting all the time when they're not fighting all the time when they're not fighting and they're fighting a lot because and they're fighting a lot because and they're fighting a lot because they're very expensive and that's the they're very expensive and that's the they're very expensive and that's the best way to pay for them. The idea that best way to pay for them. The idea that best way to pay for them. The idea that you could sit around for like nine you could sit around for like nine you could sit around for like nine months, you know, marry beeton air and months, you know, marry beeton air and months, you know, marry beeton air and the whole thing and let this army the whole thing and let this army the whole thing and let this army continue to cost you money while it's continue to cost you money while it's continue to cost you money while it's just sitting around. just sitting around. just sitting around. That doesn't seem like a likely option. That doesn't seem like a likely option. That doesn't seem like a likely option. But this is where the downside comes in. But this is where the downside comes in. But this is where the downside comes in. And here's the best way to think about And here's the best way to think about And here's the best way to think about it. The ancient sources are all it. The ancient sources are all it. The ancient sources are all different in the way that they explain different in the way that they explain different in the way that they explain Alexander's problems. than the modern Alexander's problems. than the modern Alexander's problems. than the modern day historians who have tried to recraft day historians who have tried to recraft day historians who have tried to recraft this into almost like a balance sheet or this into almost like a balance sheet or this into almost like a balance sheet or an Excel type spreadsheet format. Um, an Excel type spreadsheet format. Um, an Excel type spreadsheet format. Um, everybody may have different numbers and everybody may have different numbers and everybody may have different numbers and different ways of expressing the different ways of expressing the different ways of expressing the problem, but the problem is clear and problem, but the problem is clear and problem, but the problem is clear and that's that Alexander has a ton of debt that's that Alexander has a ton of debt that's that Alexander has a ton of debt and that the ongoing burn rate for his and that the ongoing burn rate for his and that the ongoing burn rate for his expenses is incredible. expenses is incredible. expenses is incredible. And the ongoing burn rate for his And the ongoing burn rate for his And the ongoing burn rate for his expenses is mostly because of this army expenses is mostly because of this army expenses is mostly because of this army that he has to pay.

that he has to pay. that he has to pay. But we are told, and this is important, But we are told, and this is important, But we are told, and this is important, that he inherits a ton of debt from his that he inherits a ton of debt from his that he inherits a ton of debt from his father. Sources differ on how much, but father. Sources differ on how much, but father. Sources differ on how much, but it's a ton. it's a ton. it's a ton. And that's totally on brand for Philip. And that's totally on brand for Philip. And that's totally on brand for Philip. To be honest, it's on brand for To be honest, it's on brand for To be honest, it's on brand for Alexander, too. When Philip needed Alexander, too. When Philip needed Alexander, too. When Philip needed money, he went and took it from somebody money, he went and took it from somebody money, he went and took it from somebody who had it. And he had that army to do who had it. And he had that army to do who had it. And he had that army to do it with, and that's how it paid for it with, and that's how it paid for it with, and that's how it paid for itself. Philip was no doubt planning on itself. Philip was no doubt planning on itself. Philip was no doubt planning on paying off this debt. Philip Philip paying off this debt. Philip Philip paying off this debt. Philip Philip reminds you of a guy who had pyramid reminds you of a guy who had pyramid reminds you of a guy who had pyramid credit cards, right? And he'll just go credit cards, right? And he'll just go credit cards, right? And he'll just go and take it from the Persian Empire. And and take it from the Persian Empire. And and take it from the Persian Empire. And that was, you know, he'd already started that was, you know, he'd already started that was, you know, he'd already started that, right? The beach head was over that, right? The beach head was over that, right? The beach head was over there, as we said, with Parminio. So, he there, as we said, with Parminio. So, he there, as we said, with Parminio. So, he was getting ready to pay that debt off was getting ready to pay that debt off was getting ready to pay that debt off and then he died. So, Alexander inherits and then he died. So, Alexander inherits and then he died. So, Alexander inherits that debt. We're told he pays the that debt. We're told he pays the that debt. We're told he pays the majority of that off by selling the majority of that off by selling the majority of that off by selling the 30,000 plus Theban citizens into slavery 30,000 plus Theban citizens into slavery 30,000 plus Theban citizens into slavery before he nuked that city. before he nuked that city. before he nuked that city. That shows you once again how Alexander That shows you once again how Alexander That shows you once again how Alexander plans to pay for things, right? He's plans to pay for things, right? He's plans to pay for things, right? He's going to do it through, you know, taking going to do it through, you know, taking going to do it through, you know, taking everything of value in these places that everything of value in these places that everything of value in these places that he conquers and turning it into ready he conquers and turning it into ready he conquers and turning it into ready cash, but it's hardly enough.

cash, but it's hardly enough. cash, but it's hardly enough. When you think about what goes into When you think about what goes into When you think about what goes into something like an invasion of the something like an invasion of the something like an invasion of the Persian Empire, we can all conceptually Persian Empire, we can all conceptually Persian Empire, we can all conceptually understand that we're talking about a understand that we're talking about a understand that we're talking about a vast complex endeavor, but maybe not vast complex endeavor, but maybe not vast complex endeavor, but maybe not think of exactly what all goes into it. think of exactly what all goes into it. think of exactly what all goes into it. And I toyed with the idea of running And I toyed with the idea of running And I toyed with the idea of running down the list because if nothing else, down the list because if nothing else, down the list because if nothing else, it's an amazing reminder of exactly how it's an amazing reminder of exactly how it's an amazing reminder of exactly how complicated these things are and how complicated these things are and how complicated these things are and how hard it would be for us to do it without hard it would be for us to do it without hard it would be for us to do it without modern-day computers and transportation modern-day computers and transportation modern-day computers and transportation and industrial abilities and everything and industrial abilities and everything and industrial abilities and everything that we bring to the table. These that we bring to the table. These that we bring to the table. These ancient people had none of it and yet ancient people had none of it and yet ancient people had none of it and yet still had to put it together, have it still had to put it together, have it still had to put it together, have it work, be synchronized time-wise, work, be synchronized time-wise, work, be synchronized time-wise, everybody had to get paid. I mean, but everybody had to get paid. I mean, but everybody had to get paid. I mean, but rather than that, I just thought I would rather than that, I just thought I would rather than that, I just thought I would sum up from one historian's rundown. And sum up from one historian's rundown. And sum up from one historian's rundown. And a bunch of historians have taken a crack a bunch of historians have taken a crack a bunch of historians have taken a crack at this. The bottom line is their at this. The bottom line is their at this. The bottom line is their numbers don't matter as much as what numbers don't matter as much as what numbers don't matter as much as what they're all saying, which is Alexander they're all saying, which is Alexander they're all saying, which is Alexander has all this debt he inherited. Uh has all this debt he inherited. Uh has all this debt he inherited. Uh remember, he also exempted the remember, he also exempted the remember, he also exempted the population mostly from taxation when he population mostly from taxation when he population mostly from taxation when he took over. Makes you popular, also makes took over. Makes you popular, also makes took over. Makes you popular, also makes you poorer, and then has to hold all you poorer, and then has to hold all you poorer, and then has to hold all these lavish celebrations, we're told, these lavish celebrations, we're told, these lavish celebrations, we're told, and sacrifices. So, he's he's spending and sacrifices. So, he's he's spending and sacrifices. So, he's he's spending like a drunken sailor, and he's broke.

like a drunken sailor, and he's broke. like a drunken sailor, and he's broke. He's actually showing off, if you want He's actually showing off, if you want He's actually showing off, if you want to believe, uh, some of the ancient to believe, uh, some of the ancient to believe, uh, some of the ancient sources and being ostentatious about it sources and being ostentatious about it sources and being ostentatious about it when he's broke. So, historian FS Niden when he's broke. So, historian FS Niden when he's broke. So, historian FS Niden in his book, Soldier, Priest, and God, in his book, Soldier, Priest, and God, in his book, Soldier, Priest, and God, you know, added up the cost as he saw you know, added up the cost as he saw you know, added up the cost as he saw them and the burn rate for this army and them and the burn rate for this army and them and the burn rate for this army and put it into some sort of perspective. put it into some sort of perspective. put it into some sort of perspective. and he wrote, quote, "Now the and he wrote, quote, "Now the and he wrote, quote, "Now the arithmetic, a base of 225 talents a arithmetic, a base of 225 talents a arithmetic, a base of 225 talents a month for the 45,000 soldiers and up to month for the 45,000 soldiers and up to month for the 45,000 soldiers and up to 300 talents a month for ships, plus the 300 talents a month for ships, plus the 300 talents a month for ships, plus the costs of fodder to feed the animals and costs of fodder to feed the animals and costs of fodder to feed the animals and everything from horsehair to spear everything from horsehair to spear everything from horsehair to spear points, the grand total might be 7,000 points, the grand total might be 7,000 points, the grand total might be 7,000 to 10,000 talents a year." He now puts to 10,000 talents a year." He now puts to 10,000 talents a year." He now puts this in perspective. This sum was 80 or this in perspective. This sum was 80 or this in perspective. This sum was 80 or 100 times what Athens spent to build the 100 times what Athens spent to build the 100 times what Athens spent to build the fleet that defeated the Persians in 480. fleet that defeated the Persians in 480. fleet that defeated the Persians in 480. It far exceeded Philip's annual revenue. It far exceeded Philip's annual revenue. It far exceeded Philip's annual revenue. End quote.

End quote. End quote. So it cost more than everything Philip So it cost more than everything Philip So it cost more than everything Philip paid for in his kingdom army included. paid for in his kingdom army included. paid for in his kingdom army included. That was just his dad. That was just his dad. That was just his dad. That was just the guy who came right That was just the guy who came right That was just the guy who came right before him a year or two ago. before him a year or two ago. before him a year or two ago. 80 to 100 times what Athens paid to 80 to 100 times what Athens paid to 80 to 100 times what Athens paid to build the fleet that defeated the build the fleet that defeated the build the fleet that defeated the Persians. I mean, those are incredible Persians. I mean, those are incredible Persians. I mean, those are incredible numbers, that's your burn rate right numbers, that's your burn rate right numbers, that's your burn rate right there. So, if you're a king, some dude, there. So, if you're a king, some dude, there. So, if you're a king, some dude, and you come to the throne and you say, and you come to the throne and you say, and you come to the throne and you say, you know what, I do not want to invade you know what, I do not want to invade you know what, I do not want to invade the Persian Empire. I do not share that the Persian Empire. I do not share that the Persian Empire. I do not share that optimism in the plan that Philip and optimism in the plan that Philip and optimism in the plan that Philip and Alexander both had. I want to go 180 Alexander both had. I want to go 180 Alexander both had. I want to go 180 degrees different. Could he? degrees different. Could he? degrees different. Could he? I mean, first of all, would he I mean, I mean, first of all, would he I mean, I mean, first of all, would he I mean, he might get a knife in the back by a he might get a knife in the back by a he might get a knife in the back by a guy like Parminio if he changed plans guy like Parminio if he changed plans guy like Parminio if he changed plans like that. There's a lot of people who like that. There's a lot of people who like that. There's a lot of people who have a lot invested in this, which have a lot invested in this, which have a lot invested in this, which brings us to that part. brings us to that part. brings us to that part. I said earlier that Alexander was I said earlier that Alexander was I said earlier that Alexander was borrowing money from friends. The reason borrowing money from friends. The reason borrowing money from friends. The reason all this stuff, all this financial stuff all this stuff, all this financial stuff all this stuff, all this financial stuff is so important is because with so much is so important is because with so much is so important is because with so much fiction surrounding the few facts that fiction surrounding the few facts that fiction surrounding the few facts that are available about Alexander, when you are available about Alexander, when you are available about Alexander, when you can get your hands on something that at can get your hands on something that at can get your hands on something that at least seems to be the truth and that you least seems to be the truth and that you least seems to be the truth and that you can plug in for X, you know, in the can plug in for X, you know, in the can plug in for X, you know, in the equation that gives us some sort of equation that gives us some sort of equation that gives us some sort of sense of answers to a bunch of questions sense of answers to a bunch of questions sense of answers to a bunch of questions we have about Alexander. You don't turn we have about Alexander. You don't turn we have about Alexander. You don't turn your nose up at that. And this financial your nose up at that. And this financial your nose up at that. And this financial thing seems real. And you can even I' thing seems real. And you can even I' thing seems real. And you can even I' I've read several historians who talk I've read several historians who talk I've read several historians who talk about how Alexander's very campaign about how Alexander's very campaign about how Alexander's very campaign decisions against the Persian Empire are decisions against the Persian Empire are decisions against the Persian Empire are dictated by which route to take has more

dictated by which route to take has more dictated by which route to take has more cities that we can sack cuz we need the cities that we can sack cuz we need the cities that we can sack cuz we need the money. I mean, it's so this is a prime money. I mean, it's so this is a prime money. I mean, it's so this is a prime motivator here. And at this point in the motivator here. And at this point in the motivator here. And at this point in the story, Plutarch tells a tale about story, Plutarch tells a tale about story, Plutarch tells a tale about Alexander borrowing money from his Alexander borrowing money from his Alexander borrowing money from his friends cuz he needs it. friends cuz he needs it. friends cuz he needs it. Now, Plutarch makes it sound like it's Now, Plutarch makes it sound like it's Now, Plutarch makes it sound like it's some sort of thing Alexander is doing to some sort of thing Alexander is doing to some sort of thing Alexander is doing to as a benefactor, making sure they're all as a benefactor, making sure they're all as a benefactor, making sure they're all okay before we hear you need some royal okay before we hear you need some royal okay before we hear you need some royal land before we go take over Persia. But land before we go take over Persia. But land before we go take over Persia. But all the secondary sources portray this all the secondary sources portray this all the secondary sources portray this as at best like Alexander pawning the as at best like Alexander pawning the as at best like Alexander pawning the royal lands, right? Uh and when he makes royal lands, right? Uh and when he makes royal lands, right? Uh and when he makes it big against the Persians, he'll come it big against the Persians, he'll come it big against the Persians, he'll come back and get his stuff out of Hawk or back and get his stuff out of Hawk or back and get his stuff out of Hawk or maybe just straight up selling, right? maybe just straight up selling, right? maybe just straight up selling, right? Give me some money. You can have the Give me some money. You can have the Give me some money. You can have the royal land here. And there's a wonderful royal land here. And there's a wonderful royal land here. And there's a wonderful story Plutarch has that you should not story Plutarch has that you should not story Plutarch has that you should not avoid if you're doing the Alexander avoid if you're doing the Alexander avoid if you're doing the Alexander movie, and I hope that you do, uh, where movie, and I hope that you do, uh, where movie, and I hope that you do, uh, where he has Alexander giving away all the he has Alexander giving away all the he has Alexander giving away all the stuff. And then one of his friends, in stuff. And then one of his friends, in stuff. And then one of his friends, in air quotes, these companions, a guy air quotes, these companions, a guy air quotes, these companions, a guy named Perticus, he's famous, um, is named Perticus, he's famous, um, is named Perticus, he's famous, um, is going to say to Alexander, if you give going to say to Alexander, if you give going to say to Alexander, if you give away all this stuff, what are you going away all this stuff, what are you going away all this stuff, what are you going to be left with? And then he famously, I to be left with? And then he famously, I to be left with? And then he famously, I mean, your movie, he's going to turn to mean, your movie, he's going to turn to mean, your movie, he's going to turn to Perticus, something like that, and he's Perticus, something like that, and he's Perticus, something like that, and he's going to say, my hopes, right? And then going to say, my hopes, right? And then going to say, my hopes, right? And then Perticus says, well, we will be your Perticus says, well, we will be your Perticus says, well, we will be your partners in those. And the reason this partners in those. And the reason this partners in those. And the reason this is good is because you get a sense now is good is because you get a sense now is good is because you get a sense now that this is a deal. This isn't one that this is a deal. This isn't one that this is a deal. This isn't one nation state going against another in nation state going against another in nation state going against another in the modern day sense. These are a bunch the modern day sense. These are a bunch the modern day sense. These are a bunch of guys who are going, "Hey, you know of guys who are going, "Hey, you know of guys who are going, "Hey, you know what? You let me uh get my share of the what? You let me uh get my share of the what? You let me uh get my share of the profits uh in this Persian expedition of profits uh in this Persian expedition of profits uh in this Persian expedition of yours and uh you know, I'll give you yours and uh you know, I'll give you yours and uh you know, I'll give you some money and I'll give you some some money and I'll give you some some money and I'll give you some upfront investment. I'll be an angel

upfront investment. I'll be an angel upfront investment. I'll be an angel investor, right? We're going to start investor, right? We're going to start investor, right? We're going to start with a sort of a startup company here with a sort of a startup company here with a sort of a startup company here and these guys are going to put in these and these guys are going to put in these and these guys are going to put in these companions. these guys who are going to companions. these guys who are going to companions. these guys who are going to fight in all the battles, they're going fight in all the battles, they're going fight in all the battles, they're going to put in the sweat equity. to put in the sweat equity. to put in the sweat equity. And later in the story, Alexander is And later in the story, Alexander is And later in the story, Alexander is going to go so far as to basically say, going to go so far as to basically say, going to go so far as to basically say, you know, we I paid you all off. In you know, we I paid you all off. In you know, we I paid you all off. In other words, this whole thing has a feel other words, this whole thing has a feel other words, this whole thing has a feel of more of a business thing. And that's of more of a business thing. And that's of more of a business thing. And that's why we've been focusing on the finances why we've been focusing on the finances why we've been focusing on the finances so much because Alexander might as well so much because Alexander might as well so much because Alexander might as well be a company here. This might as well be be a company here. This might as well be be a company here. This might as well be a father and son operation, a father and son operation, a father and son operation, you know, that has disruptive you know, that has disruptive you know, that has disruptive technology, this Macedonian army. and technology, this Macedonian army. and technology, this Macedonian army. and they are ready to make a play at the big they are ready to make a play at the big they are ready to make a play at the big boys. boys. boys. We'd said in this show we did a long We'd said in this show we did a long We'd said in this show we did a long time ago on the Persian Empire in this time ago on the Persian Empire in this time ago on the Persian Empire in this period, they resemble a company. We period, they resemble a company. We period, they resemble a company. We called them Persia Core, right? Uh at called them Persia Core, right? Uh at called them Persia Core, right? Uh at this point, Persia is a monopoly. this point, Persia is a monopoly. this point, Persia is a monopoly. They've been going for more than two They've been going for more than two They've been going for more than two centuries. No real challengers. Sure, centuries. No real challengers. Sure, centuries. No real challengers. Sure, it's rough around the edges, but who it's rough around the edges, but who it's rough around the edges, but who cares? What are you going to do? We're cares? What are you going to do? We're cares? What are you going to do? We're the only game in town. And all of a the only game in town. And all of a the only game in town. And all of a sudden, you have this disruptive sudden, you have this disruptive sudden, you have this disruptive technology, Macadon attack.

technology, Macadon attack. technology, Macadon attack. I almost called it Macadon interactive I almost called it Macadon interactive I almost called it Macadon interactive because there's going to be a lot of because there's going to be a lot of because there's going to be a lot of interactivity, you know, Macadon interactivity, you know, Macadon interactivity, you know, Macadon interactive, operation. I had all these interactive, operation. I had all these interactive, operation. I had all these ideas, but but it is a little like what ideas, but but it is a little like what ideas, but but it is a little like what we have here is a straight up we have here is a straight up we have here is a straight up force deal. I mean, if you you could put force deal. I mean, if you you could put force deal. I mean, if you you could put all sorts of different all sorts of different all sorts of different lenses over it, sort of to change the lenses over it, sort of to change the lenses over it, sort of to change the complexity, right? That's that's it's complexity, right? That's that's it's complexity, right? That's that's it's almost like brutal um you know, dog eat almost like brutal um you know, dog eat almost like brutal um you know, dog eat dog capitalism if you view through that dog capitalism if you view through that dog capitalism if you view through that lens. If I was back in like my lens. If I was back in like my lens. If I was back in like my international relations class, they international relations class, they international relations class, they would talk about a geopolitical power would talk about a geopolitical power would talk about a geopolitical power and wealth imbalance here. Uh and wealth imbalance here. Uh and wealth imbalance here. Uh Alexander's got the superior army. This Alexander's got the superior army. This Alexander's got the superior army. This hasn't been proven, by the way, on the hasn't been proven, by the way, on the hasn't been proven, by the way, on the field against the great Persian Empire. field against the great Persian Empire. field against the great Persian Empire. But but it's we know now he's got the But but it's we know now he's got the But but it's we know now he's got the superior army by far, but he doesn't superior army by far, but he doesn't superior army by far, but he doesn't have the cash. And yet right nearby is a have the cash. And yet right nearby is a have the cash. And yet right nearby is a giant empire that has all the cash you giant empire that has all the cash you giant empire that has all the cash you could ever want and an army that can't could ever want and an army that can't could ever want and an army that can't contend with yours. There's an osmosis contend with yours. There's an osmosis contend with yours. There's an osmosis kind of force at work here that almost kind of force at work here that almost kind of force at work here that almost draws these two places together, right?

draws these two places together, right? draws these two places together, right? But while it's easy to imagine most any But while it's easy to imagine most any But while it's easy to imagine most any Macedonian ruler from this era attacking Macedonian ruler from this era attacking Macedonian ruler from this era attacking and invading the Persian Empire, and invading the Persian Empire, and invading the Persian Empire, it seems pretty clear if we could it seems pretty clear if we could it seems pretty clear if we could believe any of the stuff that's come believe any of the stuff that's come believe any of the stuff that's come down to us, you know, through more than down to us, you know, through more than down to us, you know, through more than 2,000 years of historical strata 2,000 years of historical strata 2,000 years of historical strata building and lying and everything else, building and lying and everything else, building and lying and everything else, romancing. Seems pretty clear to us romancing. Seems pretty clear to us romancing. Seems pretty clear to us though Alexander's motivation was though Alexander's motivation was though Alexander's motivation was different different different and he would have done this even if he and he would have done this even if he and he would have done this even if he didn't have to and even when he's didn't have to and even when he's didn't have to and even when he's successful later on in his career and successful later on in his career and successful later on in his career and all of the reasons that would have all of the reasons that would have all of the reasons that would have motivated any Macedonian king at this motivated any Macedonian king at this motivated any Macedonian king at this point in the story go away right when he point in the story go away right when he point in the story go away right when he has all the money he wants when he can has all the money he wants when he can has all the money he wants when he can pay his troops no problem at all he's pay his troops no problem at all he's pay his troops no problem at all he's still going so his motivation is still going so his motivation is still going so his motivation is different and it's a key part of the different and it's a key part of the different and it's a key part of the story although I feel like we're going story although I feel like we're going story although I feel like we're going to miss the financial math and the shity to miss the financial math and the shity to miss the financial math and the shity of what we just talked about as we start of what we just talked about as we start of what we just talked about as we start to speculate about what makes this guy to speculate about what makes this guy to speculate about what makes this guy tick, right? What makes him get up in tick, right? What makes him get up in tick, right? What makes him get up in the morning? I had a friend who was into the morning? I had a friend who was into the morning? I had a friend who was into sales uh many years ago and he told me sales uh many years ago and he told me sales uh many years ago and he told me that when he was learning how to do that when he was learning how to do that when he was learning how to do sales that they would teach him all the sales that they would teach him all the sales that they would teach him all the different things that motivated a different things that motivated a different things that motivated a potential client and I don't remember potential client and I don't remember potential client and I don't remember all of them, but some of them were like all of them, but some of them were like all of them, but some of them were like greed, fear, heartstrings, right? all greed, fear, heartstrings, right? all greed, fear, heartstrings, right? all these kinds of things where one way or these kinds of things where one way or these kinds of things where one way or another everybody's got some, you know, another everybody's got some, you know, another everybody's got some, you know, little in their armor that can be little in their armor that can be little in their armor that can be exploited by the salesperson and you exploited by the salesperson and you exploited by the salesperson and you just have to find out what that is. But just have to find out what that is. But just have to find out what that is. But it's all based on motivations, right?

it's all based on motivations, right? it's all based on motivations, right? What matters to you? Why do you do what What matters to you? Why do you do what What matters to you? Why do you do what you do? you do? you do? And when you're looking at these great And when you're looking at these great And when you're looking at these great conquerors in history, it's a conquerors in history, it's a conquerors in history, it's a fascinating question fascinating question fascinating question because at some point most of these because at some point most of these because at some point most of these great conquerors get any of the material great conquerors get any of the material great conquerors get any of the material rewards that might have motivated them rewards that might have motivated them rewards that might have motivated them in in their younger and poorer days. in in their younger and poorer days. in in their younger and poorer days. Right? Once you achieve that, do you Right? Once you achieve that, do you Right? Once you achieve that, do you just stop? And if you don't, why don't just stop? And if you don't, why don't just stop? And if you don't, why don't you stop? What are you trying to do? you stop? What are you trying to do? you stop? What are you trying to do? And the stories of Alexander, all this And the stories of Alexander, all this And the stories of Alexander, all this anecdotal stuff and all the famous anecdotal stuff and all the famous anecdotal stuff and all the famous incidents passed down, but but tend to incidents passed down, but but tend to incidents passed down, but but tend to show a guy who's not just concerned show a guy who's not just concerned show a guy who's not just concerned about being great, but looks at about being great, but looks at about being great, but looks at greatness as almost a zero sum game. greatness as almost a zero sum game. greatness as almost a zero sum game. Remember the stories told about how he Remember the stories told about how he Remember the stories told about how he was, you know, when he was just the was, you know, when he was just the was, you know, when he was just the prince, he was upset that his dad was prince, he was upset that his dad was prince, he was upset that his dad was conquering everything because there conquering everything because there conquering everything because there wasn't going to be any glory left for wasn't going to be any glory left for wasn't going to be any glory left for anyone else, right? A zero sum game on anyone else, right? A zero sum game on anyone else, right? A zero sum game on glory. glory. glory. But if any of that is indicative of the But if any of that is indicative of the But if any of that is indicative of the guy's real personality, guy's real personality, guy's real personality, then he's essentially trying to get in then he's essentially trying to get in then he's essentially trying to get in the Guinness Book of World Records here.

the Guinness Book of World Records here. the Guinness Book of World Records here. He's trying to be the best, as we talked He's trying to be the best, as we talked He's trying to be the best, as we talked about earlier, that Greek concept of about earlier, that Greek concept of about earlier, that Greek concept of which, by the way, is seeing a which, by the way, is seeing a which, by the way, is seeing a resurgence these days, right? Be the resurgence these days, right? Be the resurgence these days, right? Be the best. Find out what you're born to do best. Find out what you're born to do best. Find out what you're born to do and then do it better than anyone else. and then do it better than anyone else. and then do it better than anyone else. That is a very simplistic Dan Garland That is a very simplistic Dan Garland That is a very simplistic Dan Garland way of looking at what is obviously like way of looking at what is obviously like way of looking at what is obviously like all of Greek philosophy and paganism and all of Greek philosophy and paganism and all of Greek philosophy and paganism and everything else very complex. everything else very complex. everything else very complex. But as we said earlier, I mean, if if But as we said earlier, I mean, if if But as we said earlier, I mean, if if you're a person who makes pottery or a you're a person who makes pottery or a you're a person who makes pottery or a singer or something like that, I mean, singer or something like that, I mean, singer or something like that, I mean, there's doesn't seem to be as many there's doesn't seem to be as many there's doesn't seem to be as many downsides to this irritate question. But downsides to this irritate question. But downsides to this irritate question. But if what you do better than anyone else if what you do better than anyone else if what you do better than anyone else is conquering people, is conquering people, is conquering people, then you simply trying to be the best, then you simply trying to be the best, then you simply trying to be the best, right, to live your best life, to do right, to live your best life, to do right, to live your best life, to do what you were born to do means you grind what you were born to do means you grind what you were born to do means you grind up a lot of people just as a byproduct, up a lot of people just as a byproduct, up a lot of people just as a byproduct, right, of you achieving your goals. I right, of you achieving your goals. I right, of you achieving your goals. I just want to be great. I don't want to just want to be great. I don't want to just want to be great. I don't want to hurt anybody. They're just in the way. hurt anybody. They're just in the way. hurt anybody. They're just in the way. They stand between me and greatness. And They stand between me and greatness. And They stand between me and greatness. And this has always provided Alexander a this has always provided Alexander a this has always provided Alexander a little bit more moral cover than other little bit more moral cover than other little bit more moral cover than other people who, if we're just trying to people who, if we're just trying to people who, if we're just trying to match things like body counts and places match things like body counts and places match things like body counts and places conquered and all that, seem a lot more conquered and all that, seem a lot more conquered and all that, seem a lot more nefarious. I mean, look at a guy like nefarious. I mean, look at a guy like nefarious. I mean, look at a guy like Tamarlain Tamarlain Tamarlain with the stories of the pyramids of with the stories of the pyramids of with the stories of the pyramids of human skulls and all this kind of stuff.

human skulls and all this kind of stuff. human skulls and all this kind of stuff. Tamarlain doesn't have that same not in Tamarlain doesn't have that same not in Tamarlain doesn't have that same not in the west anyway that same sort of um the west anyway that same sort of um the west anyway that same sort of um overlay of somebody who's a philosopher overlay of somebody who's a philosopher overlay of somebody who's a philosopher king here remember some of the king here remember some of the king here remember some of the historians from 50 to 100 years ago they historians from 50 to 100 years ago they historians from 50 to 100 years ago they try to find these very high-minded try to find these very high-minded try to find these very high-minded reasons to explain Alexander's reasons to explain Alexander's reasons to explain Alexander's motivation right he's going to create motivation right he's going to create motivation right he's going to create he's going to get rid of we would say he's going to get rid of we would say he's going to get rid of we would say today get rid of racism get rid of today get rid of racism get rid of today get rid of racism get rid of people seeing each other as different people seeing each other as different people seeing each other as different we're all going to be the same because we're all going to be the same because we're all going to be the same because we're all going to live under one king we're all going to live under one king we're all going to live under one king and he's going to fuse all these and he's going to fuse all these and he's going to fuse all these people's I mean you know there's a guy people's I mean you know there's a guy people's I mean you know there's a guy named Tarn back in the old days who named Tarn back in the old days who named Tarn back in the old days who would look at something like this as a would look at something like this as a would look at something like this as a motivation or at least a goal. motivation or at least a goal. motivation or at least a goal. Plutarch does the same thing where Plutarch does the same thing where Plutarch does the same thing where you're trying to find these reasons that you're trying to find these reasons that you're trying to find these reasons that justify and make right and sort of justify and make right and sort of justify and make right and sort of explain the upside of conquest and explain the upside of conquest and explain the upside of conquest and empire. People have been doing that for empire. People have been doing that for empire. People have been doing that for a long time because if you take that a long time because if you take that a long time because if you take that justification away, what are you left justification away, what are you left justification away, what are you left with? And it's interesting to think with? And it's interesting to think with? And it's interesting to think about that because if you take the about that because if you take the about that because if you take the high-minded terms away, high-minded terms away, high-minded terms away, it might be something as sort of benal it might be something as sort of benal it might be something as sort of benal as fame.

as fame. as fame. I mean, if my sales friend with his I mean, if my sales friend with his I mean, if my sales friend with his various human motivations, you know, various human motivations, you know, various human motivations, you know, greed, fear, heartstrings, I mean, if he greed, fear, heartstrings, I mean, if he greed, fear, heartstrings, I mean, if he could say to somebody he was trying to could say to somebody he was trying to could say to somebody he was trying to make a sale to, "Hey, what if I could make a sale to, "Hey, what if I could make a sale to, "Hey, what if I could make you famous? make you famous? make you famous? It sounds like that might work on It sounds like that might work on It sounds like that might work on Alexander. Alexander. Alexander. Historian Edward M. Anson in his book Historian Edward M. Anson in his book Historian Edward M. Anson in his book Alexander the Great themes and Issues Alexander the Great themes and Issues Alexander the Great themes and Issues was talking about Alexander's motivation was talking about Alexander's motivation was talking about Alexander's motivation and his desire for and the words used and his desire for and the words used and his desire for and the words used were honor and recognition. were honor and recognition. were honor and recognition. Well, isn't that another way of saying Well, isn't that another way of saying Well, isn't that another way of saying fame? I mean, infamy would be dishonor fame? I mean, infamy would be dishonor fame? I mean, infamy would be dishonor and recognition, but I mean it's honor and recognition, but I mean it's honor and recognition, but I mean it's honor and recognition. He wants to be famous. and recognition. He wants to be famous. and recognition. He wants to be famous. Anson clarified and said, "Glorious fame Anson clarified and said, "Glorious fame Anson clarified and said, "Glorious fame and a desire to be remembered for all and a desire to be remembered for all and a desire to be remembered for all time for one's achievements." Okay. time for one's achievements." Okay. time for one's achievements." Okay. Well, Alexander is going to do all these Well, Alexander is going to do all these Well, Alexander is going to do all these things and it's going to make him things and it's going to make him things and it's going to make him famous. famous. famous. And what's also interesting to me about And what's also interesting to me about And what's also interesting to me about what it is that he's doing is it's not what it is that he's doing is it's not what it is that he's doing is it's not really exactly what other people you really exactly what other people you really exactly what other people you would think belong on the same top 10 would think belong on the same top 10 would think belong on the same top 10 list as Alexander were doing. I mean, if list as Alexander were doing. I mean, if list as Alexander were doing. I mean, if I said, you know, Alexander belongs on I said, you know, Alexander belongs on I said, you know, Alexander belongs on some top 10 list, you'd think to some top 10 list, you'd think to some top 10 list, you'd think to yourself, okay, well, the other people yourself, okay, well, the other people yourself, okay, well, the other people who would belong on a list with who would belong on a list with who would belong on a list with Alexander might be someone like Alexander might be someone like Alexander might be someone like Napoleon, for example. Let's just throw Napoleon, for example. Let's just throw Napoleon, for example. Let's just throw Napoleon in there.

Napoleon in there. Napoleon in there. And Alexander does do the things that And Alexander does do the things that And Alexander does do the things that Napoleon does. Both men were actually Napoleon does. Both men were actually Napoleon does. Both men were actually running their kingdoms or their country. running their kingdoms or their country. running their kingdoms or their country. So, they were making the decisions uh So, they were making the decisions uh So, they were making the decisions uh over things like do we go to war or not, over things like do we go to war or not, over things like do we go to war or not, the foreign policy decisions. Both men the foreign policy decisions. Both men the foreign policy decisions. Both men were the leaders of their army. So, they were the leaders of their army. So, they were the leaders of their army. So, they were making all of the decisions on that were making all of the decisions on that were making all of the decisions on that front, too. front, too. front, too. The night before the battle, they would The night before the battle, they would The night before the battle, they would both be in their tents with their maps both be in their tents with their maps both be in their tents with their maps and their generals, uh, organizing and their generals, uh, organizing and their generals, uh, organizing tomorrow's strategy and and putting into tomorrow's strategy and and putting into tomorrow's strategy and and putting into place how they're going to maneuver and place how they're going to maneuver and place how they're going to maneuver and how all the same. But then the morning how all the same. But then the morning how all the same. But then the morning of the battle, Napoleon is going to of the battle, Napoleon is going to of the battle, Napoleon is going to leave his tent, leave his tent, leave his tent, line up in the back of uh his army, line up in the back of uh his army, line up in the back of uh his army, take out his spy glass, and look through take out his spy glass, and look through take out his spy glass, and look through it to see where the people are fighting, it to see where the people are fighting, it to see where the people are fighting, and have runners next to him so that and have runners next to him so that and have runners next to him so that when he has orders for those troops in when he has orders for those troops in when he has orders for those troops in the distance that are fighting, he can the distance that are fighting, he can the distance that are fighting, he can send a runner to go give his orders to send a runner to go give his orders to send a runner to go give his orders to them uh to execute what he wants done. them uh to execute what he wants done. them uh to execute what he wants done. And the morning of the battle that he's And the morning of the battle that he's And the morning of the battle that he's engaged in, Alexander is going to leave engaged in, Alexander is going to leave engaged in, Alexander is going to leave his tent, uh, go to his cavalry, which his tent, uh, go to his cavalry, which his tent, uh, go to his cavalry, which almost always is the strike force in his almost always is the strike force in his almost always is the strike force in his battles, and he's going to, uh, take battles, and he's going to, uh, take battles, and he's going to, uh, take most of the time the tip of the spear most of the time the tip of the spear most of the time the tip of the spear position, and fight in the front rank.

position, and fight in the front rank. position, and fight in the front rank. Napoleon doesn't do that. Alexander's life is a combination of Alexander's life is a combination of Napoleon mixed with like an MMA fighter Napoleon mixed with like an MMA fighter Napoleon mixed with like an MMA fighter uh who you know practices Charles Manson uh who you know practices Charles Manson uh who you know practices Charles Manson like killings. like killings. like killings. I can't imagine Napoleon doing something I can't imagine Napoleon doing something I can't imagine Napoleon doing something like you know karate kata maneuvers you like you know karate kata maneuvers you like you know karate kata maneuvers you know and practicing his knife moves to know and practicing his knife moves to know and practicing his knife moves to faint an opponent out of position faint an opponent out of position faint an opponent out of position grapple with him slit his throat you grapple with him slit his throat you grapple with him slit his throat you know those are the kind of things know those are the kind of things know those are the kind of things Alexander has to do too so it's Alexander has to do too so it's Alexander has to do too so it's everything Napoleon does with vicious everything Napoleon does with vicious everything Napoleon does with vicious hand-to-hand combat type stuff and when hand-to-hand combat type stuff and when hand-to-hand combat type stuff and when Alexander wants the honor and Alexander wants the honor and Alexander wants the honor and recognition recognition recognition uh for what he's doing he wants to be uh for what he's doing he wants to be uh for what he's doing he wants to be recognized for both things, the Napoleon recognized for both things, the Napoleon recognized for both things, the Napoleon stuff and the hand-to-hand combat. His stuff and the hand-to-hand combat. His stuff and the hand-to-hand combat. His his hero here is Achilles, his hero here is Achilles, his hero here is Achilles, right? The the badass warrior of the right? The the badass warrior of the right? The the badass warrior of the Iliad. Go read the Iliad, by the way, if Iliad. Go read the Iliad, by the way, if Iliad. Go read the Iliad, by the way, if you want to see the sort of stuff that you want to see the sort of stuff that you want to see the sort of stuff that Alexander was so enamored with. It was Alexander was so enamored with. It was Alexander was so enamored with. It was supposed to be his favorite book, I supposed to be his favorite book, I supposed to be his favorite book, I believe.

believe. believe. And Achilles isn't just some And Achilles isn't just some And Achilles isn't just some literary figure to Alexander. Remember literary figure to Alexander. Remember literary figure to Alexander. Remember on his mother's side, he was raised to on his mother's side, he was raised to on his mother's side, he was raised to believe it's a direct ancestor. believe it's a direct ancestor. believe it's a direct ancestor. One of the tutors his father hired to One of the tutors his father hired to One of the tutors his father hired to help raise the boy kept telling him he help raise the boy kept telling him he help raise the boy kept telling him he was Achilles's descendant, and he had to was Achilles's descendant, and he had to was Achilles's descendant, and he had to live up to that. live up to that. live up to that. Achilles is a stone cold killer. Achilles is a stone cold killer. Achilles is a stone cold killer. And Alexander in this early part of his And Alexander in this early part of his And Alexander in this early part of his career is actually going to be trying to career is actually going to be trying to career is actually going to be trying to emulate the actions and deeds of this emulate the actions and deeds of this emulate the actions and deeds of this person he sees as his ancestor. person he sees as his ancestor. person he sees as his ancestor. It's part of the other weirdness to It's part of the other weirdness to It's part of the other weirdness to Alexander's motivations Alexander's motivations Alexander's motivations because they may not completely be because they may not completely be because they may not completely be terrestrial. They may be divine. terrestrial. They may be divine. terrestrial. They may be divine. And this dovetales into another story And this dovetales into another story And this dovetales into another story that is supposed to happen, you know, that is supposed to happen, you know, that is supposed to happen, you know, via some traditions. That's a good way via some traditions. That's a good way via some traditions. That's a good way to put it. I love that Plutarch gives us to put it. I love that Plutarch gives us to put it. I love that Plutarch gives us both the yes it happened and no, it both the yes it happened and no, it both the yes it happened and no, it didn't happen versions. But in some didn't happen versions. But in some didn't happen versions. But in some traditions, the last major thing that traditions, the last major thing that traditions, the last major thing that happens while Alexander has this little happens while Alexander has this little happens while Alexander has this little interlude back in Macedonia, winter of interlude back in Macedonia, winter of interlude back in Macedonia, winter of 335, 334 B.CE, 335, 334 B.CE, 335, 334 B.CE, he's supposed to have a get together he's supposed to have a get together he's supposed to have a get together with his mother, a last get together, if with his mother, a last get together, if with his mother, a last get together, if you will.

you will. you will. And while she couldn't have known that And while she couldn't have known that And while she couldn't have known that he would never come home, when you are he would never come home, when you are he would never come home, when you are going to be the tip of the spear in a going to be the tip of the spear in a going to be the tip of the spear in a battle against the great large and uh battle against the great large and uh battle against the great large and uh endlessly huge in terms of expanses of endlessly huge in terms of expanses of endlessly huge in terms of expanses of territory Persian Empire, it's likely to territory Persian Empire, it's likely to territory Persian Empire, it's likely to think you might not see him again. So think you might not see him again. So think you might not see him again. So you might want to get anything really you might want to get anything really you might want to get anything really important off your chest when last important off your chest when last important off your chest when last conversation perhaps tell the boy conversation perhaps tell the boy conversation perhaps tell the boy anything that he really needs to know. anything that he really needs to know. anything that he really needs to know. And the story is and Plutarch uh sends And the story is and Plutarch uh sends And the story is and Plutarch uh sends it back to I think it's a contemporary it back to I think it's a contemporary it back to I think it's a contemporary source or near contemporary source that source or near contemporary source that source or near contemporary source that suggests that Olympus tells Alexander suggests that Olympus tells Alexander suggests that Olympus tells Alexander that Philip II, the greatest man in the that Philip II, the greatest man in the that Philip II, the greatest man in the time and place where they're living, is time and place where they're living, is time and place where they're living, is not his father. not his father. not his father. Now, Now, Now, normally this is going to be something normally this is going to be something normally this is going to be something that comes as a shock, right? I mean, that comes as a shock, right? I mean, that comes as a shock, right? I mean, it's like saying that, you know, your it's like saying that, you know, your it's like saying that, you know, your dad's really the milkman or something dad's really the milkman or something dad's really the milkman or something like that. like that. like that. And if you think of yourself as maybe And if you think of yourself as maybe And if you think of yourself as maybe hoping to be a chip off the old block of hoping to be a chip off the old block of hoping to be a chip off the old block of the great old man and then find out he's the great old man and then find out he's the great old man and then find out he's not your dad, well, you know, there's no not your dad, well, you know, there's no not your dad, well, you know, there's no no place but down from there, right?

no place but down from there, right? no place but down from there, right? Unless Unless Unless the person who is your dad is not human the person who is your dad is not human the person who is your dad is not human at all. at all. at all. And this is the tradition. Remember And this is the tradition. Remember And this is the tradition. Remember Pluto's given us all the stories. Pluto's given us all the stories. Pluto's given us all the stories. Remember the earlier conversation about Remember the earlier conversation about Remember the earlier conversation about the stories about Alexander's mom and the stories about Alexander's mom and the stories about Alexander's mom and snakes and maybe fooling around with snakes and maybe fooling around with snakes and maybe fooling around with Zeus and all these. I mean, so this Zeus and all these. I mean, so this Zeus and all these. I mean, so this story has been set up now this whole story has been set up now this whole story has been set up now this whole way. And here's the payoff moment. She way. And here's the payoff moment. She way. And here's the payoff moment. She finally tells him, "Listen, there was a finally tells him, "Listen, there was a finally tells him, "Listen, there was a lightning bolt struck my womb. There lightning bolt struck my womb. There lightning bolt struck my womb. There were snakes around. You know, you figure were snakes around. You know, you figure were snakes around. You know, you figure it out." it out." it out." Now, the counter story here, um, and Now, the counter story here, um, and Now, the counter story here, um, and Elizabeth Carney, who knows as much or Elizabeth Carney, who knows as much or Elizabeth Carney, who knows as much or more about Olympus than anybody living, more about Olympus than anybody living, more about Olympus than anybody living, I think, uh, she says that historians I think, uh, she says that historians I think, uh, she says that historians disagree on whether or not it happened. disagree on whether or not it happened. disagree on whether or not it happened. Uh but the counter story is that uh Uh but the counter story is that uh Uh but the counter story is that uh Alexander's mom turns around and tells Alexander's mom turns around and tells Alexander's mom turns around and tells people to stop stop it with that story. people to stop stop it with that story. people to stop stop it with that story. Stop slandering me to Hera, she says. Stop slandering me to Hera, she says. Stop slandering me to Hera, she says. And of course that's Zeus's wife. And And of course that's Zeus's wife. And And of course that's Zeus's wife. And she would not like to hear that she would not like to hear that she would not like to hear that Alexander's mom is fooling around with Alexander's mom is fooling around with Alexander's mom is fooling around with Zeus. She has enough problems keeping Zeus. She has enough problems keeping Zeus. She has enough problems keeping Zeus at home at night anyway.

Zeus at home at night anyway. Zeus at home at night anyway. But if we're talking about Alexander's But if we're talking about Alexander's But if we're talking about Alexander's motivation, motivation, motivation, this becomes another thing that I don't this becomes another thing that I don't this becomes another thing that I don't know how to weigh. And normally a story know how to weigh. And normally a story know how to weigh. And normally a story like this might even be something worth like this might even be something worth like this might even be something worth leaving out where you just blame it on leaving out where you just blame it on leaving out where you just blame it on this is the normal legendary romantic this is the normal legendary romantic this is the normal legendary romantic stuff of Alexander. This is obviously stuff of Alexander. This is obviously stuff of Alexander. This is obviously chaff and we're trying to, you know, chaff and we're trying to, you know, chaff and we're trying to, you know, weed out the wheat as much as we can. weed out the wheat as much as we can. weed out the wheat as much as we can. Except later on in Alexander's career, Except later on in Alexander's career, Except later on in Alexander's career, there's going to be stuff that happens there's going to be stuff that happens there's going to be stuff that happens that's much better attested to that that's much better attested to that that's much better attested to that seems to at least make a pretty good seems to at least make a pretty good seems to at least make a pretty good case that Alexander may think he is in case that Alexander may think he is in case that Alexander may think he is in one sense or another. And that itself is one sense or another. And that itself is one sense or another. And that itself is you know debatable and we could talk you know debatable and we could talk you know debatable and we could talk about it but in one sense or another about it but in one sense or another about it but in one sense or another divine son of a god demigod hero which divine son of a god demigod hero which divine son of a god demigod hero which is an intermediary step between human is an intermediary step between human is an intermediary step between human and divine apparently and divine apparently and divine apparently or god I mean just divine in one way or or god I mean just divine in one way or or god I mean just divine in one way or another and it becomes logical at that another and it becomes logical at that another and it becomes logical at that point you know when it actually matters point you know when it actually matters point you know when it actually matters in the story right if you have a guy in the story right if you have a guy in the story right if you have a guy who's thinking he's divine running who's thinking he's divine running who's thinking he's divine running around commanding armies and you know around commanding armies and you know around commanding armies and you know influencing world affairs I mean today influencing world affairs I mean today influencing world affairs I mean today we would think they should be instit we would think they should be instit we would think they should be instit institutionalized. So it's going to be institutionalized. So it's going to be institutionalized. So it's going to be important one way or the other. But it's important one way or the other. But it's important one way or the other. But it's logical to ask yourself when he first logical to ask yourself when he first logical to ask yourself when he first came to that conclusion, when does that came to that conclusion, when does that came to that conclusion, when does that thought first enter your head? You know, thought first enter your head? You know, thought first enter your head? You know, I might be divine. When did you first I might be divine. When did you first I might be divine. When did you first think that? That's what the psychiatrist think that? That's what the psychiatrist think that? That's what the psychiatrist would ask the world leader today. When would ask the world leader today. When would ask the world leader today. When did you first think you might be uh a a did you first think you might be uh a a did you first think you might be uh a a god?

god? god? And the story is that in the winter of And the story is that in the winter of And the story is that in the winter of 335 334 B.CE E here in this little 335 334 B.CE E here in this little 335 334 B.CE E here in this little interlude in Macedonia, the last time interlude in Macedonia, the last time interlude in Macedonia, the last time Alexander ever sees his mother is when Alexander ever sees his mother is when Alexander ever sees his mother is when he finds out he might be divine. he finds out he might be divine. he finds out he might be divine. Now, the reason that this is interesting Now, the reason that this is interesting Now, the reason that this is interesting from a motivational standpoint, and from a motivational standpoint, and from a motivational standpoint, and again, when you make your movie, you again, when you make your movie, you again, when you make your movie, you have to decide how you want to play have to decide how you want to play have to decide how you want to play this, but either he's a guy who decides this, but either he's a guy who decides this, but either he's a guy who decides he might be divine after doing a he might be divine after doing a he might be divine after doing a bazillion amazing superhuman things. You bazillion amazing superhuman things. You bazillion amazing superhuman things. You look at his career and you go, "You look at his career and you go, "You look at his career and you go, "You can't blame him. I think I was a god, can't blame him. I think I was a god, can't blame him. I think I was a god, too, if I did all those things. I mean, too, if I did all those things. I mean, too, if I did all those things. I mean, absolute power corrupts absolutely. absolute power corrupts absolutely. absolute power corrupts absolutely. Isn't that the Lord act in line? It's Isn't that the Lord act in line? It's Isn't that the Lord act in line? It's it's brought down many a global figure it's brought down many a global figure it's brought down many a global figure in history, hasn't it? Power goes to in history, hasn't it? Power goes to in history, hasn't it? Power goes to your head. your head. your head. So, it's interesting to know just for So, it's interesting to know just for So, it's interesting to know just for those purposes cuz now you've got that those purposes cuz now you've got that those purposes cuz now you've got that person you have to deal with uh who person you have to deal with uh who person you have to deal with uh who believes they're divine. But what if believes they're divine. But what if believes they're divine. But what if something like that predates all of the something like that predates all of the something like that predates all of the great achievements? What if Alexander great achievements? What if Alexander great achievements? What if Alexander goes into his career thinking this? What goes into his career thinking this? What goes into his career thinking this? What if he thinks it from the time his mother if he thinks it from the time his mother if he thinks it from the time his mother tells him allegedly? Don't want to tells him allegedly? Don't want to tells him allegedly? Don't want to slander her to Hera, but allegedly slander her to Hera, but allegedly slander her to Hera, but allegedly during this interlude, during this interlude, during this interlude, does it change your willingness to take does it change your willingness to take does it change your willingness to take risks, for example? I mean, I would risks, for example? I mean, I would risks, for example? I mean, I would think there'd be a whole bunch of things think there'd be a whole bunch of things think there'd be a whole bunch of things that if I truly believed I was a the son that if I truly believed I was a the son that if I truly believed I was a the son of a god and that I had some sort of of a god and that I had some sort of of a god and that I had some sort of destiny here that might impact my destiny here that might impact my destiny here that might impact my willingness to take risk, my willingness willingness to take risk, my willingness willingness to take risk, my willingness to keep going, my willingness to sort of to keep going, my willingness to sort of to keep going, my willingness to sort of trust in fate

trust in fate trust in fate sure is a confidence builder, you know, sure is a confidence builder, you know, sure is a confidence builder, you know, even if it's sort of a placebo effect. I even if it's sort of a placebo effect. I even if it's sort of a placebo effect. I mean, if it's if it's Harry Potter with mean, if it's if it's Harry Potter with mean, if it's if it's Harry Potter with the liquid luck and if you drink it, the liquid luck and if you drink it, the liquid luck and if you drink it, everything just goes your way. And everything just goes your way. And everything just goes your way. And there's that scene where he gives a there's that scene where he gives a there's that scene where he gives a placebo to Ron, who thinks he's had the placebo to Ron, who thinks he's had the placebo to Ron, who thinks he's had the liquid luck and goes out and has an liquid luck and goes out and has an liquid luck and goes out and has an amazing day anyway, but of course never amazing day anyway, but of course never amazing day anyway, but of course never had drunk the stuff to begin with. I had drunk the stuff to begin with. I had drunk the stuff to begin with. I mean, Alexander's got a lifetime supply mean, Alexander's got a lifetime supply mean, Alexander's got a lifetime supply of this liquid luck that he was just of this liquid luck that he was just of this liquid luck that he was just born with. I mean his belief, his born with. I mean his belief, his born with. I mean his belief, his fervent belief that he's the direct fervent belief that he's the direct fervent belief that he's the direct descendant of the greatest fighting man descendant of the greatest fighting man descendant of the greatest fighting man in the most popular book probably in his in the most popular book probably in his in the most popular book probably in his time period, the Iliad on one side and time period, the Iliad on one side and time period, the Iliad on one side and Heracles [clears throat] and of course Heracles [clears throat] and of course Heracles [clears throat] and of course through Heracles Zeus and maybe Dianisis through Heracles Zeus and maybe Dianisis through Heracles Zeus and maybe Dianisis on his other side. Well, there's liquid on his other side. Well, there's liquid on his other side. Well, there's liquid luck right there. And then if you're luck right there. And then if you're luck right there. And then if you're real father or you know this is how real father or you know this is how real father or you know this is how weird Greek paganism can get. Apparently weird Greek paganism can get. Apparently weird Greek paganism can get. Apparently you could have Philip II as your father you could have Philip II as your father you could have Philip II as your father and Zeus. It's over my head. Uh, but if and Zeus. It's over my head. Uh, but if and Zeus. It's over my head. Uh, but if you have that going too or instead of you have that going too or instead of you have that going too or instead of the Achilles and Heracles thing, I mean, the Achilles and Heracles thing, I mean, the Achilles and Heracles thing, I mean, that's a version of liquid luck. And of that's a version of liquid luck. And of that's a version of liquid luck. And of course, you know, if you have it both, course, you know, if you have it both, course, you know, if you have it both, well, shoot, think about what you could well, shoot, think about what you could well, shoot, think about what you could accomplish with that level of confidence accomplish with that level of confidence accomplish with that level of confidence and belief. And maybe borderline and belief. And maybe borderline and belief. And maybe borderline fanaticism, the current way of looking fanaticism, the current way of looking fanaticism, the current way of looking at Alexander, and of course, this has at Alexander, and of course, this has at Alexander, and of course, this has changed over 2,300 years. There's all changed over 2,300 years. There's all changed over 2,300 years. There's all kinds of different eras of the different kinds of different eras of the different kinds of different eras of the different ways they've looked at Alexander. But ways they've looked at Alexander. But ways they've looked at Alexander. But the latest secondary sources I've been the latest secondary sources I've been the latest secondary sources I've been reading suggest that the view these days reading suggest that the view these days reading suggest that the view these days is that he may have been very very

is that he may have been very very is that he may have been very very religious. You know, even judging by the religious. You know, even judging by the religious. You know, even judging by the standards of the time period. And there standards of the time period. And there standards of the time period. And there are stories and, you know, anecdotal are stories and, you know, anecdotal are stories and, you know, anecdotal things that maybe back this up. But it's things that maybe back this up. But it's things that maybe back this up. But it's an interesting thing to consider that if an interesting thing to consider that if an interesting thing to consider that if you think you might be divine you think you might be divine you think you might be divine and you're a very very religious person and you're a very very religious person and you're a very very religious person also, I mean there's almost a force also, I mean there's almost a force also, I mean there's almost a force multiplier effect going on there, don't multiplier effect going on there, don't multiplier effect going on there, don't you think, on one's divinity? you think, on one's divinity? you think, on one's divinity? But if we want to make the story seem But if we want to make the story seem But if we want to make the story seem very Greek indeed, right? Throw a little very Greek indeed, right? Throw a little very Greek indeed, right? Throw a little tragic flaw or a built-in disaster in tragic flaw or a built-in disaster in tragic flaw or a built-in disaster in there somewhere, you know, the seeds of there somewhere, you know, the seeds of there somewhere, you know, the seeds of his disasters sewn in his gifts. I mean, his disasters sewn in his gifts. I mean, his disasters sewn in his gifts. I mean, maybe his version of lifetime liquid maybe his version of lifetime liquid maybe his version of lifetime liquid luck makes you insane eventually. It's luck makes you insane eventually. It's luck makes you insane eventually. It's like having syphilis, but I don't know like having syphilis, but I don't know like having syphilis, but I don't know how to weigh that either. how to weigh that either. how to weigh that either. Insufficient data, as they might say. If Insufficient data, as they might say. If Insufficient data, as they might say. If it is a confidence builder, though, uh, it is a confidence builder, though, uh, it is a confidence builder, though, uh, he's going to need that because when you he's going to need that because when you he's going to need that because when you think about what he's up against, think about what he's up against, think about what he's up against, there's a reason that there's a there's a reason that there's a there's a reason that there's a legendary, legendary, legendary, you know, shroud around the whole you know, shroud around the whole you know, shroud around the whole Alexander story. And that's because what Alexander story. And that's because what Alexander story. And that's because what he did was legendary. I mean, the line he did was legendary. I mean, the line he did was legendary. I mean, the line from mid 20th century historian Will from mid 20th century historian Will from mid 20th century historian Will Durant always sticks with me where he Durant always sticks with me where he Durant always sticks with me where he says that what Alexander's about to do says that what Alexander's about to do says that what Alexander's about to do here is the most daring and romantic here is the most daring and romantic here is the most daring and romantic enterprise in the history of kings.

enterprise in the history of kings. enterprise in the history of kings. That's a pretty pretty rarified air of That's a pretty pretty rarified air of That's a pretty pretty rarified air of of the number of, you know, other of the number of, you know, other of the number of, you know, other historical incidents that would be in historical incidents that would be in historical incidents that would be in consideration for the top position. And consideration for the top position. And consideration for the top position. And Alexander still wins. It's indicative Alexander still wins. It's indicative Alexander still wins. It's indicative though of the size of the challenge. though of the size of the challenge. though of the size of the challenge. The Akimanid Persian Empire The Akimanid Persian Empire The Akimanid Persian Empire is an amazing place and I I'm I've been is an amazing place and I I'm I've been is an amazing place and I I'm I've been a big fan for a very long time. All you have to do though is consider All you have to do though is consider its size to understand what a big deal its size to understand what a big deal its size to understand what a big deal this is for Alexander. Um this is for Alexander. Um this is for Alexander. Um it's just a little bit smaller than the it's just a little bit smaller than the it's just a little bit smaller than the United States. United States. United States. And the fact that an ancient peoples And the fact that an ancient peoples And the fact that an ancient peoples with ancient technology, ancient with ancient technology, ancient with ancient technology, ancient communication, everything you goes into communication, everything you goes into communication, everything you goes into it could hold down an empire that size it could hold down an empire that size it could hold down an empire that size for more than 200 years. by the way, for more than 200 years. by the way, for more than 200 years. by the way, doesn't get enough attention in the doesn't get enough attention in the doesn't get enough attention in the story that often portrays the Persians story that often portrays the Persians story that often portrays the Persians of this period, you know, as the bottom of this period, you know, as the bottom of this period, you know, as the bottom rung of a long, slow, self-inflicted rung of a long, slow, self-inflicted rung of a long, slow, self-inflicted decline where they become sort of the decline where they become sort of the decline where they become sort of the punchline or the cautionary tale in the punchline or the cautionary tale in the punchline or the cautionary tale in the famous, you know, wooden shoes going famous, you know, wooden shoes going famous, you know, wooden shoes going upstairs, silk slippers going upstairs, silk slippers going upstairs, silk slippers going downstairs, Voltater era view of, you downstairs, Voltater era view of, you downstairs, Voltater era view of, you know, civilizational life cycles. start know, civilizational life cycles. start know, civilizational life cycles. start off poor and hard scrabble, but you off poor and hard scrabble, but you off poor and hard scrabble, but you know, rude. Uh but those values then know, rude. Uh but those values then know, rude. Uh but those values then propel you to uh getting some wealth and propel you to uh getting some wealth and propel you to uh getting some wealth and civilization and some learning and the civilization and some learning and the civilization and some learning and the next generation can have it better than next generation can have it better than next generation can have it better than you can and eventually you reach the

you can and eventually you reach the you can and eventually you reach the golden mean, you know, pinnacle point of golden mean, you know, pinnacle point of golden mean, you know, pinnacle point of the balance between the hard scrabble the balance between the hard scrabble the balance between the hard scrabble values and the things that money buys values and the things that money buys values and the things that money buys and you get a guy like Das, right, of and you get a guy like Das, right, of and you get a guy like Das, right, of the Persians, right? the famous king um the Persians, right? the famous king um the Persians, right? the famous king um who was the you know if you're looking who was the you know if you're looking who was the you know if you're looking at this from the Greek propaganda point at this from the Greek propaganda point at this from the Greek propaganda point of view that was the last great Persian of view that was the last great Persian of view that was the last great Persian king king king and then from you know Dash you get the and then from you know Dash you get the and then from you know Dash you get the long slow decline long slow decline long slow decline and what a lot of the really good modern and what a lot of the really good modern and what a lot of the really good modern uh historians covering the Akeminid uh historians covering the Akeminid uh historians covering the Akeminid Persian Empire point out is this is all Persian Empire point out is this is all Persian Empire point out is this is all propaganda and bigotry and prejudice propaganda and bigotry and prejudice propaganda and bigotry and prejudice from the Greek side and also intended to from the Greek side and also intended to from the Greek side and also intended to show off you know sort of a pro-Greek show off you know sort of a pro-Greek show off you know sort of a pro-Greek take everything take everything take everything and it's colored the way we view the and it's colored the way we view the and it's colored the way we view the entire situation here though because if entire situation here though because if entire situation here though because if the only sources you really have for a the only sources you really have for a the only sources you really have for a lot of this stuff are on the Greek side lot of this stuff are on the Greek side lot of this stuff are on the Greek side and they're turning every Greek fighter and they're turning every Greek fighter and they're turning every Greek fighter in the story into Captain America right in the story into Captain America right in the story into Captain America right Captain you know Helen you know Captain Captain you know Helen you know Captain Captain you know Helen you know Captain Major Helis or something like that um Major Helis or something like that um Major Helis or something like that um well then it distorts a lot of the story well then it distorts a lot of the story well then it distorts a lot of the story and because there's not much on the and because there's not much on the and because there's not much on the Persian side to help counteract it.

Persian side to help counteract it. Persian side to help counteract it. Pierre Brian had a great line. He said, Pierre Brian had a great line. He said, Pierre Brian had a great line. He said, "We can we can plainly say that a lot of "We can we can plainly say that a lot of "We can we can plainly say that a lot of this stuff from the Greek side's this stuff from the Greek side's this stuff from the Greek side's nonsense. But what we can't do is nonsense. But what we can't do is nonsense. But what we can't do is suggest that the way the Persians suggest that the way the Persians suggest that the way the Persians actually were is just a mere image of actually were is just a mere image of actually were is just a mere image of that. You can't just say, "Oh, well, that. You can't just say, "Oh, well, that. You can't just say, "Oh, well, they said it's A, so it's obviously B." they said it's A, so it's obviously B." they said it's A, so it's obviously B." Some things might be true. Some things Some things might be true. Some things Some things might be true. Some things might be misinterpreted. So, it's might be misinterpreted. So, it's might be misinterpreted. So, it's difficult. There's a lot of propaganda difficult. There's a lot of propaganda difficult. There's a lot of propaganda to wade through, including a ton of to wade through, including a ton of to wade through, including a ton of stuff Alexander put out himself during stuff Alexander put out himself during stuff Alexander put out himself during and after his war with Persia, intending and after his war with Persia, intending and after his war with Persia, intending to, you know, bolster his claim that to, you know, bolster his claim that to, you know, bolster his claim that he's the rightful king and the last guy he's the rightful king and the last guy he's the rightful king and the last guy that was running things was the wrong that was running things was the wrong that was running things was the wrong kind of king and our people were super kind of king and our people were super kind of king and our people were super men and their people were, you know, got men and their people were, you know, got men and their people were, you know, got to cut through propaganda, lies, and to cut through propaganda, lies, and to cut through propaganda, lies, and crap that stem from the very time crap that stem from the very time crap that stem from the very time period, right? You didn't have to wait a period, right? You didn't have to wait a period, right? You didn't have to wait a hundred years for the crap to develop. hundred years for the crap to develop. hundred years for the crap to develop. You know, Alexander starts throwing out You know, Alexander starts throwing out You know, Alexander starts throwing out chaff to obscure the wheat right away. chaff to obscure the wheat right away. chaff to obscure the wheat right away. And before we look at this as somehow And before we look at this as somehow And before we look at this as somehow nefarious, polluting the historical nefarious, polluting the historical nefarious, polluting the historical record, if you will, there's another way record, if you will, there's another way record, if you will, there's another way to view this, and it's called genius. I to view this, and it's called genius. I to view this, and it's called genius. I mean, this is an absolutely mean, this is an absolutely mean, this is an absolutely multiaceted multiaceted multiaceted um you know, full spectrum dominance um you know, full spectrum dominance um you know, full spectrum dominance kind of approach here. And it is so kind of approach here. And it is so kind of approach here. And it is so dominant, if you will, that it still dominant, if you will, that it still dominant, if you will, that it still dominates the way we're trying to dominates the way we're trying to dominates the way we're trying to unravel this story today. That's some unravel this story today. That's some unravel this story today. That's some pretty good propaganda. You'd pay those pretty good propaganda. You'd pay those pretty good propaganda. You'd pay those people extra if it's still working 2,300 people extra if it's still working 2,300 people extra if it's still working 2,300 years later, wouldn't you?

years later, wouldn't you? years later, wouldn't you? But it leaves plenty of room for doubt, But it leaves plenty of room for doubt, But it leaves plenty of room for doubt, um, areas for the experts to fight and um, areas for the experts to fight and um, areas for the experts to fight and terrible positions to put, you know, terrible positions to put, you know, terrible positions to put, you know, non-historian podcasters in, obviously. non-historian podcasters in, obviously. non-historian podcasters in, obviously. But I'm a fan, always have been of the But I'm a fan, always have been of the But I'm a fan, always have been of the Persian Empire. I do not buy this idea Persian Empire. I do not buy this idea Persian Empire. I do not buy this idea that they were in this inevitable that they were in this inevitable that they were in this inevitable long-term decline, sort of a death long-term decline, sort of a death long-term decline, sort of a death spiral that they couldn't get out of. spiral that they couldn't get out of. spiral that they couldn't get out of. Um, and you know, when I say anything Um, and you know, when I say anything Um, and you know, when I say anything like this, I'm not stating it based on like this, I'm not stating it based on like this, I'm not stating it based on my own archaeological dig experience. my own archaeological dig experience. my own archaeological dig experience. I'm just siding with one group of I'm just siding with one group of I'm just siding with one group of historians over others. Um, but to me historians over others. Um, but to me historians over others. Um, but to me the the key sign here is is when the the the key sign here is is when the the the key sign here is is when the Persian Empire gets good leadership and Persian Empire gets good leadership and Persian Empire gets good leadership and it's a monarchy situation with an it's a monarchy situation with an it's a monarchy situation with an oligarchy involved. And I mean, it's oligarchy involved. And I mean, it's oligarchy involved. And I mean, it's complicated, but when they get good complicated, but when they get good complicated, but when they get good leadership, you see upturns in pretty leadership, you see upturns in pretty leadership, you see upturns in pretty much any category that's used to justify much any category that's used to justify much any category that's used to justify the idea that they're declining. the idea that they're declining. the idea that they're declining. Now they have leadership issues, but Now they have leadership issues, but Now they have leadership issues, but that's far from abnormal even in places, that's far from abnormal even in places, that's far from abnormal even in places, you know, that weren't in a terminal you know, that weren't in a terminal you know, that weren't in a terminal decline. I mean, look at the Roman decline. I mean, look at the Roman decline. I mean, look at the Roman Empire's history.

Empire's history. Empire's history. So, you sort of survive and maybe So, you sort of survive and maybe So, you sort of survive and maybe contract a little bit or have a few more contract a little bit or have a few more contract a little bit or have a few more revolts or, you know, things like that revolts or, you know, things like that revolts or, you know, things like that under the bad leaders and then when the under the bad leaders and then when the under the bad leaders and then when the good leaders come back, they go in and good leaders come back, they go in and good leaders come back, they go in and repair some of the damage. And you see repair some of the damage. And you see repair some of the damage. And you see that in a minute history, by the way. that in a minute history, by the way. that in a minute history, by the way. The bottom line though is you're talking The bottom line though is you're talking The bottom line though is you're talking about a place that extends at its about a place that extends at its about a place that extends at its biggest, which um it wasn't necessarily biggest, which um it wasn't necessarily biggest, which um it wasn't necessarily at its biggest during this time, but at at its biggest during this time, but at at its biggest during this time, but at its biggest though, it is a place that its biggest though, it is a place that its biggest though, it is a place that extends into what's now Pakistan in the extends into what's now Pakistan in the extends into what's now Pakistan in the east, all the way west to the borders of east, all the way west to the borders of east, all the way west to the borders of basically modern Egypt and everything in basically modern Egypt and everything in basically modern Egypt and everything in between, of course, between, of course, between, of course, from Arabia in the south up to Ukraine from Arabia in the south up to Ukraine from Arabia in the south up to Ukraine over to the Balkans, all of modern day over to the Balkans, all of modern day over to the Balkans, all of modern day Turkey. in the Middle East. I mean, Turkey. in the Middle East. I mean, Turkey. in the Middle East. I mean, the largest empire of its day and often the largest empire of its day and often the largest empire of its day and often lauded by a lot of people, yours truly lauded by a lot of people, yours truly lauded by a lot of people, yours truly included maybe, um, as you know, maybe included maybe, um, as you know, maybe included maybe, um, as you know, maybe discovering, and you don't want to say discovering, and you don't want to say discovering, and you don't want to say that because remember there are other that because remember there are other that because remember there are other worlds. There's things going on in the worlds. There's things going on in the worlds. There's things going on in the Americas totally disconnected from here.

Americas totally disconnected from here. Americas totally disconnected from here. There's things going on in East Asia and There's things going on in East Asia and There's things going on in East Asia and China totally disconnected from here. China totally disconnected from here. China totally disconnected from here. So, some of this stuff develops, So, some of this stuff develops, So, some of this stuff develops, you know, organically in different you know, organically in different you know, organically in different spots, sometimes at the same time. spots, sometimes at the same time. spots, sometimes at the same time. But the Persians come up with this But the Persians come up with this But the Persians come up with this almost secret sauce for how you rule almost secret sauce for how you rule almost secret sauce for how you rule giant multithnic giant multithnic giant multithnic empires and tolerance is sort of the empires and tolerance is sort of the empires and tolerance is sort of the weapon. The hidden tactic that ends up weapon. The hidden tactic that ends up weapon. The hidden tactic that ends up you know pacifying so many of these you know pacifying so many of these you know pacifying so many of these people is a live and let live sort of people is a live and let live sort of people is a live and let live sort of approach. And it was so successful by approach. And it was so successful by approach. And it was so successful by the way obviously many other empires the way obviously many other empires the way obviously many other empires later copied it and they often get later copied it and they often get later copied it and they often get credit maybe where it's not due. I mean, credit maybe where it's not due. I mean, credit maybe where it's not due. I mean, you see this with the current way the you see this with the current way the you see this with the current way the Mongols are often portrayed. Uh, and Mongols are often portrayed. Uh, and Mongols are often portrayed. Uh, and they'll you'll hear about things like they'll you'll hear about things like they'll you'll hear about things like their religious tolerance as though they their religious tolerance as though they their religious tolerance as though they were somehow, were somehow, were somehow, you know, particularly tolerant guys and you know, particularly tolerant guys and you know, particularly tolerant guys and then you look at other empires and you then you look at other empires and you then you look at other empires and you realize, oh no, it's just a good move realize, oh no, it's just a good move realize, oh no, it's just a good move because, you know, when you tell people because, you know, when you tell people because, you know, when you tell people they have to change their gods, they they have to change their gods, they they have to change their gods, they tend to get pretty angry about that.

tend to get pretty angry about that. tend to get pretty angry about that. That that's causing you long-term That that's causing you long-term That that's causing you long-term trouble. A lot easier to just say, hey, trouble. A lot easier to just say, hey, trouble. A lot easier to just say, hey, you know, worship anybody you want, just you know, worship anybody you want, just you know, worship anybody you want, just stay pacified. And the people that are stay pacified. And the people that are stay pacified. And the people that are one of the earliest examples, I'm one of the earliest examples, I'm one of the earliest examples, I'm leaving myself a little room here, of of leaving myself a little room here, of of leaving myself a little room here, of of that approach are the Persians. that approach are the Persians. that approach are the Persians. And it kind of helps them that they sort And it kind of helps them that they sort And it kind of helps them that they sort of emerge from an era where a very sort of emerge from an era where a very sort of emerge from an era where a very sort of opposite approach had been the one of opposite approach had been the one of opposite approach had been the one for a long time. I mean, you know, this for a long time. I mean, you know, this for a long time. I mean, you know, this is the Assyrian Babylonian era before is the Assyrian Babylonian era before is the Assyrian Babylonian era before those guys. And they're famous for those guys. And they're famous for those guys. And they're famous for carving their atrocities into stone. And carving their atrocities into stone. And carving their atrocities into stone. And you can go to the British Museum and see you can go to the British Museum and see you can go to the British Museum and see them today. people having their skin them today. people having their skin them today. people having their skin ripped off their still living bodies, ripped off their still living bodies, ripped off their still living bodies, gardens with heads hanging from the gardens with heads hanging from the gardens with heads hanging from the plants on the ceiling. Uh, and these plants on the ceiling. Uh, and these plants on the ceiling. Uh, and these often put in the diplomatic waiting often put in the diplomatic waiting often put in the diplomatic waiting rooms where the foreign ambassadors rooms where the foreign ambassadors rooms where the foreign ambassadors would cool their heels waiting for an would cool their heels waiting for an would cool their heels waiting for an audience with the Assyrian king and he audience with the Assyrian king and he audience with the Assyrian king and he would have just shown them probably in would have just shown them probably in would have just shown them probably in living color. Uh, what happened to living color. Uh, what happened to living color. Uh, what happened to people who, you know, didn't do what people who, you know, didn't do what people who, you know, didn't do what they said they were going to do. And they said they were going to do. And they said they were going to do. And then you get the Persians in in here, then you get the Persians in in here, then you get the Persians in in here, who even though they had some of the who even though they had some of the who even though they had some of the most horrific punishments you could ever most horrific punishments you could ever most horrific punishments you could ever hear about. I mean, the boats, for hear about. I mean, the boats, for hear about. I mean, the boats, for example, more on that in our uh example, more on that in our uh example, more on that in our uh three-part series we did on the Persians three-part series we did on the Persians three-part series we did on the Persians a while back, kings of kings.

a while back, kings of kings. a while back, kings of kings. But the Persians could be rough and But the Persians could be rough and But the Persians could be rough and tough and nasty and everything, but when tough and nasty and everything, but when tough and nasty and everything, but when you follow an act like the Assyrians and you follow an act like the Assyrians and you follow an act like the Assyrians and the Neoabylonians, the Neoabylonians, the Neoabylonians, um you you look pretty tolerant by um you you look pretty tolerant by um you you look pretty tolerant by comparison. And when you're going to comparison. And when you're going to comparison. And when you're going to form a tiny little crust, you know, a form a tiny little crust, you know, a form a tiny little crust, you know, a tiny percentage of the population that's tiny percentage of the population that's tiny percentage of the population that's ruling a vast empire of tons of other ruling a vast empire of tons of other ruling a vast empire of tons of other different people, you know, one of the different people, you know, one of the different people, you know, one of the best things you can do is say, "Hey, you best things you can do is say, "Hey, you best things you can do is say, "Hey, you know what? You live just the way you know what? You live just the way you know what? You live just the way you always have lived. Pay your taxes, always have lived. Pay your taxes, always have lived. Pay your taxes, provide troops for the army when we need provide troops for the army when we need provide troops for the army when we need it. sometimes we're going to need some it. sometimes we're going to need some it. sometimes we're going to need some uh infrastructure projects and some uh infrastructure projects and some uh infrastructure projects and some people for them. But basically the people for them. But basically the people for them. But basically the Persians would come in and just let you Persians would come in and just let you Persians would come in and just let you live the way you always had. In fact, live the way you always had. In fact, live the way you always had. In fact, some of the um rulers that were ruling some of the um rulers that were ruling some of the um rulers that were ruling for the Persians were the families that for the Persians were the families that for the Persians were the families that had been ruling there before the had been ruling there before the had been ruling there before the Persians. They came in and just said, Persians. They came in and just said, Persians. They came in and just said, "Hey, you can stay long as you do these "Hey, you can stay long as you do these "Hey, you can stay long as you do these things that we ask for." Uh and they things that we ask for." Uh and they things that we ask for." Uh and they did. did. did. And we'd mentioned earlier that the And we'd mentioned earlier that the And we'd mentioned earlier that the Persians sort of ran their um empire Persians sort of ran their um empire Persians sort of ran their um empire like a business. Well, the ruling like a business. Well, the ruling like a business. Well, the ruling strategy here is sort of, if you strategy here is sort of, if you strategy here is sort of, if you imagine, like a bunch of regional vice imagine, like a bunch of regional vice imagine, like a bunch of regional vice presidents. They were called satraps, presidents. They were called satraps, presidents. They were called satraps, governors. They were really like governors. They were really like governors. They were really like kinglets almost, which is why that title kinglets almost, which is why that title kinglets almost, which is why that title for the Persian ruler, king of kings, for the Persian ruler, king of kings, for the Persian ruler, king of kings, sort of rings so true when you think sort of rings so true when you think sort of rings so true when you think about it.

about it. about it. But it's a great strategy because when But it's a great strategy because when But it's a great strategy because when you know, you look at the size of this you know, you look at the size of this you know, you look at the size of this place again, imagine almost the United place again, imagine almost the United place again, imagine almost the United States. And now try running it with, you States. And now try running it with, you States. And now try running it with, you know, Wells Fargo know, Wells Fargo know, Wells Fargo speed type communications, right? And speed type communications, right? And speed type communications, right? And transport. And I mean, it's just smart transport. And I mean, it's just smart transport. And I mean, it's just smart to have governors on the scene who can to have governors on the scene who can to have governors on the scene who can make these kind of decisions over a make these kind of decisions over a make these kind of decisions over a territory that large. territory that large. territory that large. Now, sometimes those governors, those Now, sometimes those governors, those Now, sometimes those governors, those kinglets, if you will, those regional kinglets, if you will, those regional kinglets, if you will, those regional vice presidents, get a little uppy and vice presidents, get a little uppy and vice presidents, get a little uppy and they revolt. And the biggest problem they revolt. And the biggest problem they revolt. And the biggest problem that the Persians have by this time that the Persians have by this time that the Persians have by this time period is they just deal with sort of a period is they just deal with sort of a period is they just deal with sort of a weakening of central authority under weakening of central authority under weakening of central authority under some kings and they deal with revolts. some kings and they deal with revolts. some kings and they deal with revolts. And both of those things are almost And both of those things are almost And both of those things are almost certainly influenced by the fact that certainly influenced by the fact that certainly influenced by the fact that they have a problem keeping good kings they have a problem keeping good kings they have a problem keeping good kings on the throne for significant periods of on the throne for significant periods of on the throne for significant periods of time. time. time. Akeminid historical Akeminid historical Akeminid historical uh expert Pierre Bion did the uh expert Pierre Bion did the uh expert Pierre Bion did the calculations and he said in the history calculations and he said in the history calculations and he said in the history of the Akeminid Persian Empire, one king of the Akeminid Persian Empire, one king of the Akeminid Persian Empire, one king died on a military expedition. That died on a military expedition. That died on a military expedition. That would be the founder Cyrus the Great.

would be the founder Cyrus the Great. would be the founder Cyrus the Great. Five died of natural causes and seven Five died of natural causes and seven Five died of natural causes and seven were assassinated. were assassinated. were assassinated. Add to that the fact that the problems Add to that the fact that the problems Add to that the fact that the problems that you see in Alexander's family in that you see in Alexander's family in that you see in Alexander's family in the Macedonian situation with Philip and the Macedonian situation with Philip and the Macedonian situation with Philip and his six or seven wives and all the kids his six or seven wives and all the kids his six or seven wives and all the kids that come from that is magnified that come from that is magnified that come from that is magnified exponentially in the Akeminan one. And exponentially in the Akeminan one. And exponentially in the Akeminan one. And even though the king seems to have had a even though the king seems to have had a even though the king seems to have had a limited number of so-called legitimate limited number of so-called legitimate limited number of so-called legitimate wives, they often had a lot of, you wives, they often had a lot of, you wives, they often had a lot of, you know, concubine types. I mean, Artis know, concubine types. I mean, Artis know, concubine types. I mean, Artis Xerxes II supposedly had 360 Xerxes II supposedly had 360 Xerxes II supposedly had 360 wives and between, depending on which wives and between, depending on which wives and between, depending on which source you want to pick, with 115 to 150 source you want to pick, with 115 to 150 source you want to pick, with 115 to 150 sons. sons. sons. Artis Xerxes III allegedly had 80 of his Artis Xerxes III allegedly had 80 of his Artis Xerxes III allegedly had 80 of his brothers killed in one day. Now, these brothers killed in one day. Now, these brothers killed in one day. Now, these may not be people that can come to the may not be people that can come to the may not be people that can come to the throne, although they might be, but throne, although they might be, but throne, although they might be, but these sort of halfkings are obviously these sort of halfkings are obviously these sort of halfkings are obviously part of power blocks. Otherwise, why part of power blocks. Otherwise, why part of power blocks. Otherwise, why kill 80 of them in one day?

kill 80 of them in one day? kill 80 of them in one day? But in these systems where, you know, But in these systems where, you know, But in these systems where, you know, you have hundreds of half kings running you have hundreds of half kings running you have hundreds of half kings running around, where bloodlines mean around, where bloodlines mean around, where bloodlines mean everything. I mean, you can see how this everything. I mean, you can see how this everything. I mean, you can see how this would create complicated court dynamics, would create complicated court dynamics, would create complicated court dynamics, right? And and create circumstances right? And and create circumstances right? And and create circumstances where there might be assassinations and where there might be assassinations and where there might be assassinations and rebellions within the family. I mean, rebellions within the family. I mean, rebellions within the family. I mean, doesn't exactly lend itself to doesn't exactly lend itself to doesn't exactly lend itself to stability. stability. stability. And whereas, you know, in the 20th And whereas, you know, in the 20th And whereas, you know, in the 20th century and all the way back to ancient century and all the way back to ancient century and all the way back to ancient Greece, so much of what happened to Greece, so much of what happened to Greece, so much of what happened to Persia is ascribed to things like, you Persia is ascribed to things like, you Persia is ascribed to things like, you know, becoming weak over time due to know, becoming weak over time due to know, becoming weak over time due to wealth and luxury and becoming wealth and luxury and becoming wealth and luxury and becoming effeminite and the tools of Unix and uh effeminite and the tools of Unix and uh effeminite and the tools of Unix and uh the lures of the herum and all that kind the lures of the herum and all that kind the lures of the herum and all that kind of stuff. The modern day histories point of stuff. The modern day histories point of stuff. The modern day histories point to systemic problems. And one of them to systemic problems. And one of them to systemic problems. And one of them that's clear here is by the time that's clear here is by the time that's clear here is by the time Alexander is invading Persia, I mean Alexander is invading Persia, I mean Alexander is invading Persia, I mean they have a newbie king on the throne they have a newbie king on the throne they have a newbie king on the throne too. And whereas you might like to too. And whereas you might like to too. And whereas you might like to jettison the lurid jettison the lurid jettison the lurid sort of protoarian knights uh sort of protoarian knights uh sort of protoarian knights uh stereotypes involved in the view of stereotypes involved in the view of stereotypes involved in the view of Persia here.

Persia here. Persia here. It's hard to totally escape it when the It's hard to totally escape it when the It's hard to totally escape it when the reason this Das III, the king of Persia reason this Das III, the king of Persia reason this Das III, the king of Persia when Alexander invades, the reason he's when Alexander invades, the reason he's when Alexander invades, the reason he's on the throne in the first place is on the throne in the first place is on the throne in the first place is supposedly he's put there by a guy supposedly he's put there by a guy supposedly he's put there by a guy Theodoris Siculus describes as a Theodoris Siculus describes as a Theodoris Siculus describes as a militant rogue unic. militant rogue unic. militant rogue unic. He's famous. If this BOS did what the He's famous. If this BOS did what the He's famous. If this BOS did what the Greek authors said he did, then he Greek authors said he did, then he Greek authors said he did, then he killed multiple Persian kings killed multiple Persian kings killed multiple Persian kings by poisoning too, which is also part of by poisoning too, which is also part of by poisoning too, which is also part of the Arabian Knights sort of trope here. the Arabian Knights sort of trope here. the Arabian Knights sort of trope here. He's a unic who uses poison to kill He's a unic who uses poison to kill He's a unic who uses poison to kill effeminate kings. I mean, who are led effeminate kings. I mean, who are led effeminate kings. I mean, who are led around by the nose by their many wives around by the nose by their many wives around by the nose by their many wives in the herum. I mean, there's a whole in the herum. I mean, there's a whole in the herum. I mean, there's a whole trope here, right? trope here, right? trope here, right? What's so fascinating though is if you What's so fascinating though is if you What's so fascinating though is if you want to read this trope want to read this trope want to read this trope written to you as though it's, you know, written to you as though it's, you know, written to you as though it's, you know, factual modern history, go read the way factual modern history, go read the way factual modern history, go read the way this story is told in in the great Will this story is told in in the great Will this story is told in in the great Will Durant's history of civilization book Durant's history of civilization book Durant's history of civilization book one. That's of course his life's work, one. That's of course his life's work, one. That's of course his life's work, the multi-part uh series. And you can the multi-part uh series. And you can the multi-part uh series. And you can see how his style changes from book one see how his style changes from book one see how his style changes from book one to the last book in the series over the to the last book in the series over the to the last book in the series over the many decades it took for him to write many decades it took for him to write many decades it took for him to write it. Right? He sort of stays with the, it. Right? He sort of stays with the, it. Right? He sort of stays with the, you know, tenor of the history writing you know, tenor of the history writing you know, tenor of the history writing times. As standards and styles change, times. As standards and styles change, times. As standards and styles change, he changes with it. But in 1935, you see he changes with it. But in 1935, you see he changes with it. But in 1935, you see the social Darwinist stuff creep in. You the social Darwinist stuff creep in. You the social Darwinist stuff creep in. You definitely see the wooden shoes going definitely see the wooden shoes going definitely see the wooden shoes going upstairs, silk slippers going downstairs upstairs, silk slippers going downstairs upstairs, silk slippers going downstairs thing happening.

thing happening. thing happening. And what's so fascinating about reading And what's so fascinating about reading And what's so fascinating about reading it now though, and I bet I read it in it now though, and I bet I read it in it now though, and I bet I read it in the King of Kings series, so I apologize the King of Kings series, so I apologize the King of Kings series, so I apologize if I'm repeating myself, but it's worth if I'm repeating myself, but it's worth if I'm repeating myself, but it's worth it. uh because you not only get a sense it. uh because you not only get a sense it. uh because you not only get a sense here now of the way a Greek audience here now of the way a Greek audience here now of the way a Greek audience would have heard this story and thought would have heard this story and thought would have heard this story and thought about it but how long that way of about it but how long that way of about it but how long that way of looking at the story persisted because looking at the story persisted because looking at the story persisted because this is Will Durant writing about the this is Will Durant writing about the this is Will Durant writing about the decline and fall which again I don't decline and fall which again I don't decline and fall which again I don't even agree with the decline and fall even agree with the decline and fall even agree with the decline and fall thing of the Persian Empire why it thing of the Persian Empire why it thing of the Persian Empire why it happened and then the Game of Thrones happened and then the Game of Thrones happened and then the Game of Thrones like transition from one ruler to like transition from one ruler to like transition from one ruler to another and you'll see why it's a guilty another and you'll see why it's a guilty another and you'll see why it's a guilty pleasure for so many of us Durant Grant pleasure for so many of us Durant Grant pleasure for so many of us Durant Grant like many of the Greeks saw Das I as like many of the Greeks saw Das I as like many of the Greeks saw Das I as sort of the golden mean of Persian sort of the golden mean of Persian sort of the golden mean of Persian leadership. Right? The best combination leadership. Right? The best combination leadership. Right? The best combination of the ancient stoic values the Persians of the ancient stoic values the Persians of the ancient stoic values the Persians had when they were poor hard scrabble had when they were poor hard scrabble had when they were poor hard scrabble types mixed with what money can buy. As types mixed with what money can buy. As types mixed with what money can buy. As I said I said I said Das by the way was called by the Greeks Das by the way was called by the Greeks Das by the way was called by the Greeks the huster because he was the financial the huster because he was the financial the huster because he was the financial guy. He's the guy that basically keeping guy. He's the guy that basically keeping guy. He's the guy that basically keeping with our Persia sort of metaphor here.

with our Persia sort of metaphor here. with our Persia sort of metaphor here. He's the guy that took the company He's the guy that took the company He's the guy that took the company public, got us out of the garage doing public, got us out of the garage doing public, got us out of the garage doing the mail order stuff. Um, put us on the the mail order stuff. Um, put us on the the mail order stuff. Um, put us on the stock market map. I think the coins were stock market map. I think the coins were stock market map. I think the coins were named after him. I mean, it was just one named after him. I mean, it was just one named after him. I mean, it was just one of those sort of things. And the Greeks of those sort of things. And the Greeks of those sort of things. And the Greeks saw him sort of the high water mark of saw him sort of the high water mark of saw him sort of the high water mark of the pinnacle of the best balance of the the pinnacle of the best balance of the the pinnacle of the best balance of the Persian virtues and vices and then it's Persian virtues and vices and then it's Persian virtues and vices and then it's all downhill from there. And, you know, all downhill from there. And, you know, all downhill from there. And, you know, 2,000 years later, 2,200 years later, 2,000 years later, 2,200 years later, 2,000 years later, 2,200 years later, Will Durant's basically saying the same Will Durant's basically saying the same Will Durant's basically saying the same thing. And he writes, quote, "The empire thing. And he writes, quote, "The empire thing. And he writes, quote, "The empire of Das lasted hardly a century. The of Das lasted hardly a century. The of Das lasted hardly a century. The moral as well as the physical backbone moral as well as the physical backbone moral as well as the physical backbone of Persia was broken by, he means the of Persia was broken by, he means the of Persia was broken by, he means the battles of Marathon, Salamus, and battles of Marathon, Salamus, and battles of Marathon, Salamus, and Platea. The emperors exchanged Mars for Platea. The emperors exchanged Mars for Platea. The emperors exchanged Mars for Venus, and the nation descended into Venus, and the nation descended into Venus, and the nation descended into corruption and apathy. The decline of corruption and apathy. The decline of corruption and apathy. The decline of Persia anticipated almost in detail the Persia anticipated almost in detail the Persia anticipated almost in detail the decline of Rome. Immorality and decline of Rome. Immorality and decline of Rome. Immorality and degeneration among the people degeneration among the people degeneration among the people accompanied violence and negligence on accompanied violence and negligence on accompanied violence and negligence on the throne. The Persians, he writes, the throne. The Persians, he writes, the throne. The Persians, he writes, like the Mes before them, passed from like the Mes before them, passed from like the Mes before them, passed from stoicism to Epicurianism in a few stoicism to Epicurianism in a few stoicism to Epicurianism in a few generations. Eating became the principal generations. Eating became the principal generations. Eating became the principal occupation of the aristocracy. These men occupation of the aristocracy. These men occupation of the aristocracy. These men who had once made it a rule to eat but who had once made it a rule to eat but who had once made it a rule to eat but once a day now interpreted the rule to once a day now interpreted the rule to once a day now interpreted the rule to allow them one meal prolonged from noon allow them one meal prolonged from noon allow them one meal prolonged from noon to night. They stocked their larders to night. They stocked their larders to night. They stocked their larders with a thousand delicacies and often with a thousand delicacies and often with a thousand delicacies and often served entire animals to their guests.

served entire animals to their guests. served entire animals to their guests. They stuffed themselves with rich rare They stuffed themselves with rich rare They stuffed themselves with rich rare meats and spent their genius upon new meats and spent their genius upon new meats and spent their genius upon new sauces and desserts. A corrupt and sauces and desserts. A corrupt and sauces and desserts. A corrupt and corrupting multitude of menials filled corrupting multitude of menials filled corrupting multitude of menials filled the houses of the wealthy while the houses of the wealthy while the houses of the wealthy while drunkenness became the common vice of drunkenness became the common vice of drunkenness became the common vice of every class. Cyrus and Das created every class. Cyrus and Das created every class. Cyrus and Das created Persia. Xerxes inherited it. His Persia. Xerxes inherited it. His Persia. Xerxes inherited it. His successors destroyed it. end quote. successors destroyed it. end quote. successors destroyed it. end quote. Now, let me just say that I am Now, let me just say that I am Now, let me just say that I am fascinated with this way of looking at fascinated with this way of looking at fascinated with this way of looking at history, and I'm not the only one history, and I'm not the only one history, and I'm not the only one because, you know, history writers have because, you know, history writers have because, you know, history writers have been writing with this sort of style been writing with this sort of style been writing with this sort of style um forever. I mean, up until relatively um forever. I mean, up until relatively um forever. I mean, up until relatively recently. I mean, Durant was 1935, recently. I mean, Durant was 1935, recently. I mean, Durant was 1935, right? This whole idea about well, it is right? This whole idea about well, it is right? This whole idea about well, it is it's the silk, slippers, wooden shoes it's the silk, slippers, wooden shoes it's the silk, slippers, wooden shoes thing. We we did a show a long time ago thing. We we did a show a long time ago thing. We we did a show a long time ago where we used the Great Depression as where we used the Great Depression as where we used the Great Depression as sort of a tent pole to examine the sort of a tent pole to examine the sort of a tent pole to examine the question of whether tough times make question of whether tough times make question of whether tough times make tough people and what that even means, tough people and what that even means, tough people and what that even means, right? I mean, we all understand that right? I mean, we all understand that right? I mean, we all understand that you can have individuals who are tough you can have individuals who are tough you can have individuals who are tough or not tough, but what does it mean if or not tough, but what does it mean if or not tough, but what does it mean if you have a society collectively that you have a society collectively that you have a society collectively that isn't? And did it matter more once upon isn't? And did it matter more once upon isn't? And did it matter more once upon a time a long time ago when you had to a time a long time ago when you had to a time a long time ago when you had to go out on a battlefield the size of a go out on a battlefield the size of a go out on a battlefield the size of a few football fields and you know slam few football fields and you know slam few football fields and you know slam into other human beings face to face into other human beings face to face into other human beings face to face with edged weapons or something. Did did with edged weapons or something. Did did with edged weapons or something. Did did it mean something different back then? I it mean something different back then? I it mean something different back then? I mean there's a lot of questions. The one mean there's a lot of questions. The one mean there's a lot of questions. The one thing you can say though is that few thing you can say though is that few thing you can say though is that few historians in the 21st century would be historians in the 21st century would be historians in the 21st century would be comfortable with that sort of an comfortable with that sort of an comfortable with that sort of an approach. If for no other reason, then

approach. If for no other reason, then approach. If for no other reason, then how would you ever defend an idea like how would you ever defend an idea like how would you ever defend an idea like that in front of a peer-reviewed panel that in front of a peer-reviewed panel that in front of a peer-reviewed panel of other historians, right? How do how of other historians, right? How do how of other historians, right? How do how do you back that up with data and do you back that up with data and do you back that up with data and experimentation and testing? I mean, experimentation and testing? I mean, experimentation and testing? I mean, just once history becomes more like just once history becomes more like just once history becomes more like archaeology and anthropology and less archaeology and anthropology and less archaeology and anthropology and less like the humanities of like religion and like the humanities of like religion and like the humanities of like religion and law and language and literature, the law and language and literature, the law and language and literature, the interpretive part sort of gets stripped interpretive part sort of gets stripped interpretive part sort of gets stripped away for good and ill. And it's both. away for good and ill. And it's both. away for good and ill. And it's both. And you lose these ideas that have And you lose these ideas that have And you lose these ideas that have pervaded history writing since the very pervaded history writing since the very pervaded history writing since the very beginning. Whether or not they're true beginning. Whether or not they're true beginning. Whether or not they're true that somehow, you know, civilizations that somehow, you know, civilizations that somehow, you know, civilizations rise and fall based on the, you know, rise and fall based on the, you know, rise and fall based on the, you know, virtue or toughness or what have you of virtue or toughness or what have you of virtue or toughness or what have you of their people. But taken at face literal their people. But taken at face literal their people. But taken at face literal value, the idea that the Persian Empire value, the idea that the Persian Empire value, the idea that the Persian Empire fell because they liked eating too much fell because they liked eating too much fell because they liked eating too much is both ludicrous and if true, we might is both ludicrous and if true, we might is both ludicrous and if true, we might be in big trouble ourselves. be in big trouble ourselves. be in big trouble ourselves. Nonetheless, as fascinating as that is, Nonetheless, as fascinating as that is, Nonetheless, as fascinating as that is, uh, Durant's on more firm ground when he uh, Durant's on more firm ground when he uh, Durant's on more firm ground when he talks about what happened to Persian talks about what happened to Persian talks about what happened to Persian leadership after the high water mark as leadership after the high water mark as leadership after the high water mark as he saw it of Das the first, the Huster, he saw it of Das the first, the Huster, he saw it of Das the first, the Huster, when you started to see, you know, the when you started to see, you know, the when you started to see, you know, the court intrigue and all that sort of court intrigue and all that sort of court intrigue and all that sort of stuff take over. And you got to be stuff take over. And you got to be stuff take over. And you got to be honest, it's it's it's both engrossing honest, it's it's it's both engrossing honest, it's it's it's both engrossing in a sort of a grab your popcorn and in a sort of a grab your popcorn and in a sort of a grab your popcorn and watch the Game of Thrones sort of thing watch the Game of Thrones sort of thing watch the Game of Thrones sort of thing play out. And at the same time, if play out. And at the same time, if play out. And at the same time, if you're a Persian patriot, you just have you're a Persian patriot, you just have you're a Persian patriot, you just have to sort of weep at what's going on here to sort of weep at what's going on here to sort of weep at what's going on here because clearly eventually this sort of

because clearly eventually this sort of because clearly eventually this sort of uh problem with succession and keeping uh problem with succession and keeping uh problem with succession and keeping good rulers on the throne is going to good rulers on the throne is going to good rulers on the throne is going to come back to bite you, right? come back to bite you, right? come back to bite you, right? I mean, Will Durant writes about uh the I mean, Will Durant writes about uh the I mean, Will Durant writes about uh the Persian leadership struggles after Duras Persian leadership struggles after Duras Persian leadership struggles after Duras I and says, quote, "Only the records of I and says, quote, "Only the records of I and says, quote, "Only the records of Rome after Tiberius, could rival in Rome after Tiberius, could rival in Rome after Tiberius, could rival in bloodiness the royal annals of Persia, bloodiness the royal annals of Persia, bloodiness the royal annals of Persia, the murderer of Xerxes, a Persian king, the murderer of Xerxes, a Persian king, the murderer of Xerxes, a Persian king, Das's son, actually, was murdered by Ard Das's son, actually, was murdered by Ard Das's son, actually, was murdered by Ard Xerxes I who after a long reign was Xerxes I who after a long reign was Xerxes I who after a long reign was succeeded by Xerxes II. second who was succeeded by Xerxes II. second who was succeeded by Xerxes II. second who was murdered a few weeks later by his murdered a few weeks later by his murdered a few weeks later by his half-brother Sdianis who was murdered 6 half-brother Sdianis who was murdered 6 half-brother Sdianis who was murdered 6 months later by Das II who suppressed months later by Das II who suppressed months later by Das II who suppressed the revolt I believe it is Teratukmme the revolt I believe it is Teratukmme the revolt I believe it is Teratukmme and I think he was a sat trap the revolt and I think he was a sat trap the revolt and I think he was a sat trap the revolt of Teratukmies by having him slain his of Teratukmies by having him slain his of Teratukmies by having him slain his wife cut into pieces and his mother wife cut into pieces and his mother wife cut into pieces and his mother brothers and sisters buried alive Das I brothers and sisters buried alive Das I brothers and sisters buried alive Das I Durant writes was followed by his son Durant writes was followed by his son Durant writes was followed by his son Ard Xerxes II who at the battle of Ard Xerxes II who at the battle of Ard Xerxes II who at the battle of Kunaka had to fight to the death his own Kunaka had to fight to the death his own Kunaka had to fight to the death his own brother the younger Cyrus when the youth brother the younger Cyrus when the youth brother the younger Cyrus when the youth tried to seize the royal power. Ard tried to seize the royal power. Ard tried to seize the royal power. Ard Xerxes II enjoyed a long reign killed Xerxes II enjoyed a long reign killed Xerxes II enjoyed a long reign killed his son Das for conspiracy and died of a his son Das for conspiracy and died of a his son Das for conspiracy and died of a broken heart on finding that another son broken heart on finding that another son broken heart on finding that another son Okus was planning to assassinate him.

Okus was planning to assassinate him. Okus was planning to assassinate him. Okus ruled for 20 years and was poisoned Okus ruled for 20 years and was poisoned Okus ruled for 20 years and was poisoned by his general Bagos. This iron livered by his general Bagos. This iron livered by his general Bagos. This iron livered Warwick, meaning Bagawas, placed Arces, Warwick, meaning Bagawas, placed Arces, Warwick, meaning Bagawas, placed Arces, son of Okus, on the throne, assassinated son of Okus, on the throne, assassinated son of Okus, on the throne, assassinated Arcy's brothers to make Arc secure, then Arcy's brothers to make Arc secure, then Arcy's brothers to make Arc secure, then assassinated Arcy's and his infant assassinated Arcy's and his infant assassinated Arcy's and his infant children, and gave the scepter to Cotto children, and gave the scepter to Cotto children, and gave the scepter to Cotto Manis, a safely affeminite friend. End Manis, a safely affeminite friend. End Manis, a safely affeminite friend. End quote. quote. quote. Okay, there's a lot wrong there, Okay, there's a lot wrong there, Okay, there's a lot wrong there, including the idea that Cotto Manis, the including the idea that Cotto Manis, the including the idea that Cotto Manis, the future Das III, was a safely effeminite future Das III, was a safely effeminite future Das III, was a safely effeminite friend, but you get the gist, right? I friend, but you get the gist, right? I friend, but you get the gist, right? I mean, when you need strong Persian mean, when you need strong Persian mean, when you need strong Persian leadership, you're not getting it. And leadership, you're not getting it. And leadership, you're not getting it. And this would be, as we had mentioned this would be, as we had mentioned this would be, as we had mentioned earlier, the systemic issues that were earlier, the systemic issues that were earlier, the systemic issues that were causing the Persian Empire problem. And causing the Persian Empire problem. And causing the Persian Empire problem. And if you want to look deeper into things, if you want to look deeper into things, if you want to look deeper into things, you'll note that Artis Xerxes III, who you'll note that Artis Xerxes III, who you'll note that Artis Xerxes III, who is going to be the first king that this is going to be the first king that this is going to be the first king that this Bagawist guy poisons, allegedly poisons, Bagawist guy poisons, allegedly poisons, Bagawist guy poisons, allegedly poisons, he's killed somehow. Um, Artiserxes III he's killed somehow. Um, Artiserxes III he's killed somehow. Um, Artiserxes III and Philip II, Alexander's dad were and Philip II, Alexander's dad were and Philip II, Alexander's dad were getting into it over things. And some getting into it over things. And some getting into it over things. And some people see that as sort of the spark people see that as sort of the spark people see that as sort of the spark that first, you know, gets this whole that first, you know, gets this whole that first, you know, gets this whole interest on Philip's part to invade the interest on Philip's part to invade the interest on Philip's part to invade the Persian Empire to begin with started.

Persian Empire to begin with started. Persian Empire to begin with started. This Bagawas character is fascinating. This Bagawas character is fascinating. This Bagawas character is fascinating. Um, and the Greeks found him fascinating Um, and the Greeks found him fascinating Um, and the Greeks found him fascinating too, but for more sort of purant too, but for more sort of purant too, but for more sort of purant reasons. Bagawas was supposedly a unic. reasons. Bagawas was supposedly a unic. reasons. Bagawas was supposedly a unic. And I say supposedly because Pierre Bant And I say supposedly because Pierre Bant And I say supposedly because Pierre Bant says that there's a Persian official says that there's a Persian official says that there's a Persian official title that for some reason the Greeks title that for some reason the Greeks title that for some reason the Greeks always translated to unic whether or not always translated to unic whether or not always translated to unic whether or not it reflected, you know, the physical it reflected, you know, the physical it reflected, you know, the physical traits of the person involved. So he may traits of the person involved. So he may traits of the person involved. So he may or may not have been physically altered. or may not have been physically altered. or may not have been physically altered. But um this Bagawas character sometimes But um this Bagawas character sometimes But um this Bagawas character sometimes described as a general or a vizier. Uh described as a general or a vizier. Uh described as a general or a vizier. Uh Keelarch I think was his official title. Keelarch I think was his official title. Keelarch I think was his official title. But he's someone around the king and But he's someone around the king and But he's someone around the king and according to the Greek sources he according to the Greek sources he according to the Greek sources he poisons multiple Persian kings. Ard poisons multiple Persian kings. Ard poisons multiple Persian kings. Ard Xerxes III then this Arsus guy he puts Xerxes III then this Arsus guy he puts Xerxes III then this Arsus guy he puts on the throne and he somehow manages to on the throne and he somehow manages to on the throne and he somehow manages to wipe out the whole royal line. So when wipe out the whole royal line. So when wipe out the whole royal line. So when he puts the last king on the throne, he he puts the last king on the throne, he he puts the last king on the throne, he has to sort of go away from the direct has to sort of go away from the direct has to sort of go away from the direct succession because he's already killed succession because he's already killed succession because he's already killed everybody in this direct succession. everybody in this direct succession. everybody in this direct succession. The view from more modern uh historians, The view from more modern uh historians, The view from more modern uh historians, especially people who focus on the especially people who focus on the especially people who focus on the akeids are that the focus on the the akeids are that the focus on the the akeids are that the focus on the the militant rogue unic as I think Diodoris militant rogue unic as I think Diodoris militant rogue unic as I think Diodoris referred to him is more because that referred to him is more because that referred to him is more because that corresponds with the prejudice and the corresponds with the prejudice and the corresponds with the prejudice and the bigotry and the stereotypes and bigotry and the stereotypes and bigotry and the stereotypes and everything that the Greek audience would everything that the Greek audience would everything that the Greek audience would have wanted to believe.

have wanted to believe. have wanted to believe. It's salacious. It's the same sort of It's salacious. It's the same sort of It's salacious. It's the same sort of thing that if you're a showrunner trying thing that if you're a showrunner trying thing that if you're a showrunner trying to do your Alexander movie and you go to to do your Alexander movie and you go to to do your Alexander movie and you go to the network, they're going to come back the network, they're going to come back the network, they're going to come back with some notes and one's going to be with some notes and one's going to be with some notes and one's going to be play up the fact that the Persian king's play up the fact that the Persian king's play up the fact that the Persian king's got a different wife for every day of got a different wife for every day of got a different wife for every day of the year and oh yeah, more of the the year and oh yeah, more of the the year and oh yeah, more of the militant rogue unic poisoner guy. We militant rogue unic poisoner guy. We militant rogue unic poisoner guy. We love that. People love that from, you love that. People love that from, you love that. People love that from, you know, this the time of Alexander on. know, this the time of Alexander on. know, this the time of Alexander on. I will say though that if this Bagawist I will say though that if this Bagawist I will say though that if this Bagawist guy really murdered two Persian kings, guy really murdered two Persian kings, guy really murdered two Persian kings, wiped out a bunch of the bloodline, and wiped out a bunch of the bloodline, and wiped out a bunch of the bloodline, and then of course, you know, in just such a then of course, you know, in just such a then of course, you know, in just such a wonderful ancient Greek like fashion, wonderful ancient Greek like fashion, wonderful ancient Greek like fashion, you have to love the way that they do you have to love the way that they do you have to love the way that they do stories, and there's always karmic stories, and there's always karmic stories, and there's always karmic justice involved or something. justice involved or something. justice involved or something. Bagawas meets his end by going to the Bagawas meets his end by going to the Bagawas meets his end by going to the well once too often and trying to kill well once too often and trying to kill well once too often and trying to kill yet another Persian king that he put on yet another Persian king that he put on yet another Persian king that he put on the throne. this Codto Manis guy, the the throne. this Codto Manis guy, the the throne. this Codto Manis guy, the future Das III, the guy who's going to future Das III, the guy who's going to future Das III, the guy who's going to face off against Alexander because he face off against Alexander because he face off against Alexander because he decides he doesn't like the fact that decides he doesn't like the fact that decides he doesn't like the fact that Das III's getting all, you know, Das III's getting all, you know, Das III's getting all, you know, uppidity and like he's the king and like uppidity and like he's the king and like uppidity and like he's the king and like he should be making decisions, so going he should be making decisions, so going he should be making decisions, so going to poison him too. And the Greek story to poison him too. And the Greek story to poison him too. And the Greek story is, of course, that Das III gets wind of is, of course, that Das III gets wind of is, of course, that Das III gets wind of this, pulls the old princess bride this, pulls the old princess bride this, pulls the old princess bride inconceivable switcheroo on him and says inconceivable switcheroo on him and says inconceivable switcheroo on him and says something like, "Here, have my cup and, something like, "Here, have my cup and, something like, "Here, have my cup and, you know, make a toast to me." which is you know, make a toast to me." which is you know, make a toast to me." which is not an optional thing in the court of not an optional thing in the court of not an optional thing in the court of the Persian king of kings. And so Bawas the Persian king of kings. And so Bawas the Persian king of kings. And so Bawas has to drink the cup of the poison that has to drink the cup of the poison that has to drink the cup of the poison that he intended to murder yet another he intended to murder yet another he intended to murder yet another Persian king with wonderful Greek end.

Persian king with wonderful Greek end. Persian king with wonderful Greek end. Who knows how the guy died, but try Who knows how the guy died, but try Who knows how the guy died, but try leaving him out of your story? If you leaving him out of your story? If you leaving him out of your story? If you leave him out of your story, how do you leave him out of your story, how do you leave him out of your story, how do you explain how Daras III gets on the explain how Daras III gets on the explain how Daras III gets on the throne? The bottom line though is, as we throne? The bottom line though is, as we throne? The bottom line though is, as we said, Das III's a newbie king just like said, Das III's a newbie king just like said, Das III's a newbie king just like Alexander, right? You don't have some Alexander, right? You don't have some Alexander, right? You don't have some guy like Artis Xerxes III or someone's guy like Artis Xerxes III or someone's guy like Artis Xerxes III or someone's been around a long time, knows all the been around a long time, knows all the been around a long time, knows all the levers of power. You have this guy, levers of power. You have this guy, levers of power. You have this guy, well, Durant calls him an effeminate well, Durant calls him an effeminate well, Durant calls him an effeminate person, which is just picking up the person, which is just picking up the person, which is just picking up the ancient Greek effeminate slur more than ancient Greek effeminate slur more than ancient Greek effeminate slur more than 2,000 years later and repeating it as 2,000 years later and repeating it as 2,000 years later and repeating it as though it's testable fact. when the though it's testable fact. when the though it's testable fact. when the modern day historians would point out modern day historians would point out modern day historians would point out this Cottomanis guy was likely the same this Cottomanis guy was likely the same this Cottomanis guy was likely the same person who when the Persians were person who when the Persians were person who when the Persians were challenged to a single combat duel in a challenged to a single combat duel in a challenged to a single combat duel in a battle with I think it's the Kardusians. battle with I think it's the Kardusians. battle with I think it's the Kardusians. Uh this is the guy who raised his hand Uh this is the guy who raised his hand Uh this is the guy who raised his hand and said he'll take on the Cardusian and said he'll take on the Cardusian and said he'll take on the Cardusian challenger uh in hand to hand combat and challenger uh in hand to hand combat and challenger uh in hand to hand combat and killed him and that the king noticed and killed him and that the king noticed and killed him and that the king noticed and that that'll get you rising up through that that'll get you rising up through that that'll get you rising up through the ranks and all that. also was a I the ranks and all that. also was a I the ranks and all that. also was a I mean his grandfather I guess was the mean his grandfather I guess was the mean his grandfather I guess was the king's brother so he's he may not be king's brother so he's he may not be king's brother so he's he may not be part of the direct line but despite the part of the direct line but despite the part of the direct line but despite the fact that Alexander will claim this is fact that Alexander will claim this is fact that Alexander will claim this is an illegitimate king because he's not an illegitimate king because he's not an illegitimate king because he's not from the direct line most historians of from the direct line most historians of from the direct line most historians of the king and the Persian Empire say he's the king and the Persian Empire say he's the king and the Persian Empire say he's just fine in terms of legitimacy but just fine in terms of legitimacy but just fine in terms of legitimacy but remember Alexander's got a real interest remember Alexander's got a real interest remember Alexander's got a real interest in taring and feathering this guy's in taring and feathering this guy's in taring and feathering this guy's reputation questioning his legitimacy reputation questioning his legitimacy reputation questioning his legitimacy for all time and in 1935 the great Will for all time and in 1935 the great Will for all time and in 1935 the great Will Durant is still spewing some of the Durant is still spewing some of the Durant is still spewing some of the propaganda that Alexander is still propaganda that Alexander is still propaganda that Alexander is still getting great mileage out of that this

getting great mileage out of that this getting great mileage out of that this guy is an affeminite ruler that doesn't guy is an affeminite ruler that doesn't guy is an affeminite ruler that doesn't belong on the throne. And by the way, belong on the throne. And by the way, belong on the throne. And by the way, Alexander also says that the Persian Alexander also says that the Persian Alexander also says that the Persian king, whether this one or his um king, whether this one or his um king, whether this one or his um predecessors, had a hand in his father's predecessors, had a hand in his father's predecessors, had a hand in his father's assassination, too, which by the way, assassination, too, which by the way, assassination, too, which by the way, all I'm going to say is if I'm a Persian all I'm going to say is if I'm a Persian all I'm going to say is if I'm a Persian patriot, and that's true, well, that's patriot, and that's true, well, that's patriot, and that's true, well, that's what I would expect my government to do. what I would expect my government to do. what I would expect my government to do. They've they've had a a They've they've had a a They've they've had a a multi-generational long geopolitical multi-generational long geopolitical multi-generational long geopolitical policy of keeping the Greeks from policy of keeping the Greeks from policy of keeping the Greeks from uniting cuz that's dangerous for Persia. uniting cuz that's dangerous for Persia. uniting cuz that's dangerous for Persia. And it's been working great cuz you And it's been working great cuz you And it's been working great cuz you probably don't even have to pay money to probably don't even have to pay money to probably don't even have to pay money to get the Greeks fighting each other. But get the Greeks fighting each other. But get the Greeks fighting each other. But you pay a lot of good gold. It's working you pay a lot of good gold. It's working you pay a lot of good gold. It's working out perfectly until somebody Alexander's out perfectly until somebody Alexander's out perfectly until somebody Alexander's dad unites the Greeks against their dad unites the Greeks against their dad unites the Greeks against their will, screwing up your whole, you know, will, screwing up your whole, you know, will, screwing up your whole, you know, disunityity policy and then going to disunityity policy and then going to disunityity policy and then going to come after you, a once in a generation come after you, a once in a generation come after you, a once in a generation or even more rare individual. What do or even more rare individual. What do or even more rare individual. What do you do with a guy like that? You get rid you do with a guy like that? You get rid you do with a guy like that? You get rid of him. What would the mafia do? You of him. What would the mafia do? You of him. What would the mafia do? You kill him. So, if the Persians were kill him. So, if the Persians were kill him. So, if the Persians were involved in Philip II's murder, as I involved in Philip II's murder, as I involved in Philip II's murder, as I believe we said in the last installment believe we said in the last installment believe we said in the last installment of the show, that's probably just smart.

of the show, that's probably just smart. of the show, that's probably just smart. That's just playing the odds. And what That's just playing the odds. And what That's just playing the odds. And what are the odds that you're going to are the odds that you're going to are the odds that you're going to replace the greatest man of his, you replace the greatest man of his, you replace the greatest man of his, you know, time and place with somebody even know, time and place with somebody even know, time and place with somebody even more historically significant, right? more historically significant, right? more historically significant, right? Sometimes you play the odds and lose. Sometimes you play the odds and lose. Sometimes you play the odds and lose. So this Das III though is on the throne So this Das III though is on the throne So this Das III though is on the throne when Alexander shows up in Persia. He when Alexander shows up in Persia. He when Alexander shows up in Persia. He may have been quelling revolts in may have been quelling revolts in may have been quelling revolts in Babylon and Egypt that erupted when he Babylon and Egypt that erupted when he Babylon and Egypt that erupted when he took the throne, which as I said is took the throne, which as I said is took the throne, which as I said is still relatively recently. still relatively recently. still relatively recently. Don't be surprised by the revolt in Don't be surprised by the revolt in Don't be surprised by the revolt in Egypt either. Egypt's one of the classic Egypt either. Egypt's one of the classic Egypt either. Egypt's one of the classic places that is hard to hold on to if you places that is hard to hold on to if you places that is hard to hold on to if you conquer it. conquer it. conquer it. In wargaming during the TMIC period, In wargaming during the TMIC period, In wargaming during the TMIC period, they actually had a troop type and you they actually had a troop type and you they actually had a troop type and you could paint up a group of miniature could paint up a group of miniature could paint up a group of miniature figures to represent them on the figures to represent them on the figures to represent them on the battlefield called the Egyptian mob battlefield called the Egyptian mob battlefield called the Egyptian mob because there was a always rebelling and because there was a always rebelling and because there was a always rebelling and revolts and protests and riots in the revolts and protests and riots in the revolts and protests and riots in the cities. cities. cities. Das III is supposed to be in his mid-4s Das III is supposed to be in his mid-4s Das III is supposed to be in his mid-4s and of course he's facing a guy who, if and of course he's facing a guy who, if and of course he's facing a guy who, if he's not 22 yet, is just about to be.

I feel like I'm doing a sporting event I feel like I'm doing a sporting event broadcast like a boxing telecast or broadcast like a boxing telecast or broadcast like a boxing telecast or something and we're talking about how something and we're talking about how something and we're talking about how the two sides match up and we just did the two sides match up and we just did the two sides match up and we just did the pregame part where they always do the pregame part where they always do the pregame part where they always do sort of the backstory on the opponent. sort of the backstory on the opponent. sort of the backstory on the opponent. You know, explain, you know, their their You know, explain, you know, their their You know, explain, you know, their their history and their upbringing and their history and their upbringing and their history and their upbringing and their training and how they got to this point, training and how they got to this point, training and how they got to this point, right? So, now we've set up the right? So, now we've set up the right? So, now we've set up the Persians. I suppose we would move from something I suppose we would move from something like that to the tail of the tape and like that to the tail of the tape and like that to the tail of the tape and sort of lay out the two sides, which is sort of lay out the two sides, which is sort of lay out the two sides, which is easier for the Macedonian side than the easier for the Macedonian side than the easier for the Macedonian side than the Persian side because we're in one of Persian side because we're in one of Persian side because we're in one of those rare circumstances where you kind those rare circumstances where you kind those rare circumstances where you kind of have a pretty decent handle on at of have a pretty decent handle on at of have a pretty decent handle on at least the potential range of an army least the potential range of an army least the potential range of an army size here. And I know that seems like a size here. And I know that seems like a size here. And I know that seems like a very low bar to clear, but numbers in very low bar to clear, but numbers in very low bar to clear, but numbers in ancient warfare are well, if you'll ancient warfare are well, if you'll ancient warfare are well, if you'll pardon the pun, historically pardon the pun, historically pardon the pun, historically um crazy. Might might even be a good way um crazy. Might might even be a good way um crazy. Might might even be a good way to portray it. And we'll see some of to portray it. And we'll see some of to portray it. And we'll see some of that on the Persian side. Sometimes they that on the Persian side. Sometimes they that on the Persian side. Sometimes they just get insane.

just get insane. just get insane. But Alexanders are pretty well attested But Alexanders are pretty well attested But Alexanders are pretty well attested to even if we don't know the right to even if we don't know the right to even if we don't know the right number, right? We know a range. The important thing to remember uh with The important thing to remember uh with these numbers right now is that all these numbers right now is that all these numbers right now is that all these people need to be fed. All of them these people need to be fed. All of them these people need to be fed. All of them need to be provided with water. Most of need to be provided with water. Most of need to be provided with water. Most of them need to be paid. And the ancient them need to be paid. And the ancient them need to be paid. And the ancient sources are pretty clear that Alexander sources are pretty clear that Alexander sources are pretty clear that Alexander is running on near empty financially is running on near empty financially is running on near empty financially speaking. Maybe has about two weeks speaking. Maybe has about two weeks speaking. Maybe has about two weeks worth of payments for his troops. And worth of payments for his troops. And worth of payments for his troops. And then what? So this is going to heavily then what? So this is going to heavily then what? So this is going to heavily influence, influence, influence, you know, the way this whole thing is you know, the way this whole thing is you know, the way this whole thing is approached. and maybe approached. and maybe approached. and maybe um if you believe the traditional way um if you believe the traditional way um if you believe the traditional way this history is told um although it this history is told um although it this history is told um although it makes sense maybe show us a potential makes sense maybe show us a potential makes sense maybe show us a potential missed opportunity here for the Persian missed opportunity here for the Persian missed opportunity here for the Persian Empire to have destroyed this Empire to have destroyed this Empire to have destroyed this Alexandrian invasion Alexandrian invasion Alexandrian invasion um you know in the cradle um you know in the cradle um you know in the cradle in the case of Alexander's numbers in the case of Alexander's numbers in the case of Alexander's numbers um we should point out that there are um we should point out that there are um we should point out that there are troops left behind in Macedonia and troops left behind in Macedonia and troops left behind in Macedonia and Greece Alexander can proclaim all day Greece Alexander can proclaim all day Greece Alexander can proclaim all day long in the propaganda that he's some long in the propaganda that he's some long in the propaganda that he's some elected leader of a united Greek league, elected leader of a united Greek league, elected leader of a united Greek league, you know, where everybody is a sort of you know, where everybody is a sort of you know, where everybody is a sort of on the same team, but the number of on the same team, but the number of on the same team, but the number of troops he's going to leave behind with troops he's going to leave behind with troops he's going to leave behind with Antiper, by the way, uh in charge of Antiper, by the way, uh in charge of Antiper, by the way, uh in charge of things uh sort of shows his real things uh sort of shows his real things uh sort of shows his real feelings. He doesn't trust them at all.

feelings. He doesn't trust them at all. feelings. He doesn't trust them at all. And we should point out that this is in And we should point out that this is in And we should point out that this is in addition to the fact that he has with addition to the fact that he has with addition to the fact that he has with him quite a few Greek troops. him quite a few Greek troops. him quite a few Greek troops. And this is a classic practice in the And this is a classic practice in the And this is a classic practice in the ancient world. And sometimes it's ancient world. And sometimes it's ancient world. And sometimes it's because those troops can be very because those troops can be very because those troops can be very valuable. But other times it's because valuable. But other times it's because valuable. But other times it's because their value lies less in what they can their value lies less in what they can their value lies less in what they can do on the battlefield than the fact that do on the battlefield than the fact that do on the battlefield than the fact that they're for all intents and purposes they're for all intents and purposes they're for all intents and purposes hostages. hostages. hostages. I mean, if I have 2,000 Athenians with I mean, if I have 2,000 Athenians with I mean, if I have 2,000 Athenians with me, for example, and Athens decides to me, for example, and Athens decides to me, for example, and Athens decides to get rebellious while I'm far away from get rebellious while I'm far away from get rebellious while I'm far away from home, I have 2,000 of their people with home, I have 2,000 of their people with home, I have 2,000 of their people with me. me. me. So, it's not Alexander who makes up this So, it's not Alexander who makes up this So, it's not Alexander who makes up this practice. That's pretty age-old. But the practice. That's pretty age-old. But the practice. That's pretty age-old. But the idea that even with a bunch of the sons idea that even with a bunch of the sons idea that even with a bunch of the sons of a bunch of these Greek citystates of a bunch of these Greek citystates of a bunch of these Greek citystates with him in his power, he still thinks with him in his power, he still thinks with him in his power, he still thinks they might rebel and has to leave they might rebel and has to leave they might rebel and has to leave something like 12,000 or more troops something like 12,000 or more troops something like 12,000 or more troops with Antiper back home. with Antiper back home. with Antiper back home. We also have to recall that there was an We also have to recall that there was an We also have to recall that there was an advanced force already there, the beach advanced force already there, the beach advanced force already there, the beach head force with Palmin. So that gets head force with Palmin. So that gets head force with Palmin. So that gets added to the total uh which you'll see added to the total uh which you'll see added to the total uh which you'll see in different places calculated in different places calculated in different places calculated differently. I like the way historian differently. I like the way historian differently. I like the way historian Ian Worthington in his book by the spear Ian Worthington in his book by the spear Ian Worthington in his book by the spear does it and uh Worthington also reminds does it and uh Worthington also reminds does it and uh Worthington also reminds us of how many people besides the sheer us of how many people besides the sheer us of how many people besides the sheer number of soldiers are going to be number of soldiers are going to be number of soldiers are going to be involved in this thing and even more in involved in this thing and even more in involved in this thing and even more in Alexander's case because like Napoleon Alexander's case because like Napoleon Alexander's case because like Napoleon after him he's kind of going to an after him he's kind of going to an after him he's kind of going to an exotic little known part of the world so

exotic little known part of the world so exotic little known part of the world so he's bringing like map makers and he's bringing like map makers and he's bringing like map makers and geographers he's bringing his own geographers he's bringing his own geographers he's bringing his own historian at least one Kalistan who's historian at least one Kalistan who's historian at least one Kalistan who's going to be the fountain head for a lot going to be the fountain head for a lot going to be the fountain head for a lot of our It's interesting calling Plutarch of our It's interesting calling Plutarch of our It's interesting calling Plutarch and Aryan and Diodor Siculus secondary and Aryan and Diodor Siculus secondary and Aryan and Diodor Siculus secondary sources, but they kind of are. And sources, but they kind of are. And sources, but they kind of are. And Kalistanes is ground zero for a bunch of Kalistanes is ground zero for a bunch of Kalistanes is ground zero for a bunch of these things. So Alexander has his own these things. So Alexander has his own these things. So Alexander has his own historian to tell his own history, his historian to tell his own history, his historian to tell his own history, his own way. He's got his own sculptor, you own way. He's got his own sculptor, you own way. He's got his own sculptor, you know, who he likes the way he makes know, who he likes the way he makes know, who he likes the way he makes Alexander look. I mean, it's a lot of Alexander look. I mean, it's a lot of Alexander look. I mean, it's a lot of that, but it's even more people, more that, but it's even more people, more that, but it's even more people, more people that have to be paid, fed, people that have to be paid, fed, people that have to be paid, fed, watered, the whole thing, right? watered, the whole thing, right? watered, the whole thing, right? Sheltered. Sheltered. Sheltered. And Ian Worthington in By the Spear And Ian Worthington in By the Spear And Ian Worthington in By the Spear writes, quote, writes, quote, writes, quote, Alexander commanded a mixture of Alexander commanded a mixture of Alexander commanded a mixture of Macedonian and allied general and Macedonian and allied general and Macedonian and allied general and specialist troops, including Macedonian specialist troops, including Macedonian specialist troops, including Macedonian hypaspists, the elite shieldbearers, and hypaspists, the elite shieldbearers, and hypaspists, the elite shieldbearers, and companion cavalry, Thealian cavalry, companion cavalry, Thealian cavalry, companion cavalry, Thealian cavalry, Thrian and Agranian javelin men, and Thrian and Agranian javelin men, and Thrian and Agranian javelin men, and general mercenaries. The actual size of general mercenaries. The actual size of general mercenaries. The actual size of his invading army, Worthington writes, his invading army, Worthington writes, his invading army, Worthington writes, is unknown because of variations in the is unknown because of variations in the is unknown because of variations in the ancient sources which put it anywhere ancient sources which put it anywhere ancient sources which put it anywhere from 30,000 infantry and 5,000 cavalry from 30,000 infantry and 5,000 cavalry from 30,000 infantry and 5,000 cavalry to 43,000 infantry and 5,500 cavalry.

to 43,000 infantry and 5,500 cavalry. to 43,000 infantry and 5,500 cavalry. The Macedonian infantry probably The Macedonian infantry probably The Macedonian infantry probably numbered 12,000 based on Diodoris's numbered 12,000 based on Diodoris's numbered 12,000 based on Diodoris's statement that Alexander left Antiper statement that Alexander left Antiper statement that Alexander left Antiper with the same number of Macedonian with the same number of Macedonian with the same number of Macedonian troops in Greece. We also need to take troops in Greece. We also need to take troops in Greece. We also need to take into account the non-military personnel into account the non-military personnel into account the non-military personnel needed to maintain, equip, and feed his needed to maintain, equip, and feed his needed to maintain, equip, and feed his army. Cooks, doctors, engineers, army. Cooks, doctors, engineers, army. Cooks, doctors, engineers, blacksmiths, carpenters, priests, and blacksmiths, carpenters, priests, and blacksmiths, carpenters, priests, and even artists and entertainers. In even artists and entertainers. In even artists and entertainers. In addition, there was a fleet of more than addition, there was a fleet of more than addition, there was a fleet of more than 160 warships and transport vessels. 160 warships and transport vessels. 160 warships and transport vessels. Finally, the vanguard force that Philip Finally, the vanguard force that Philip Finally, the vanguard force that Philip had sent to Asia in 336 was still there had sent to Asia in 336 was still there had sent to Asia in 336 was still there and comprised as many as 10,000 troops and comprised as many as 10,000 troops and comprised as many as 10,000 troops under Pmeno. End quote. under Pmeno. End quote. under Pmeno. End quote. So, if we add Pinio's 10,000 troops to So, if we add Pinio's 10,000 troops to So, if we add Pinio's 10,000 troops to the totals, we get a low for Alexander's the totals, we get a low for Alexander's the totals, we get a low for Alexander's army of 45,000 men and a high of 58,500. army of 45,000 men and a high of 58,500. army of 45,000 men and a high of 58,500. These numbers are extra important in These numbers are extra important in These numbers are extra important in this era because he will only get this era because he will only get this era because he will only get intermittent replacements intermittent replacements intermittent replacements um to fill the ranks from people he um to fill the ranks from people he um to fill the ranks from people he lost, right? There'll be some famous lost, right? There'll be some famous lost, right? There'll be some famous periods where they'll, you know, periods where they'll, you know, periods where they'll, you know, reinforcements will show up from reinforcements will show up from reinforcements will show up from Macedonia or what have you. But by and Macedonia or what have you. But by and Macedonia or what have you. But by and large, if things start getting large, if things start getting large, if things start getting whittleled down here, uh they get whittleled down here, uh they get whittleled down here, uh they get whittleled down and certain troops, I whittleled down and certain troops, I whittleled down and certain troops, I mean, uh you know, think about the value mean, uh you know, think about the value mean, uh you know, think about the value already of one of Alexander's veteran already of one of Alexander's veteran already of one of Alexander's veteran pikemen. I mean you these people even if pikemen. I mean you these people even if pikemen. I mean you these people even if you could find local replacements are you could find local replacements are you could find local replacements are irreplaceable irreplaceable irreplaceable and the officer corps of even more so to

and the officer corps of even more so to and the officer corps of even more so to get an idea of size by the way for scope get an idea of size by the way for scope get an idea of size by the way for scope and scale I mean Alexander's armies this and scale I mean Alexander's armies this and scale I mean Alexander's armies this is a big army in in history in terms of is a big army in in history in terms of is a big army in in history in terms of size even for lots of later periods size even for lots of later periods size even for lots of later periods which always blows me away which always blows me away which always blows me away you know I was looking at some of the you know I was looking at some of the you know I was looking at some of the armies from the high middle ages uh look armies from the high middle ages uh look armies from the high middle ages uh look at the battle of Azenor right it's so at the battle of Azenor right it's so at the battle of Azenor right it's so famous some people talked about how famous some people talked about how famous some people talked about how pivotal it is very arguable but one pivotal it is very arguable but one pivotal it is very arguable but one those hundred years war battles with, those hundred years war battles with, those hundred years war battles with, you know, Long Bowman on the English you know, Long Bowman on the English you know, Long Bowman on the English side and French knights and all that. If side and French knights and all that. If side and French knights and all that. If you look at the highest numbers you can you look at the highest numbers you can you look at the highest numbers you can come up with for that battle, including come up with for that battle, including come up with for that battle, including um using the armed servants of the um using the armed servants of the um using the armed servants of the knights as as soldier numbers, I mean knights as as soldier numbers, I mean knights as as soldier numbers, I mean you could get to what like 25,000 you could get to what like 25,000 you could get to what like 25,000 French, 8,100 English. I mean that's French, 8,100 English. I mean that's French, 8,100 English. I mean that's Alexander's army is easily the size of Alexander's army is easily the size of Alexander's army is easily the size of both of those armies put together, both of those armies put together, both of those armies put together, right? the size of both armies at Azenor right? the size of both armies at Azenor right? the size of both armies at Azenor and probably more. And we should recall and probably more. And we should recall and probably more. And we should recall that he's probably going to be running that he's probably going to be running that he's probably going to be running into Persian armies that are larger than into Persian armies that are larger than into Persian armies that are larger than his. So, uh, welcome to the ancient his. So, uh, welcome to the ancient his. So, uh, welcome to the ancient world. It's sometimes mind-boggling.

Now, the Persian armies that Alexander Now, the Persian armies that Alexander is going to face, well, I mean, you're is going to face, well, I mean, you're is going to face, well, I mean, you're going to miss the specificity of 45,000 going to miss the specificity of 45,000 going to miss the specificity of 45,000 to 58,500 because no one has any idea to 58,500 because no one has any idea to 58,500 because no one has any idea what the size of the Persian armies are. what the size of the Persian armies are. what the size of the Persian armies are. Traditionally, they're insane. And the Traditionally, they're insane. And the Traditionally, they're insane. And the tradition by the way of of insanely tradition by the way of of insanely tradition by the way of of insanely sized Persian armies goes back to the sized Persian armies goes back to the sized Persian armies goes back to the very beginning right in the ancient very beginning right in the ancient very beginning right in the ancient Greeks and continues [clears throat] Greeks and continues [clears throat] Greeks and continues [clears throat] well I mean the middle 1930s will Durant well I mean the middle 1930s will Durant well I mean the middle 1930s will Durant was taking it totally seriously was taking it totally seriously was taking it totally seriously and there's a lot of I guess historical and there's a lot of I guess historical and there's a lot of I guess historical inertia might be a good way to put it inertia might be a good way to put it inertia might be a good way to put it right a sort of historical tradition the right a sort of historical tradition the right a sort of historical tradition the historical tradition of these historical tradition of these historical tradition of these innumerable Persian armies is so strong innumerable Persian armies is so strong innumerable Persian armies is so strong that I was reading you know some of the that I was reading you know some of the that I was reading you know some of the histories the secondary well modern day histories the secondary well modern day histories the secondary well modern day secondary sources And you know they some secondary sources And you know they some secondary sources And you know they some historians will gently chide their you historians will gently chide their you historians will gently chide their you know contemporaries because they won't know contemporaries because they won't know contemporaries because they won't lower the Persian numbers even more lower the Persian numbers even more lower the Persian numbers even more because there's such resistance to it because there's such resistance to it because there's such resistance to it because the idea has sort of endured for because the idea has sort of endured for because the idea has sort of endured for so long. And it explains a lot though if so long. And it explains a lot though if so long. And it explains a lot though if you're one of the Greek writers writing you're one of the Greek writers writing you're one of the Greek writers writing about this and of course you want to about this and of course you want to about this and of course you want to make this look like some fantastic make this look like some fantastic make this look like some fantastic conquest of the barbarian the debaseed conquest of the barbarian the debaseed conquest of the barbarian the debaseed you know silk slippers downstairs eating you know silk slippers downstairs eating you know silk slippers downstairs eating grapes unix and you know the whole thing grapes unix and you know the whole thing grapes unix and you know the whole thing well where's the you know heroism in well where's the you know heroism in well where's the you know heroism in that right that's like an NFL team that right that's like an NFL team that right that's like an NFL team beating a high school team and spiking beating a high school team and spiking beating a high school team and spiking the football right and doing throat the football right and doing throat the football right and doing throat slashing gestures it's got to be slashing gestures it's got to be slashing gestures it's got to be something a little bit more, you know, something a little bit more, you know, something a little bit more, you know, awesome to have achieved. So, how do you awesome to have achieved. So, how do you awesome to have achieved. So, how do you compensate for that? You just substitute

compensate for that? You just substitute compensate for that? You just substitute quantity for quality, right? They're not quantity for quality, right? They're not quantity for quality, right? They're not a good army, but there's bazillions of a good army, but there's bazillions of a good army, but there's bazillions of them. And that goes back to the I mean, them. And that goes back to the I mean, them. And that goes back to the I mean, Herodotus was talking about millionman Herodotus was talking about millionman Herodotus was talking about millionman Persian armies invading Greece during Persian armies invading Greece during Persian armies invading Greece during the original Persian wars and the 480s the original Persian wars and the 480s the original Persian wars and the 480s and, you know, Spartans, thermopoly, all and, you know, Spartans, thermopoly, all and, you know, Spartans, thermopoly, all that. That's a million man army. that. That's a million man army. that. That's a million man army. Shoots its arrows and it blotss out the Shoots its arrows and it blotss out the Shoots its arrows and it blotss out the sun. It drinks whole rivers dry. sun. It drinks whole rivers dry. sun. It drinks whole rivers dry. remember the stories remember the stories remember the stories and to show you how long they persisted. and to show you how long they persisted. and to show you how long they persisted. I mean, the great Hans Delb Brookke, I mean, the great Hans Delb Brookke, I mean, the great Hans Delb Brookke, German historian from 100 to 130 years German historian from 100 to 130 years German historian from 100 to 130 years ago whenever he was writing some of this ago whenever he was writing some of this ago whenever he was writing some of this stuff. I mean, he made his name taking stuff. I mean, he made his name taking stuff. I mean, he made his name taking needles and popping balloons of his needles and popping balloons of his needles and popping balloons of his contemporary historians who bought into contemporary historians who bought into contemporary historians who bought into these numbers. I mean, one of them, and these numbers. I mean, one of them, and these numbers. I mean, one of them, and he he takes him on in one of the books I he he takes him on in one of the books I he he takes him on in one of the books I have u sort of like publicly was have u sort of like publicly was have u sort of like publicly was believing the idea that the Persians had believing the idea that the Persians had believing the idea that the Persians had a 2,100,000man a 2,100,000man a 2,100,000man army that invaded Greece, you know, army that invaded Greece, you know, army that invaded Greece, you know, during the original Persian wars. And during the original Persian wars. And during the original Persian wars. And Dell Brookke just said, "You're crazy." Dell Brookke just said, "You're crazy." Dell Brookke just said, "You're crazy." Remember Dell Brook is, unless he's Remember Dell Brook is, unless he's Remember Dell Brook is, unless he's talking about German history where he talking about German history where he talking about German history where he goes completely crazy, um, you know, goes completely crazy, um, you know, goes completely crazy, um, you know, with romanticism and nationalism, with romanticism and nationalism, with romanticism and nationalism, everything else, he's just so freaking everything else, he's just so freaking everything else, he's just so freaking logical and he's a military historian logical and he's a military historian logical and he's a military historian for a military academy and uses his for a military academy and uses his for a military academy and uses his cadetses for experiments. I mean, he cadetses for experiments. I mean, he cadetses for experiments. I mean, he said to this other historian, "If your said to this other historian, "If your said to this other historian, "If your calculations are right, the Persian calculations are right, the Persian calculations are right, the Persian column is going to stretch from Damascus column is going to stretch from Damascus column is going to stretch from Damascus to Berlin."

to Berlin." to Berlin." By the time the front of the column, he By the time the front of the column, he By the time the front of the column, he says, reaches the Battle of Thermopoly, says, reaches the Battle of Thermopoly, says, reaches the Battle of Thermopoly, the rear of the column will still be the rear of the column will still be the rear of the column will still be leaving the base in modern day Turkey at leaving the base in modern day Turkey at leaving the base in modern day Turkey at Sardis. Sardis. Sardis. Okay. Well, hard to argue with that. But Okay. Well, hard to argue with that. But Okay. Well, hard to argue with that. But a better argument is made by guys like a better argument is made by guys like a better argument is made by guys like the late great historian from New the late great historian from New the late great historian from New Zealand, George Cockwell. Uh an expert Zealand, George Cockwell. Uh an expert Zealand, George Cockwell. Uh an expert of the period wrote the Greek wars, the of the period wrote the Greek wars, the of the period wrote the Greek wars, the failure of Persia. failure of Persia. failure of Persia. And he gave really good reasons why you And he gave really good reasons why you And he gave really good reasons why you just wouldn't want these massive armies just wouldn't want these massive armies just wouldn't want these massive armies the Persians are supposed to have had. the Persians are supposed to have had. the Persians are supposed to have had. And he said, quote, "The bigger the And he said, quote, "The bigger the And he said, quote, "The bigger the army, the more cumbersous its movement army, the more cumbersous its movement army, the more cumbersous its movement and less maneuverable its fighting and less maneuverable its fighting and less maneuverable its fighting troops. Thus, there were powerful troops. Thus, there were powerful troops. Thus, there were powerful disincentives to fielding armies of disincentives to fielding armies of disincentives to fielding armies of immense size. And it may be postulated immense size. And it may be postulated immense size. And it may be postulated that no matter how large the resources that no matter how large the resources that no matter how large the resources in manpower of a state, the requirements in manpower of a state, the requirements in manpower of a state, the requirements of supply and maneuverability impose of supply and maneuverability impose of supply and maneuverability impose their own restraints. their own restraints. their own restraints. End quote. And this is a key point End quote. And this is a key point End quote. And this is a key point because the logical thinking here would because the logical thinking here would because the logical thinking here would seem to indicate that more is better. If seem to indicate that more is better. If seem to indicate that more is better. If the Greeks are going to bring 50,000 the Greeks are going to bring 50,000 the Greeks are going to bring 50,000 guys, for example, to fight the guys, for example, to fight the guys, for example, to fight the Persians, the Persians should just raise Persians, the Persians should just raise Persians, the Persians should just raise an army of 500,000 guys and crush them, an army of 500,000 guys and crush them, an army of 500,000 guys and crush them, right? That would seem logical except right? That would seem logical except right? That would seem logical except they're hard to maneuver. They're hard they're hard to maneuver. They're hard they're hard to maneuver. They're hard to feed and to provide other supplies to feed and to provide other supplies to feed and to provide other supplies and and needs for. And when you get and and needs for. And when you get and and needs for. And when you get really large numbers of people together really large numbers of people together really large numbers of people together with ancient sanitation, with ancient sanitation, with ancient sanitation, the problem starts to develop of the problem starts to develop of the problem starts to develop of providing a wonderful breeding ground providing a wonderful breeding ground providing a wonderful breeding ground for things like plagues and illnesses.

for things like plagues and illnesses. for things like plagues and illnesses. And there are numerous accounts of this And there are numerous accounts of this And there are numerous accounts of this happening to armies in the ancient happening to armies in the ancient happening to armies in the ancient world, especially during sieges. world, especially during sieges. world, especially during sieges. So in trying to create enough people to So in trying to create enough people to So in trying to create enough people to swamp your enemy if you're the great swamp your enemy if you're the great swamp your enemy if you're the great king, you could inadvertently sew the king, you could inadvertently sew the king, you could inadvertently sew the seeds of your own destruction by seeds of your own destruction by seeds of your own destruction by creating a wonderful breeding ground for creating a wonderful breeding ground for creating a wonderful breeding ground for pathogens, right? pathogens, right? pathogens, right? And that's not even to mention what you And that's not even to mention what you And that's not even to mention what you would do to the local area in terms of would do to the local area in terms of would do to the local area in terms of denuding everything it had in terms of denuding everything it had in terms of denuding everything it had in terms of food and resources to feed an army of food and resources to feed an army of food and resources to feed an army of such a size. But this is why modern such a size. But this is why modern such a size. But this is why modern militaries don't walk around in 500,000 militaries don't walk around in 500,000 militaries don't walk around in 500,000 or [clears throat] millionman or [clears throat] millionman or [clears throat] millionman armies, right? We break them up into armies, right? We break them up into armies, right? We break them up into modern elements, right? Divisions, modern elements, right? Divisions, modern elements, right? Divisions, things like that, self-contained things like that, self-contained things like that, self-contained elements that can, you know, work elements that can, you know, work elements that can, you know, work together but are sort of, you know, kept together but are sort of, you know, kept together but are sort of, you know, kept apart separately. apart separately. apart separately. And they did that apparently in the And they did that apparently in the And they did that apparently in the ancient world, too. They realized, you ancient world, too. They realized, you ancient world, too. They realized, you know, how best to move large numbers of know, how best to move large numbers of know, how best to move large numbers of troops. So the best thing to say about troops. So the best thing to say about troops. So the best thing to say about this is it's clear that the Persian army this is it's clear that the Persian army this is it's clear that the Persian army numbers are crazy and they'll be crazy numbers are crazy and they'll be crazy numbers are crazy and they'll be crazy in this war with Alexander 2. So we know in this war with Alexander 2. So we know in this war with Alexander 2. So we know those aren't true. What you don't know those aren't true. What you don't know those aren't true. What you don't know is what is true, right? You have no idea is what is true, right? You have no idea is what is true, right? You have no idea the size of these Persian armies. What the size of these Persian armies. What the size of these Persian armies. What we're going to do in this story is, you we're going to do in this story is, you we're going to do in this story is, you know, sort of quote some of the ancient know, sort of quote some of the ancient know, sort of quote some of the ancient sources and what they're saying and sources and what they're saying and sources and what they're saying and then, you know, roll our eyes a little then, you know, roll our eyes a little then, you know, roll our eyes a little bit at it and talk a little bit about it bit at it and talk a little bit about it bit at it and talk a little bit about it at the time maybe. Um, worth pointing at the time maybe. Um, worth pointing at the time maybe. Um, worth pointing out a few things though about I mean, out a few things though about I mean, out a few things though about I mean, it's like the tale of the tape, by the it's like the tale of the tape, by the it's like the tale of the tape, by the way, what we're doing here. Basically, way, what we're doing here. Basically, way, what we're doing here. Basically, we're we set up Alexander, we're setting we're we set up Alexander, we're setting we're we set up Alexander, we're setting up the opponent, uh, and then these two up the opponent, uh, and then these two up the opponent, uh, and then these two are going to fight for a long time. Uh, are going to fight for a long time. Uh, are going to fight for a long time. Uh, the Persian armies are, needless to say,

the Persian armies are, needless to say, the Persian armies are, needless to say, different. Uh, Adrien Goldsworthy says, different. Uh, Adrien Goldsworthy says, different. Uh, Adrien Goldsworthy says, I'm not sure I I buy it 100%, but he I'm not sure I I buy it 100%, but he I'm not sure I I buy it 100%, but he said that, um, every Persian army is said that, um, every Persian army is said that, um, every Persian army is unique. So, Alexander's been fighting unique. So, Alexander's been fighting unique. So, Alexander's been fighting with the same guys for a long time. We with the same guys for a long time. We with the same guys for a long time. We talked about welloiled machines and all talked about welloiled machines and all talked about welloiled machines and all that stuff. Persian armies are raised as that stuff. Persian armies are raised as that stuff. Persian armies are raised as needed. So, I see his point here. But needed. So, I see his point here. But needed. So, I see his point here. But but the Persians also follow in a long but the Persians also follow in a long but the Persians also follow in a long uh line of empires and dynasties and and uh line of empires and dynasties and and uh line of empires and dynasties and and kingdoms like the Assyrians and the Neo kingdoms like the Assyrians and the Neo kingdoms like the Assyrians and the Neo Babylonians and all that who had a very Babylonians and all that who had a very Babylonians and all that who had a very interesting system where they'd have a interesting system where they'd have a interesting system where they'd have a core of sort of professional troops, the core of sort of professional troops, the core of sort of professional troops, the really good elite people that walked really good elite people that walked really good elite people that walked around with the king. They'd often call around with the king. They'd often call around with the king. They'd often call them the guard and the royal guard and them the guard and the royal guard and them the guard and the royal guard and all that, but they'd provide the core of all that, but they'd provide the core of all that, but they'd provide the core of armies that would then be supplemented armies that would then be supplemented armies that would then be supplemented by locals, you know, in whatever area by locals, you know, in whatever area by locals, you know, in whatever area they were fighting. And the Persians do they were fighting. And the Persians do they were fighting. And the Persians do the same thing. And in the original the same thing. And in the original the same thing. And in the original Greek and Persian wars, they had a unit Greek and Persian wars, they had a unit Greek and Persian wars, they had a unit called the immortals that were famous, called the immortals that were famous, called the immortals that were famous, 10,000 guys plus about a thousand 10,000 guys plus about a thousand 10,000 guys plus about a thousand cavalry called the applebearers. cavalry called the applebearers. cavalry called the applebearers. And this sort of meets that model where And this sort of meets that model where And this sort of meets that model where you where the king's got his royal you where the king's got his royal you where the king's got his royal guard, but it's really the elite force guard, but it's really the elite force guard, but it's really the elite force on the battlefield when the big wars on the battlefield when the big wars on the battlefield when the big wars happen and then you supplement, right?

happen and then you supplement, right? happen and then you supplement, right? Well, there are a lot of ramifications. Well, there are a lot of ramifications. Well, there are a lot of ramifications. a lot of dominoes start tumbling in a lot of dominoes start tumbling in a lot of dominoes start tumbling in terms of of what the Persian army is terms of of what the Persian army is terms of of what the Persian army is like. Once you jettison the idea that like. Once you jettison the idea that like. Once you jettison the idea that it's made up of innumerable ants and it's made up of innumerable ants and it's made up of innumerable ants and orcs, right? Once you lower the numbers, orcs, right? Once you lower the numbers, orcs, right? Once you lower the numbers, a bunch of things happen. The first a bunch of things happen. The first a bunch of things happen. The first thing that happens is all of a sudden thing that happens is all of a sudden thing that happens is all of a sudden the quality of the troops now has to be the quality of the troops now has to be the quality of the troops now has to be assumed to be better. The Greeks might assumed to be better. The Greeks might assumed to be better. The Greeks might call them a bunch of cowards who don't call them a bunch of cowards who don't call them a bunch of cowards who don't want to fight and all, you know, well, want to fight and all, you know, well, want to fight and all, you know, well, if there's 600,000 of them and that's if there's 600,000 of them and that's if there's 600,000 of them and that's how they're defeating opponents, maybe how they're defeating opponents, maybe how they're defeating opponents, maybe you can make that case. But if that you can make that case. But if that you can make that case. But if that number is closer to 60 or 70,000 because number is closer to 60 or 70,000 because number is closer to 60 or 70,000 because that's the optimal number, you know, of that's the optimal number, you know, of that's the optimal number, you know, of troops on the high end, you can move troops on the high end, you can move troops on the high end, you can move around safely, healthily, and supply. If around safely, healthily, and supply. If around safely, healthily, and supply. If it's 60 or 70,000, and it's doing what it's 60 or 70,000, and it's doing what it's 60 or 70,000, and it's doing what it's doing, well, we have to assume it's it's doing, well, we have to assume it's it's doing, well, we have to assume it's a better army quality-wise, that the a better army quality-wise, that the a better army quality-wise, that the troops are better, that the forces are troops are better, that the forces are troops are better, that the forces are of higher status, all that kind of of higher status, all that kind of of higher status, all that kind of stuff, better armed, better trained, stuff, better armed, better trained, stuff, better armed, better trained, everything. everything. everything. Also, and I never thought about this. I Also, and I never thought about this. I Also, and I never thought about this. I was reading one of the modern day was reading one of the modern day was reading one of the modern day sources and they had this great line. sources and they had this great line. sources and they had this great line. Never occurred to me but again another Never occurred to me but again another Never occurred to me but again another domino that tumbles here. If the Persian domino that tumbles here. If the Persian domino that tumbles here. If the Persian armies are smaller the impact of their armies are smaller the impact of their armies are smaller the impact of their best units and their elite forces is um best units and their elite forces is um best units and their elite forces is um sort of exalted. I mean for example take sort of exalted. I mean for example take sort of exalted. I mean for example take that 10,000man unit of immortals which that 10,000man unit of immortals which that 10,000man unit of immortals which no one knows if it still exists by this no one knows if it still exists by this no one knows if it still exists by this period. If it does it's different but period. If it does it's different but period. If it does it's different but use it in the 480 example right from the use it in the 480 example right from the use it in the 480 example right from the original Greek and Persian wars. Well, original Greek and Persian wars. Well, original Greek and Persian wars. Well, if you have a million-man army, then if you have a million-man army, then if you have a million-man army, then your 10,000 force of elites here is a your 10,000 force of elites here is a your 10,000 force of elites here is a tiny little drop in the bucket that tiny little drop in the bucket that tiny little drop in the bucket that probably makes no difference. If instead probably makes no difference. If instead probably makes no difference. If instead you're running with 60 or 70,000 man

you're running with 60 or 70,000 man you're running with 60 or 70,000 man armies, well, then you're 10,000 men or armies, well, then you're 10,000 men or armies, well, then you're 10,000 men or 16th or 17th of the total, that is a 16th or 17th of the total, that is a 16th or 17th of the total, that is a force that can make a difference, right? force that can make a difference, right? force that can make a difference, right? One sixth of your arm is elite. So, I'd One sixth of your arm is elite. So, I'd One sixth of your arm is elite. So, I'd never thought about that, but that's never thought about that, but that's never thought about that, but that's another domino that tumbles here as we another domino that tumbles here as we another domino that tumbles here as we try to figure out what the heck the try to figure out what the heck the try to figure out what the heck the armies Alexander is facing are like. We armies Alexander is facing are like. We armies Alexander is facing are like. We can also say that due to the nature of can also say that due to the nature of can also say that due to the nature of the size of the Persian Empire, at least the size of the Persian Empire, at least the size of the Persian Empire, at least this initial force he's going to run this initial force he's going to run this initial force he's going to run into that will contest, you know, his into that will contest, you know, his into that will contest, you know, his advance into Asia, that they're going to advance into Asia, that they're going to advance into Asia, that they're going to be made up of the locals, right? An be made up of the locals, right? An be made up of the locals, right? An alliance uh or working together would be alliance uh or working together would be alliance uh or working together would be a better way to phrase it because a better way to phrase it because a better way to phrase it because they're already in the same empire. a they're already in the same empire. a they're already in the same empire. a working together of several of the working together of several of the working together of several of the regional vice presidents, these sat regional vice presidents, these sat regional vice presidents, these sat traps. traps. traps. It will be their job to contest It will be their job to contest It will be their job to contest Alexander's, you know, entry into Alexander's, you know, entry into Alexander's, you know, entry into Persia. In the old days, I don't know Persia. In the old days, I don't know Persia. In the old days, I don't know when the old days ended, but but the when the old days ended, but but the when the old days ended, but but the idea used to be that the great king is idea used to be that the great king is idea used to be that the great king is just not even afraid of Alexander. He's just not even afraid of Alexander. He's just not even afraid of Alexander. He's dismissing him. He's letting the locals dismissing him. He's letting the locals dismissing him. He's letting the locals deal with him because who cares? It's deal with him because who cares? It's deal with him because who cares? It's not a big deal. The more modern way of not a big deal. The more modern way of not a big deal. The more modern way of looking at this is that Persian armies looking at this is that Persian armies looking at this is that Persian armies take forever to actually gather take forever to actually gather take forever to actually gather together. You know, the royal army, it's together. You know, the royal army, it's together. You know, the royal army, it's a huge process. And if it took a year, a huge process. And if it took a year, a huge process. And if it took a year, that would be fast. In addition, we need that would be fast. In addition, we need that would be fast. In addition, we need to take into account the role distance to take into account the role distance to take into account the role distance plays in all this and how far away the plays in all this and how far away the plays in all this and how far away the great king's going to be from any of great king's going to be from any of great king's going to be from any of this action. I mean, he's got a number this action. I mean, he's got a number this action. I mean, he's got a number of royal palaces, but let's just take of royal palaces, but let's just take of royal palaces, but let's just take Pepilolis for example.

Pepilolis for example. Pepilolis for example. No, not necessarily farther or closer No, not necessarily farther or closer No, not necessarily farther or closer than any of the other major ones, but than any of the other major ones, but than any of the other major ones, but Pipilus is down by the modern Iranian Pipilus is down by the modern Iranian Pipilus is down by the modern Iranian city of Shiraz. I mean, that's not that city of Shiraz. I mean, that's not that city of Shiraz. I mean, that's not that far from Dubai. So, that's more than far from Dubai. So, that's more than far from Dubai. So, that's more than 1,500 miles from this area where 1,500 miles from this area where 1,500 miles from this area where Alexander's first landing in the Persian Alexander's first landing in the Persian Alexander's first landing in the Persian Empire, right? That's farther than the Empire, right? That's farther than the Empire, right? That's farther than the distance between Los Angeles and Denver, distance between Los Angeles and Denver, distance between Los Angeles and Denver, Colorado. Although similar intervening Colorado. Although similar intervening Colorado. Although similar intervening terrain and geography, I must say, but terrain and geography, I must say, but terrain and geography, I must say, but you get a sense of, you know, what that you get a sense of, you know, what that you get a sense of, you know, what that distance might do to things, right? just distance might do to things, right? just distance might do to things, right? just traveling such a long way and the time I traveling such a long way and the time I traveling such a long way and the time I mean it's it's worth remembering that mean it's it's worth remembering that mean it's it's worth remembering that that is going to influence everything that is going to influence everything that is going to influence everything including how long it would take to get including how long it would take to get including how long it would take to get messages to and from the king. This is messages to and from the king. This is messages to and from the king. This is another advantage Alexander has. The another advantage Alexander has. The another advantage Alexander has. The king is with the army, right? He king is with the army, right? He king is with the army, right? He transmits a message. They have it right transmits a message. They have it right transmits a message. They have it right now. how the great king transmits a now. how the great king transmits a now. how the great king transmits a message and well they have a great Pony message and well they have a great Pony message and well they have a great Pony Express style mail service in Persia and Express style mail service in Persia and Express style mail service in Persia and they have fantastic roads in Persia but they have fantastic roads in Persia but they have fantastic roads in Persia but it's still going to be a very slow it's still going to be a very slow it's still going to be a very slow motion you know version of order motion you know version of order motion you know version of order carrying out shall we say carrying out shall we say carrying out shall we say and so the way of looking at it now is and so the way of looking at it now is and so the way of looking at it now is that the great king is putting together that the great king is putting together that the great king is putting together an army and while he's doing so he's an army and while he's doing so he's an army and while he's doing so he's going to let you know a coalition of going to let you know a coalition of going to let you know a coalition of regional vice presidents his sat traps regional vice presidents his sat traps regional vice presidents his sat traps handle things with their local armies handle things with their local armies handle things with their local armies and the merc mercenaries that they have and the merc mercenaries that they have and the merc mercenaries that they have working for the empire or their own working for the empire or their own working for the empire or their own mercenaries. And we should talk about mercenaries. And we should talk about mercenaries. And we should talk about the mercenaries for a minute because the mercenaries for a minute because the mercenaries for a minute because while in the original Persian wars, the while in the original Persian wars, the while in the original Persian wars, the early ones, the Spartans at Thermopoly early ones, the Spartans at Thermopoly early ones, the Spartans at Thermopoly ones, mercenaries would not have been a

ones, mercenaries would not have been a ones, mercenaries would not have been a big part of the conversation, by this big part of the conversation, by this big part of the conversation, by this period, they are. And part of the reason period, they are. And part of the reason period, they are. And part of the reason they are is because of those battles at they are is because of those battles at they are is because of those battles at Thermopoly and Platea and places like Thermopoly and Platea and places like Thermopoly and Platea and places like that where the Persians had a problem that where the Persians had a problem that where the Persians had a problem dealing with Greek hoplights, Greek dealing with Greek hoplights, Greek dealing with Greek hoplights, Greek heavy infantry of which Alexander's heavy infantry of which Alexander's heavy infantry of which Alexander's fangites by the way are the natural and fangites by the way are the natural and fangites by the way are the natural and superior successor to them. So whatever superior successor to them. So whatever superior successor to them. So whatever problem the Persians had at Platea and problem the Persians had at Platea and problem the Persians had at Platea and Thermopoly with heavy infantry, they're Thermopoly with heavy infantry, they're Thermopoly with heavy infantry, they're going to have the same problem with going to have the same problem with going to have the same problem with Alexander's heavy infantry unless they Alexander's heavy infantry unless they Alexander's heavy infantry unless they find a way to deal with this disruptive find a way to deal with this disruptive find a way to deal with this disruptive technology. technology. technology. Well, that's where the mercenaries come Well, that's where the mercenaries come Well, that's where the mercenaries come in. What would IBM do if they found out, in. What would IBM do if they found out, in. What would IBM do if they found out, you know, when they're fat and happy in you know, when they're fat and happy in you know, when they're fat and happy in the 1950s or 1960s or whatever, that the 1950s or 1960s or whatever, that the 1950s or 1960s or whatever, that there was some disruptive technology there was some disruptive technology there was some disruptive technology that was better than their stuff, right? that was better than their stuff, right? that was better than their stuff, right? that beat them head-to-head at Platea that beat them head-to-head at Platea that beat them head-to-head at Platea and stuff like that. Well, you have two and stuff like that. Well, you have two and stuff like that. Well, you have two options, right? Make your own or buy options, right? Make your own or buy options, right? Make your own or buy somebody's version of them, right? Buy somebody's version of them, right? Buy somebody's version of them, right? Buy just buy them. And that's what the great just buy them. And that's what the great just buy them. And that's what the great king did. Bought so many of them. Adrien king did. Bought so many of them. Adrien king did. Bought so many of them. Adrien Goldsworthy said, I thought it was a Goldsworthy said, I thought it was a Goldsworthy said, I thought it was a great line cuz I hadn't thought of it.

great line cuz I hadn't thought of it. great line cuz I hadn't thought of it. He said, "Listen, if you're the great He said, "Listen, if you're the great He said, "Listen, if you're the great king and you have all this money, king and you have all this money, king and you have all this money, there's a lot of things you can do that there's a lot of things you can do that there's a lot of things you can do that might compensate for the fact that you might compensate for the fact that you might compensate for the fact that you have this tactical problem where you have this tactical problem where you have this tactical problem where you can't face Greek hoplights on a tactical can't face Greek hoplights on a tactical can't face Greek hoplights on a tactical battlefield, you know, face to face. Uh, battlefield, you know, face to face. Uh, battlefield, you know, face to face. Uh, buy some." And he said, "Buy them all." buy some." And he said, "Buy them all." buy some." And he said, "Buy them all." He had this great line where he said, He had this great line where he said, He had this great line where he said, "The great king can just and did buy all "The great king can just and did buy all "The great king can just and did buy all the mercenaries up in a given region the mercenaries up in a given region the mercenaries up in a given region like toilet paper runs during a like toilet paper runs during a like toilet paper runs during a hurricane." Right? If Alexander wants to hurricane." Right? If Alexander wants to hurricane." Right? If Alexander wants to hire mercenaries, what happens if the hire mercenaries, what happens if the hire mercenaries, what happens if the great king already hired them all? great king already hired them all? great king already hired them all? Well, he's done two things, right? He's Well, he's done two things, right? He's Well, he's done two things, right? He's swollen the size of his own army with swollen the size of his own army with swollen the size of his own army with experienced veterans, and he's denuted experienced veterans, and he's denuted experienced veterans, and he's denuted the number of people anyone else could the number of people anyone else could the number of people anyone else could hire. It's a great idea. I hadn't hire. It's a great idea. I hadn't hire. It's a great idea. I hadn't thought of that. thought of that. thought of that. And this is one of the great differences And this is one of the great differences And this is one of the great differences between the early army and the and this between the early army and the and this between the early army and the and this army, right? That the idea that all of a army, right? That the idea that all of a army, right? That the idea that all of a sudden you need a bunch of Greek sudden you need a bunch of Greek sudden you need a bunch of Greek mercenaries as a great way to deal with mercenaries as a great way to deal with mercenaries as a great way to deal with Greeks. So, the great king goes into Greeks. So, the great king goes into Greeks. So, the great king goes into hiring, not long before this great king, hiring, not long before this great king, hiring, not long before this great king, by the way, goes into hiring lots of by the way, goes into hiring lots of by the way, goes into hiring lots of Greek mercenaries. It's pretty common.

Greek mercenaries. It's pretty common. Greek mercenaries. It's pretty common. And the way the Greek authors deal with And the way the Greek authors deal with And the way the Greek authors deal with this is they make the Greek mercenaries this is they make the Greek mercenaries this is they make the Greek mercenaries the only troops worth a damn in the the only troops worth a damn in the the only troops worth a damn in the Persian army. Right? Once again, we're Persian army. Right? Once again, we're Persian army. Right? Once again, we're we're using our prejudice and bigotry to we're using our prejudice and bigotry to we're using our prejudice and bigotry to sort of, you know, tell the Greek sort of, you know, tell the Greek sort of, you know, tell the Greek audience that the people who are audience that the people who are audience that the people who are dangerous in the Persian army are the dangerous in the Persian army are the dangerous in the Persian army are the Greek people in it. Greek people in it. Greek people in it. And when you put on your Persia lens And when you put on your Persia lens And when you put on your Persia lens instead of your Greek lens, you can see instead of your Greek lens, you can see instead of your Greek lens, you can see how a lot of the various slams that the how a lot of the various slams that the how a lot of the various slams that the Greeks took against the Persians all of Greeks took against the Persians all of Greeks took against the Persians all of a sudden look like just the kind of a sudden look like just the kind of a sudden look like just the kind of thing you want to do. I mean, for thing you want to do. I mean, for thing you want to do. I mean, for example, with this Greek idea that the example, with this Greek idea that the example, with this Greek idea that the only troops worth a damn are the Greeks only troops worth a damn are the Greeks only troops worth a damn are the Greeks and that's why the Greek king trusts and that's why the Greek king trusts and that's why the Greek king trusts them and throws them into battle and them and throws them into battle and them and throws them into battle and just sort of leaves his own forces just sort of leaves his own forces just sort of leaves his own forces behind because he doesn't trust them. If behind because he doesn't trust them. If behind because he doesn't trust them. If you put the Persian lens in front of you put the Persian lens in front of you put the Persian lens in front of your eyes, all of a sudden you think, your eyes, all of a sudden you think, your eyes, all of a sudden you think, well, that's exactly if I was a Persian, well, that's exactly if I was a Persian, well, that's exactly if I was a Persian, what I would want him to do, right? Why what I would want him to do, right? Why what I would want him to do, right? Why would the great king throw his foreign would the great king throw his foreign would the great king throw his foreign mercenaries uh into battle uh second? mercenaries uh into battle uh second? mercenaries uh into battle uh second? Why would he let us get killed and then Why would he let us get killed and then Why would he let us get killed and then throw in the hired hands? Wouldn't you throw in the hired hands? Wouldn't you throw in the hired hands? Wouldn't you use our tax dollars to throw in the use our tax dollars to throw in the use our tax dollars to throw in the hired hands first? Kind of makes sense hired hands first? Kind of makes sense hired hands first? Kind of makes sense when you look at it that way. So, so when you look at it that way. So, so when you look at it that way. So, so there's a whole way you can, you know, there's a whole way you can, you know, there's a whole way you can, you know, spin the narrative here and all of a spin the narrative here and all of a spin the narrative here and all of a sudden you're looking at it from the sudden you're looking at it from the sudden you're looking at it from the Persian point of view and it kind of Persian point of view and it kind of Persian point of view and it kind of makes sense makes sense makes sense to me. And I can't help noticing how to me. And I can't help noticing how to me. And I can't help noticing how this just looks like a pretty standard this just looks like a pretty standard this just looks like a pretty standard maneuver out of the old imperial maneuver out of the old imperial maneuver out of the old imperial playbook that you would have seen any of playbook that you would have seen any of playbook that you would have seen any of the great colonial empires of like the the great colonial empires of like the the great colonial empires of like the 19th, 18th, 17th century doing, the 19th, 18th, 17th century doing, the 19th, 18th, 17th century doing, the English, French, the Dutch, Belgians. I English, French, the Dutch, Belgians. I English, French, the Dutch, Belgians. I mean, heck, the Americans. What are you mean, heck, the Americans. What are you mean, heck, the Americans. What are you going to do if you have to deal with

going to do if you have to deal with going to do if you have to deal with Churikawa Apaches, man? You're going to Churikawa Apaches, man? You're going to Churikawa Apaches, man? You're going to hire some tanto Apaches to help you find hire some tanto Apaches to help you find hire some tanto Apaches to help you find them. You see what I'm saying? If them. You see what I'm saying? If them. You see what I'm saying? If instead of looking at things through a instead of looking at things through a instead of looking at things through a Greek lens, we look at them through a Greek lens, we look at them through a Greek lens, we look at them through a Persian lens, all of a sudden these Persian lens, all of a sudden these Persian lens, all of a sudden these sophisticated Greek citystates and sophisticated Greek citystates and sophisticated Greek citystates and Macedonian kingdoms might just be seen Macedonian kingdoms might just be seen Macedonian kingdoms might just be seen as a bunch of barbarian tribes on one of as a bunch of barbarian tribes on one of as a bunch of barbarian tribes on one of their frontiers, right? And what would their frontiers, right? And what would their frontiers, right? And what would you do about them? You just hire some you do about them? You just hire some you do about them? You just hire some other Greek type tribes to fight them. other Greek type tribes to fight them. other Greek type tribes to fight them. And the Persians had had a lot of And the Persians had had a lot of And the Persians had had a lot of contact with Greek hoplights even before contact with Greek hoplights even before contact with Greek hoplights even before the Persian wars when they took over the Persian wars when they took over the Persian wars when they took over Lydia, which was a kingdom that's now in Lydia, which was a kingdom that's now in Lydia, which was a kingdom that's now in modern day Turkey. They inherited all modern day Turkey. They inherited all modern day Turkey. They inherited all these Greek cities that had Greek these Greek cities that had Greek these Greek cities that had Greek hoplights. hoplights. hoplights. The very cities, by the way, that The very cities, by the way, that The very cities, by the way, that Alexander is hoping, planning, and Alexander is hoping, planning, and Alexander is hoping, planning, and advertising that he's going to liberate advertising that he's going to liberate advertising that he's going to liberate now. But the Persians are going to use now. But the Persians are going to use now. But the Persians are going to use local tribesmen on every frontier they local tribesmen on every frontier they local tribesmen on every frontier they have. They're going to use them against have. They're going to use them against have. They're going to use them against the nomads in Central Asia. They're the nomads in Central Asia. They're the nomads in Central Asia. They're going to use, you know, other nomads. going to use, you know, other nomads. going to use, you know, other nomads. Same thing in the, you know, Indian Same thing in the, you know, Indian Same thing in the, you know, Indian areas, the Arabian areas. I mean, this areas, the Arabian areas. I mean, this areas, the Arabian areas. I mean, this is standard operating procedure, right?

is standard operating procedure, right? is standard operating procedure, right? And it just happens to compensate for a And it just happens to compensate for a And it just happens to compensate for a deficiency. You have the same way that deficiency. You have the same way that deficiency. You have the same way that British forces, British forces, British forces, you know, during things like the French you know, during things like the French you know, during things like the French and Indian War would hire natives to and Indian War would hire natives to and Indian War would hire natives to compensate for the fact that they might compensate for the fact that they might compensate for the fact that they might run into other natives. Use them for run into other natives. Use them for run into other natives. Use them for their skill. We can't do that. They can. their skill. We can't do that. They can. their skill. We can't do that. They can. We'll hire them. Same thing with Greek We'll hire them. Same thing with Greek We'll hire them. Same thing with Greek hoplights. hoplights. hoplights. And we should point out that at the same And we should point out that at the same And we should point out that at the same time the Persians are hiring all these time the Persians are hiring all these time the Persians are hiring all these Greek hoplights. Um most of the people Greek hoplights. Um most of the people Greek hoplights. Um most of the people who cover ancient Persia in the you know who cover ancient Persia in the you know who cover ancient Persia in the you know modern histories point out that it seems modern histories point out that it seems modern histories point out that it seems like the great king was reforming his like the great king was reforming his like the great king was reforming his armies to try to create their own armies to try to create their own armies to try to create their own homegrown heavy infantry utilizing some homegrown heavy infantry utilizing some homegrown heavy infantry utilizing some of the youth and whatnot. of the youth and whatnot. of the youth and whatnot. But it it sort of runs against the grain But it it sort of runs against the grain But it it sort of runs against the grain of one of the things I love about of one of the things I love about of one of the things I love about preodern warfare. And that's that it's preodern warfare. And that's that it's preodern warfare. And that's that it's intimately sort of tied up to the intimately sort of tied up to the intimately sort of tied up to the culture and the geography and the culture and the geography and the culture and the geography and the lifestyle and and the incentives and lifestyle and and the incentives and lifestyle and and the incentives and disincentives in the societies, right?

disincentives in the societies, right? disincentives in the societies, right? It's why you can't always create troop It's why you can't always create troop It's why you can't always create troop types just cuz they're effective if you types just cuz they're effective if you types just cuz they're effective if you want them, right? You'd love to have one want them, right? You'd love to have one want them, right? You'd love to have one of those Central Asian type Comanche of those Central Asian type Comanche of those Central Asian type Comanche horse archers from what's now Ukraine. horse archers from what's now Ukraine. horse archers from what's now Ukraine. Sorry, they can grow them there, but you Sorry, they can grow them there, but you Sorry, they can grow them there, but you can't make one like that, right? There's can't make one like that, right? There's can't make one like that, right? There's a there's a lot like that. You you you a there's a lot like that. You you you a there's a lot like that. You you you can see Roman legionaries. You can hire can see Roman legionaries. You can hire can see Roman legionaries. You can hire one of their centurions to come and one of their centurions to come and one of their centurions to come and train and equip your own legionaries, train and equip your own legionaries, train and equip your own legionaries, and they had them called imitation and they had them called imitation and they had them called imitation legionaries, but they're never quite legionaries, but they're never quite legionaries, but they're never quite like Roman legionaries, right? There's a like Roman legionaries, right? There's a like Roman legionaries, right? There's a lot of that. lot of that. lot of that. And the Persian elite can follow the And the Persian elite can follow the And the Persian elite can follow the orders of the king when he says, "I want orders of the king when he says, "I want orders of the king when he says, "I want you to put some of your sons now in this you to put some of your sons now in this you to put some of your sons now in this anonymous block of infantry out there anonymous block of infantry out there anonymous block of infantry out there with the commoners." But those guys are with the commoners." But those guys are with the commoners." But those guys are all sort of well, Hansel Brookke all sort of well, Hansel Brookke all sort of well, Hansel Brookke compared the whole setup of the society compared the whole setup of the society compared the whole setup of the society to feudalism and he called those guys to feudalism and he called those guys to feudalism and he called those guys knights. the baronss, the knights. I knights. the baronss, the knights. I knights. the baronss, the knights. I mean, there's a lot of cultural sort of mean, there's a lot of cultural sort of mean, there's a lot of cultural sort of um weight involved where they're wanting um weight involved where they're wanting um weight involved where they're wanting their sons to stand out with honor, to their sons to stand out with honor, to their sons to stand out with honor, to distinguish themselves with great deeds distinguish themselves with great deeds distinguish themselves with great deeds on horseback, you know, as they do. It's on horseback, you know, as they do. It's on horseback, you know, as they do. It's an area that for thousands of years has an area that for thousands of years has an area that for thousands of years has produced superior cavalry. Well, that's produced superior cavalry. Well, that's produced superior cavalry. Well, that's tied in to the culture and a lot of tied in to the culture and a lot of tied in to the culture and a lot of those people not totally excited perhaps those people not totally excited perhaps those people not totally excited perhaps about having their kid hold a spear in about having their kid hold a spear in about having their kid hold a spear in the middle of a spear block on the the middle of a spear block on the the middle of a spear block on the ground on foot, right? We get that. But

ground on foot, right? We get that. But ground on foot, right? We get that. But what that means is that in addition to what that means is that in addition to what that means is that in addition to the hoplights, there's going to be all the hoplights, there's going to be all the hoplights, there's going to be all the light troops you ever want. Persia the light troops you ever want. Persia the light troops you ever want. Persia can snap its fingers and and a thousand can snap its fingers and and a thousand can snap its fingers and and a thousand slingers or a thousand light archers slingers or a thousand light archers slingers or a thousand light archers just seem to appear as needed. They just seem to appear as needed. They just seem to appear as needed. They always have provincial people. So always have provincial people. So always have provincial people. So there's always these people who are sort there's always these people who are sort there's always these people who are sort of like the Greek hoplights used to be of like the Greek hoplights used to be of like the Greek hoplights used to be back in Greece where they're farmers but back in Greece where they're farmers but back in Greece where they're farmers but they're used to fighting sometimes and they're used to fighting sometimes and they're used to fighting sometimes and they pick up the spear as needed, right? they pick up the spear as needed, right? they pick up the spear as needed, right? They have military land that they've They have military land that they've They have military land that they've been granted. So they're called up as been granted. So they're called up as been granted. So they're called up as needed and they always show up. So needed and they always show up. So needed and they always show up. So wherever the battle's happening, I guess wherever the battle's happening, I guess wherever the battle's happening, I guess a greenworthy is right, isn't he? Every a greenworthy is right, isn't he? Every a greenworthy is right, isn't he? Every army is unique because wherever the army is unique because wherever the army is unique because wherever the battle is, it's going to have the flavor battle is, it's going to have the flavor battle is, it's going to have the flavor of the locals cuz they'll be called up of the locals cuz they'll be called up of the locals cuz they'll be called up to fight in it. So you have your Greek to fight in it. So you have your Greek to fight in it. So you have your Greek hoplights, you have your locals, you hoplights, you have your locals, you hoplights, you have your locals, you have your innumerable light troops have your innumerable light troops have your innumerable light troops perhaps if we're going to go with the, perhaps if we're going to go with the, perhaps if we're going to go with the, you know, old Greek way of looking at you know, old Greek way of looking at you know, old Greek way of looking at this. And then you have your fantastic this. And then you have your fantastic this. And then you have your fantastic cavalry. And in the thermopoly era, it cavalry. And in the thermopoly era, it cavalry. And in the thermopoly era, it was much more skirmishy with um a lot was much more skirmishy with um a lot was much more skirmishy with um a lot more archery, it seems like, and a lot more archery, it seems like, and a lot more archery, it seems like, and a lot less ability to do sort of melee type less ability to do sort of melee type less ability to do sort of melee type damage. They're they're very good at damage. They're they're very good at damage. They're they're very good at exploiting opportunities, but they're exploiting opportunities, but they're exploiting opportunities, but they're not maybe going to create them.

not maybe going to create them. not maybe going to create them. Whereas now, 150 years later, the Whereas now, 150 years later, the Whereas now, 150 years later, the cavalry's job is different and they are cavalry's job is different and they are cavalry's job is different and they are set up for it, right? All of a sudden, set up for it, right? All of a sudden, set up for it, right? All of a sudden, you start seeing a lot more armor. Uh you start seeing a lot more armor. Uh you start seeing a lot more armor. Uh maybe even horse armor. Pretty well maybe even horse armor. Pretty well maybe even horse armor. Pretty well attested to horse armor, too, especially attested to horse armor, too, especially attested to horse armor, too, especially amongst uh some of the Central Asian amongst uh some of the Central Asian amongst uh some of the Central Asian allies or subjects, whatever you want to allies or subjects, whatever you want to allies or subjects, whatever you want to decide they are. Uh they're using uh decide they are. Uh they're using uh decide they are. Uh they're using uh short spears and javelins. They throw short spears and javelins. They throw short spears and javelins. They throw what they have until they get to the what they have until they get to the what they have until they get to the last one and then they fight handto hand last one and then they fight handto hand last one and then they fight handto hand or they use like a tomahawk which is an or they use like a tomahawk which is an or they use like a tomahawk which is an interesting and deadly looking weapon, interesting and deadly looking weapon, interesting and deadly looking weapon, right? Easy to p pierce armor with the right? Easy to p pierce armor with the right? Easy to p pierce armor with the narrow head or they're using swords. In narrow head or they're using swords. In narrow head or they're using swords. In other words, the whole job here is other words, the whole job here is other words, the whole job here is different. They're meant to be much more different. They're meant to be much more different. They're meant to be much more burly and get into it. Now, not with burly and get into it. Now, not with burly and get into it. Now, not with infantry, not with close order infantry infantry, not with close order infantry infantry, not with close order infantry because they're not crazy. Most cavalry, because they're not crazy. Most cavalry, because they're not crazy. Most cavalry, especially in the preodern world, don't especially in the preodern world, don't especially in the preodern world, don't want anything to do with well-formed, want anything to do with well-formed, want anything to do with well-formed, close order, you know, in good shape close order, you know, in good shape close order, you know, in good shape infantry from the front. Now, if you can infantry from the front. Now, if you can infantry from the front. Now, if you can get to their rear or their flank, it's a get to their rear or their flank, it's a get to their rear or their flank, it's a whole different story. But these guys whole different story. But these guys whole different story. But these guys can take on the cavalry of the other can take on the cavalry of the other can take on the cavalry of the other side, right? Then you have a hand-tohand side, right? Then you have a hand-tohand side, right? Then you have a hand-tohand sort of contest. And these guys are sort of contest. And these guys are sort of contest. And these guys are really good in that regard. And there's really good in that regard. And there's really good in that regard. And there's a lot of them. Persia seems to produce a a lot of them. Persia seems to produce a a lot of them. Persia seems to produce a ton of these guys. They're in all the ton of these guys. They're in all the ton of these guys. They're in all the Persian armies, right? So, there are Persian armies, right? So, there are Persian armies, right? So, there are certain elements you see and we just certain elements you see and we just certain elements you see and we just pretty much laid it out. The composition pretty much laid it out. The composition pretty much laid it out. The composition and the ratio of, you know, light troops and the ratio of, you know, light troops and the ratio of, you know, light troops to heavy that that all might be to heavy that that all might be to heavy that that all might be different army to army as Goldsworthy different army to army as Goldsworthy different army to army as Goldsworthy said, but these are the elements you're

said, but these are the elements you're said, but these are the elements you're going to have in play. And that's what going to have in play. And that's what going to have in play. And that's what Alexander is going to face. But I should Alexander is going to face. But I should Alexander is going to face. But I should point out even saying things like this point out even saying things like this point out even saying things like this Persian cavalry was really elite and Persian cavalry was really elite and Persian cavalry was really elite and great and tough can fly in the face of great and tough can fly in the face of great and tough can fly in the face of some historical sources that should know some historical sources that should know some historical sources that should know better. I mean, how about Zenapon? A guy better. I mean, how about Zenapon? A guy better. I mean, how about Zenapon? A guy who actually fought with and against the who actually fought with and against the who actually fought with and against the Persians. A guy who should know right Persians. A guy who should know right Persians. A guy who should know right now. He may not have written the now. He may not have written the now. He may not have written the conclusion to his Chiropedia, but maybe conclusion to his Chiropedia, but maybe conclusion to his Chiropedia, but maybe he did. And even if he didn't, the guy he did. And even if he didn't, the guy he did. And even if he didn't, the guy who did wrote this about the decline of who did wrote this about the decline of who did wrote this about the decline of Persian cavalry. He says by the 360s. Persian cavalry. He says by the 360s. Persian cavalry. He says by the 360s. So, you know, Alexander's in the 330s So, you know, Alexander's in the 330s So, you know, Alexander's in the 330s here, so it's well declined by his time. here, so it's well declined by his time. here, so it's well declined by his time. And Zenapon or some ghost writer at the And Zenapon or some ghost writer at the And Zenapon or some ghost writer at the end of his Chipedia wrote, quote, end of his Chipedia wrote, quote, end of his Chipedia wrote, quote, "It used to be their custom in the past "It used to be their custom in the past "It used to be their custom in the past that those who held lands should provide that those who held lands should provide that those who held lands should provide cavalry men from their possessions and cavalry men from their possessions and cavalry men from their possessions and that these should take the field in that these should take the field in that these should take the field in wartime, while those who performed wartime, while those who performed wartime, while those who performed garrison duty in defense of the country garrison duty in defense of the country garrison duty in defense of the country received pay for their services. But received pay for their services. But received pay for their services. But now, the author writes, "The rulers make now, the author writes, "The rulers make now, the author writes, "The rulers make cavalry men out of bathkeepers, cavalry men out of bathkeepers, cavalry men out of bathkeepers, the attendants who place food before us, the attendants who place food before us, the attendants who place food before us, those who remove it, those who lull us those who remove it, those who lull us those who remove it, those who lull us to sleep, those that stand at the table, to sleep, those that stand at the table, to sleep, those that stand at the table, their massurs and other servants. These their massurs and other servants. These their massurs and other servants. These are the sort of men whom they make into are the sort of men whom they make into are the sort of men whom they make into cavalry men to serve for pay for them.

cavalry men to serve for pay for them. cavalry men to serve for pay for them. These men, he says, make an appearance These men, he says, make an appearance These men, he says, make an appearance of numbers, but they are useless in of numbers, but they are useless in of numbers, but they are useless in war." end quote. war." end quote. war." end quote. What are you supposed to do with that? What are you supposed to do with that? What are you supposed to do with that? And if it's true, well then sort of And if it's true, well then sort of And if it's true, well then sort of devalues the whole heroic accomplishment devalues the whole heroic accomplishment devalues the whole heroic accomplishment of, you know, anyone fighting the of, you know, anyone fighting the of, you know, anyone fighting the Persians. But Alexander, now what was Persians. But Alexander, now what was Persians. But Alexander, now what was that thing? I mean, this is the most that thing? I mean, this is the most that thing? I mean, this is the most romantic, you know, great deed sort of romantic, you know, great deed sort of romantic, you know, great deed sort of in the history of kings. Well, not if in the history of kings. Well, not if in the history of kings. Well, not if it's going to be that easy, right? So, it's going to be that easy, right? So, it's going to be that easy, right? So, it's it's a catch 22 in how this is it's it's a catch 22 in how this is it's it's a catch 22 in how this is portrayed. And it extends beyond the portrayed. And it extends beyond the portrayed. And it extends beyond the army well into the command structure. I army well into the command structure. I army well into the command structure. I mean, if you're reading this from the mean, if you're reading this from the mean, if you're reading this from the point of view of a guy like Diodora point of view of a guy like Diodora point of view of a guy like Diodora Siculus or even a guy like Siculus or even a guy like Siculus or even a guy like [clears throat] Aryan and you hear about [clears throat] Aryan and you hear about [clears throat] Aryan and you hear about the Persian command structure in this the Persian command structure in this the Persian command structure in this region, well, heck, it looks like a region, well, heck, it looks like a region, well, heck, it looks like a bunch of adults. The three stooges meet bunch of adults. The three stooges meet bunch of adults. The three stooges meet Abbott and Costello. Oh, and one Abbott and Costello. Oh, and one Abbott and Costello. Oh, and one competent guy, the Greek guy in the competent guy, the Greek guy in the competent guy, the Greek guy in the story, of course, story, of course, story, of course, his name is Menon of Roads. And despite his name is Menon of Roads. And despite his name is Menon of Roads. And despite the fact that Lindsey Allen mentioned the fact that Lindsey Allen mentioned the fact that Lindsey Allen mentioned maybe he was Peugeotian, we'll just maybe he was Peugeotian, we'll just maybe he was Peugeotian, we'll just focus on the traditional view of this focus on the traditional view of this focus on the traditional view of this guy, he is the Greek guy in the Persian guy, he is the Greek guy in the Persian guy, he is the Greek guy in the Persian leadership.

leadership. leadership. He's the only guy, by the way, in this He's the only guy, by the way, in this He's the only guy, by the way, in this early part of the story that Diodoris early part of the story that Diodoris early part of the story that Diodoris even mentions in the Persian leadership. even mentions in the Persian leadership. even mentions in the Persian leadership. A fact which outrages Pierre Bond, who A fact which outrages Pierre Bond, who A fact which outrages Pierre Bond, who uses more exclamation points uh in a uses more exclamation points uh in a uses more exclamation points uh in a paragraph than is normal for him, paragraph than is normal for him, paragraph than is normal for him, decrying decrying decrying uh the fact that the Persian leadership uh the fact that the Persian leadership uh the fact that the Persian leadership here, all the regional vice presidents here, all the regional vice presidents here, all the regional vice presidents in what's now Turkey, right, the nation in what's now Turkey, right, the nation in what's now Turkey, right, the nation of Turkey, but at the time period is, of Turkey, but at the time period is, of Turkey, but at the time period is, you know, the edge of the Persian Empire you know, the edge of the Persian Empire you know, the edge of the Persian Empire over in that part of the world. They over in that part of the world. They over in that part of the world. They also control into Europe, some of the also control into Europe, some of the also control into Europe, some of the areas. areas. areas. But Brian's contention along with a lot But Brian's contention along with a lot But Brian's contention along with a lot of experts on Persia is that the people of experts on Persia is that the people of experts on Persia is that the people who are going to be in charge of dealing who are going to be in charge of dealing who are going to be in charge of dealing with Alexander on site are these with Alexander on site are these with Alexander on site are these regional vice presidents, these regional vice presidents, these regional vice presidents, these Persians. But the traditional story as Persians. But the traditional story as Persians. But the traditional story as told by these Greek and Roman writers told by these Greek and Roman writers told by these Greek and Roman writers emphasizes the role of this Menon of emphasizes the role of this Menon of emphasizes the role of this Menon of Roads. And if you'd been reading this Roads. And if you'd been reading this Roads. And if you'd been reading this history from the time about Alexander's history from the time about Alexander's history from the time about Alexander's era to let's just say I don't know 50 era to let's just say I don't know 50 era to let's just say I don't know 50 years ago, 40 years ago, maybe even 30 years ago, 40 years ago, maybe even 30 years ago, 40 years ago, maybe even 30 years ago, the traditional story was years ago, the traditional story was years ago, the traditional story was almost unchallenged.

almost unchallenged. almost unchallenged. Yeah. The king hired this fantastic Yeah. The king hired this fantastic Yeah. The king hired this fantastic general and wouldn't you one of the general and wouldn't you one of the general and wouldn't you one of the advantages of money, right? it. This advantages of money, right? it. This advantages of money, right? it. This king has some deficiencies as we've king has some deficiencies as we've king has some deficiencies as we've said, this king of kings with this said, this king of kings with this said, this king of kings with this disruptive technology on his frontier disruptive technology on his frontier disruptive technology on his frontier that, you know, for 150 years the that, you know, for 150 years the that, you know, for 150 years the Persians have been um trying to figure Persians have been um trying to figure Persians have been um trying to figure out how you deal with it. And it's just out how you deal with it. And it's just out how you deal with it. And it's just gotten worse, right? We've gone from the gotten worse, right? We've gone from the gotten worse, right? We've gone from the heavy infantry Greek hoplights that the heavy infantry Greek hoplights that the heavy infantry Greek hoplights that the Persians couldn't deal with tactically, Persians couldn't deal with tactically, Persians couldn't deal with tactically, you know, in the original Greek and you know, in the original Greek and you know, in the original Greek and Persian wars with Xerxes to their, you Persian wars with Xerxes to their, you Persian wars with Xerxes to their, you know, souped up evolved model know, souped up evolved model know, souped up evolved model Alexander's Alexander's Alexander's fangites with their 16 foot or maybe 18t fangites with their 16 foot or maybe 18t fangites with their 16 foot or maybe 18t pikes by this time period, right? The pikes by this time period, right? The pikes by this time period, right? The super hoplights. It's just getting super hoplights. It's just getting super hoplights. It's just getting worse. How would you deal with that? worse. How would you deal with that? worse. How would you deal with that? Wouldn't you, if you had the money, you Wouldn't you, if you had the money, you Wouldn't you, if you had the money, you know, try to buy your way out of that know, try to buy your way out of that know, try to buy your way out of that tactical problem? tactical problem? tactical problem? And what the great king is supposed to And what the great king is supposed to And what the great king is supposed to have done is hire somebody who knows have done is hire somebody who knows have done is hire somebody who knows the, you know, the army that you're the, you know, the army that you're the, you know, the army that you're facing, this Ferrari, he he used to work facing, this Ferrari, he he used to work facing, this Ferrari, he he used to work for Ferrari. He's worked on these cars. for Ferrari. He's worked on these cars. for Ferrari. He's worked on these cars. He knows their vulnerabilities. He knows He knows their vulnerabilities. He knows He knows their vulnerabilities. He knows their weak points. Menon of roads made their weak points. Menon of roads made their weak points. Menon of roads made an unfortunate choice in his younger an unfortunate choice in his younger an unfortunate choice in his younger life, we are told, and backed the wrong life, we are told, and backed the wrong life, we are told, and backed the wrong side in a Persian rebellion side in a Persian rebellion side in a Persian rebellion and was forced as a younger man to flee and was forced as a younger man to flee and was forced as a younger man to flee for his life after his side collapsed.

for his life after his side collapsed. for his life after his side collapsed. And he fled to a place where he figured And he fled to a place where he figured And he fled to a place where he figured he would be safe and he could keep his he would be safe and he could keep his he would be safe and he could keep his head on his shoulders. and he fled to head on his shoulders. and he fled to head on his shoulders. and he fled to the court of Philip II in Macedonia the court of Philip II in Macedonia the court of Philip II in Macedonia where he very well may have run into where he very well may have run into where he very well may have run into Prince Alexander who would have been Prince Alexander who would have been Prince Alexander who would have been maybe six or seven or eight years old at maybe six or seven or eight years old at maybe six or seven or eight years old at the time. the time. the time. And recall if you will, we told a story And recall if you will, we told a story And recall if you will, we told a story earlier in this conversation about earlier in this conversation about earlier in this conversation about Alexander supposedly meeting diplomats Alexander supposedly meeting diplomats Alexander supposedly meeting diplomats from the Persian Empire. I think from the Persian Empire. I think from the Persian Empire. I think diplomats was the word used because the diplomats was the word used because the diplomats was the word used because the story mythical though it sounds has story mythical though it sounds has story mythical though it sounds has Alexander instead of asking childlike Alexander instead of asking childlike Alexander instead of asking childlike questions about you know the flora and questions about you know the flora and questions about you know the flora and the fauna and the animals you might the fauna and the animals you might the fauna and the animals you might encounter and the wealth of the great encounter and the wealth of the great encounter and the wealth of the great king he's asking questions like so what king he's asking questions like so what king he's asking questions like so what is the condition of the roads in Persia is the condition of the roads in Persia is the condition of the roads in Persia and how far from this strategic city did and how far from this strategic city did and how far from this strategic city did this other one you know how many how this other one you know how many how this other one you know how many how many days ride so maybe he was talking many days ride so maybe he was talking many days ride so maybe he was talking to Menon wouldn't that be a little bit to Menon wouldn't that be a little bit to Menon wouldn't that be a little bit of you know fantastic stuff for your of you know fantastic stuff for your of you know fantastic stuff for your general who's going to have to fight general who's going to have to fight general who's going to have to fight this guy to have in his back pocket, this guy to have in his back pocket, this guy to have in his back pocket, right? That kind of intimate knowledge right? That kind of intimate knowledge right? That kind of intimate knowledge of the opponent because, you know, don't of the opponent because, you know, don't of the opponent because, you know, don't you remember your patent, your film, you remember your patent, your film, you remember your patent, your film, right? We always show the photographs of right? We always show the photographs of right? We always show the photographs of the enemy commanders. We talk about the enemy commanders. We talk about the enemy commanders. We talk about their biographies and all these kinds of their biographies and all these kinds of their biographies and all these kinds of stuff. Well, if you knew Alexander and stuff. Well, if you knew Alexander and stuff. Well, if you knew Alexander and you knew him when, well, that might be you knew him when, well, that might be you knew him when, well, that might be good to know. And then if you knew the good to know. And then if you knew the good to know. And then if you knew the army that Alexander and his dad used, army that Alexander and his dad used, army that Alexander and his dad used, uh, if you'd fought it before, because uh, if you'd fought it before, because uh, if you'd fought it before, because Menon supposedly the guy is the guy Menon supposedly the guy is the guy Menon supposedly the guy is the guy who's dealing with Alexander's dad's who's dealing with Alexander's dad's who's dealing with Alexander's dad's beach head and sort of hemming it into beach head and sort of hemming it into beach head and sort of hemming it into the area where they landed. So, he's the area where they landed. So, he's the area where they landed. So, he's done a good job fighting Alexander so done a good job fighting Alexander so done a good job fighting Alexander so far. Again, if you believe the far. Again, if you believe the far. Again, if you believe the traditional narrative,

traditional narrative, traditional narrative, Menon and his brother were both um in Menon and his brother were both um in Menon and his brother were both um in the traditional narrative, part of a the traditional narrative, part of a the traditional narrative, part of a fascinating class of people that has run fascinating class of people that has run fascinating class of people that has run around uh history pretty much all over around uh history pretty much all over around uh history pretty much all over the world during certain periods of the world during certain periods of the world during certain periods of time, these these generals for hire, time, these these generals for hire, time, these these generals for hire, these kandati. these kandati. these kandati. And there's an era in Western military And there's an era in Western military And there's an era in Western military history in a certain part of Europe history in a certain part of Europe history in a certain part of Europe where, you know, it's the era of these where, you know, it's the era of these where, you know, it's the era of these generals for hire. And sometimes they generals for hire. And sometimes they generals for hire. And sometimes they just bring themselves and sometimes they just bring themselves and sometimes they just bring themselves and sometimes they bring like a prized, you know, elite bring like a prized, you know, elite bring like a prized, you know, elite super unit with them. Sometimes they super unit with them. Sometimes they super unit with them. Sometimes they bring a whole army for hire. So the bring a whole army for hire. So the bring a whole army for hire. So the traditional view of Menon is that guy. traditional view of Menon is that guy. traditional view of Menon is that guy. But what that means is that he's the But what that means is that he's the But what that means is that he's the only guy in this story um that matters only guy in this story um that matters only guy in this story um that matters in the Greek version of it. Right? The in the Greek version of it. Right? The in the Greek version of it. Right? The only person you have to fear in the only person you have to fear in the only person you have to fear in the Persian leadership is the one Greek in Persian leadership is the one Greek in Persian leadership is the one Greek in it, which is a little like uh the story it, which is a little like uh the story it, which is a little like uh the story you're going to get on the tactical you're going to get on the tactical you're going to get on the tactical battlefield level too, which these Greek battlefield level too, which these Greek battlefield level too, which these Greek writers are going to push the idea that writers are going to push the idea that writers are going to push the idea that the only troops you really need to be the only troops you really need to be the only troops you really need to be afraid of sometimes in the Persian army afraid of sometimes in the Persian army afraid of sometimes in the Persian army are the Greek ones they hire. See? See a are the Greek ones they hire. See? See a are the Greek ones they hire. See? See a pattern here? and Pierre Bond and folk pattern here? and Pierre Bond and folk pattern here? and Pierre Bond and folk like him will suggest that this is what like him will suggest that this is what like him will suggest that this is what we would today refer to as sort of a we would today refer to as sort of a we would today refer to as sort of a media creation, a literary fabrication, media creation, a literary fabrication, media creation, a literary fabrication, a a a artistic choice on the part of the artistic choice on the part of the artistic choice on the part of the filmmaker. I mean there's a lot of filmmaker. I mean there's a lot of filmmaker. I mean there's a lot of phrases we could use but I was reading a phrases we could use but I was reading a phrases we could use but I was reading a you know Brian but also Voldemar heck in you know Brian but also Voldemar heck in you know Brian but also Voldemar heck in his book in the path of conquest has a his book in the path of conquest has a his book in the path of conquest has a little mention which just sort of puts little mention which just sort of puts little mention which just sort of puts it into perspective too. Uh, and it's

it into perspective too. Uh, and it's it into perspective too. Uh, and it's this idea that, you know, we're dealing this idea that, you know, we're dealing this idea that, you know, we're dealing with a story here where the Persians with a story here where the Persians with a story here where the Persians play a very specific role. And it's a play a very specific role. And it's a play a very specific role. And it's a role that you see all throughout media. role that you see all throughout media. role that you see all throughout media. I mean, you look at American cinema, I mean, you look at American cinema, I mean, you look at American cinema, it's really at its most in-your-face in it's really at its most in-your-face in it's really at its most in-your-face in like the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, but we've like the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, but we've like the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, but we've never gotten away from it. But pretty never gotten away from it. But pretty never gotten away from it. But pretty much every society's media does much every society's media does much every society's media does something similar. Whenever you have, something similar. Whenever you have, something similar. Whenever you have, we'll just use um film now, but you you we'll just use um film now, but you you we'll just use um film now, but you you can play this in every sort of media can play this in every sort of media can play this in every sort of media platform and format you can think of, platform and format you can think of, platform and format you can think of, but it's the idea of something set in a but it's the idea of something set in a but it's the idea of something set in a farway exotic local, right? So, think farway exotic local, right? So, think farway exotic local, right? So, think about an American movie audience in the about an American movie audience in the about an American movie audience in the 1930s going to see a film set in China 1930s going to see a film set in China 1930s going to see a film set in China or India or Africa, right? So the whole or India or Africa, right? So the whole or India or Africa, right? So the whole thing is that it's exotic and different thing is that it's exotic and different thing is that it's exotic and different and the people are inscrable and you and the people are inscrable and you and the people are inscrable and you know so you have basically a cast where know so you have basically a cast where know so you have basically a cast where none of the average people are anything none of the average people are anything none of the average people are anything but window dressing. They are spear but window dressing. They are spear but window dressing. They are spear holders. They are stormtroopers. They holders. They are stormtroopers. They holders. They are stormtroopers. They are guys in the original Star Trek are guys in the original Star Trek are guys in the original Star Trek you've never seen before in red shirts. you've never seen before in red shirts. you've never seen before in red shirts. The only halfway developed character on The only halfway developed character on The only halfway developed character on that side is always sort of the leader that side is always sort of the leader that side is always sort of the leader of the bad guys, the Ming, the of the bad guys, the Ming, the of the bad guys, the Ming, the merciless, Darth Vader, the king of merciless, Darth Vader, the king of merciless, Darth Vader, the king of kings if you will. But then you have the kings if you will. But then you have the kings if you will. But then you have the character on that side that the audience character on that side that the audience character on that side that the audience can have some sort of a formal can have some sort of a formal can have some sort of a formal relationship with that they can relationship with that they can relationship with that they can understand that they can relate to.

understand that they can relate to. understand that they can relate to. You're Henry Fonda, your Bert Lancaster, You're Henry Fonda, your Bert Lancaster, You're Henry Fonda, your Bert Lancaster, maybe you're Tom Cruz in Japan, you maybe you're Tom Cruz in Japan, you maybe you're Tom Cruz in Japan, you know, one of those guys. know, one of those guys. know, one of those guys. And before you think this is an American And before you think this is an American And before you think this is an American thing, people sort of do that thing, people sort of do that thing, people sort of do that everywhere. Audiences kind of require uh everywhere. Audiences kind of require uh everywhere. Audiences kind of require uh that treatment and you can see it on the that treatment and you can see it on the that treatment and you can see it on the part of the Greek authors. And if you part of the Greek authors. And if you part of the Greek authors. And if you believe someone like Pierre Bant, that's believe someone like Pierre Bant, that's believe someone like Pierre Bant, that's what this is. But even in his book, In what this is. But even in his book, In what this is. But even in his book, In the Path of Conquest, uh, historian and the Path of Conquest, uh, historian and the Path of Conquest, uh, historian and Alexandrian expert Voldemar Heckle, you Alexandrian expert Voldemar Heckle, you Alexandrian expert Voldemar Heckle, you know, he says it's even worse than all know, he says it's even worse than all know, he says it's even worse than all of these exotic people just being of these exotic people just being of these exotic people just being spearholders. He says the story is so spearholders. He says the story is so spearholders. He says the story is so Alexandroentric Alexandroentric Alexandroentric that everyone fades into the background. that everyone fades into the background. that everyone fades into the background. and he writes, quote, "What we know of and he writes, quote, "What we know of and he writes, quote, "What we know of the command structure of the Persian the command structure of the Persian the command structure of the Persian forces is limited by the fact that forces is limited by the fact that forces is limited by the fact that particularly in these early stages of particularly in these early stages of particularly in these early stages of the campaign, the Greek historians, the campaign, the Greek historians, the campaign, the Greek historians, drawing their information primarily from drawing their information primarily from drawing their information primarily from Kalistanes of Olympus placed Alexander Kalistanes of Olympus placed Alexander Kalistanes of Olympus placed Alexander firmly in the center of their firmly in the center of their firmly in the center of their discussions. Even the other Macedonians discussions. Even the other Macedonians discussions. Even the other Macedonians and the Allies were given little and the Allies were given little and the Allies were given little attention. The Persians, he writes, were attention. The Persians, he writes, were attention. The Persians, he writes, were thus little more than a collection of thus little more than a collection of thus little more than a collection of exotic names that gave color to the exotic names that gave color to the exotic names that gave color to the spectacle. End quote. Now, what this spectacle. End quote. Now, what this spectacle. End quote. Now, what this means, of course, is we really don't means, of course, is we really don't means, of course, is we really don't know what's going on with the Persian know what's going on with the Persian know what's going on with the Persian leadership here at all. And modern-day leadership here at all. And modern-day leadership here at all. And modern-day historians, many of whom are experts on historians, many of whom are experts on historians, many of whom are experts on Alexander, still disagree with some Alexander, still disagree with some Alexander, still disagree with some taking a point of view about Menon taking a point of view about Menon taking a point of view about Menon that's pretty close to the long-held that's pretty close to the long-held that's pretty close to the long-held belief, right? Taking the Greek sources belief, right? Taking the Greek sources belief, right? Taking the Greek sources mostly at face value. the people on the mostly at face value. the people on the mostly at face value. the people on the opposite end sort of the peerscentric

opposite end sort of the peerscentric opposite end sort of the peerscentric people who point out it's all nonsense people who point out it's all nonsense people who point out it's all nonsense it's all meant for domestic consumption it's all meant for domestic consumption it's all meant for domestic consumption and the Persians had good generals and the Persians had good generals and the Persians had good generals didn't need Mennon and at this time he's didn't need Mennon and at this time he's didn't need Mennon and at this time he's not an important figure anyway to people not an important figure anyway to people not an important figure anyway to people in between in between in between the reason it matters at this point in the reason it matters at this point in the reason it matters at this point in the story though is when Alexander lands the story though is when Alexander lands the story though is when Alexander lands more on that in a second there's going more on that in a second there's going more on that in a second there's going to be a very famous talked about in all to be a very famous talked about in all to be a very famous talked about in all three of our major sources strategy three of our major sources strategy three of our major sources strategy council if you will held by the Persian council if you will held by the Persian council if you will held by the Persian leadership in this region right the guys leadership in this region right the guys leadership in this region right the guys who are going to be affecting ed by the who are going to be affecting ed by the who are going to be affecting ed by the invasion. invasion. invasion. As we said, Diodoris doesn't mention any As we said, Diodoris doesn't mention any As we said, Diodoris doesn't mention any of the Persians at the council by name, of the Persians at the council by name, of the Persians at the council by name, but Aryan does. Uh, and it's pretty much but Aryan does. Uh, and it's pretty much but Aryan does. Uh, and it's pretty much the prominent, you know, regional vice the prominent, you know, regional vice the prominent, you know, regional vice presidents. And then Menon presidents. And then Menon presidents. And then Menon and Menon's advice to these people, and Menon's advice to these people, and Menon's advice to these people, right? He's the guy that used to work, right? He's the guy that used to work, right? He's the guy that used to work, you know, at this uh disruptive you know, at this uh disruptive you know, at this uh disruptive technology startup, used to work at technology startup, used to work at technology startup, used to work at Apple, used to work at Micro, whatever Apple, used to work at Micro, whatever Apple, used to work at Micro, whatever it was called. Do you know if the it was called. Do you know if the it was called. Do you know if the Persians are looking at this from an IBM Persians are looking at this from an IBM Persians are looking at this from an IBM ccentric or a Huelet Packardesque point ccentric or a Huelet Packardesque point ccentric or a Huelet Packardesque point of view and they've hired this guy to of view and they've hired this guy to of view and they've hired this guy to explain the disruptive technology and explain the disruptive technology and explain the disruptive technology and all these sorts of things, the all these sorts of things, the all these sorts of things, the vulnerabilities in the system. And he vulnerabilities in the system. And he vulnerabilities in the system. And he tells his Persian counterparts, tells his Persian counterparts, tells his Persian counterparts, according to all three of the Greek according to all three of the Greek according to all three of the Greek sources, that the way to fight Alexander sources, that the way to fight Alexander sources, that the way to fight Alexander here is to run from him.

here is to run from him. here is to run from him. Right? Run away. Don't fight him. Right? Run away. Don't fight him. Right? Run away. Don't fight him. burn the harvest, burn the harvest, burn the harvest, destroy everything in the storooms, destroy everything in the storooms, destroy everything in the storooms, destroy the farms. Uh there are destroy the farms. Uh there are destroy the farms. Uh there are implications of perhaps destroying the implications of perhaps destroying the implications of perhaps destroying the cities and moving the population. I cities and moving the population. I cities and moving the population. I mean, a scorched earth tactic, that's mean, a scorched earth tactic, that's mean, a scorched earth tactic, that's what you'd call it. Go all scorched what you'd call it. Go all scorched what you'd call it. Go all scorched earth on Alexander. earth on Alexander. earth on Alexander. And given what we know about his burn And given what we know about his burn And given what we know about his burn rate and his financial situation and rate and his financial situation and rate and his financial situation and what the great king would have known, what the great king would have known, what the great king would have known, too, because there's all sorts of people too, because there's all sorts of people too, because there's all sorts of people in Alexander's army that would have made in Alexander's army that would have made in Alexander's army that would have made sure he knew, right? A lot of people sure he knew, right? A lot of people sure he knew, right? A lot of people want to see Alexander fail even on his want to see Alexander fail even on his want to see Alexander fail even on his own side. So, the great king's going to own side. So, the great king's going to own side. So, the great king's going to know about this. And well, Diodoris know about this. And well, Diodoris know about this. And well, Diodoris again doesn't even mention any other again doesn't even mention any other again doesn't even mention any other Persian commanders. Points out how Persian commanders. Points out how Persian commanders. Points out how wonderful this advice by the one guy who wonderful this advice by the one guy who wonderful this advice by the one guy who knows what he's talking about is. knows what he's talking about is. knows what he's talking about is. And from my Robin Waterfield And from my Robin Waterfield And from my Robin Waterfield translation, he points out how these translation, he points out how these translation, he points out how these dumb Persians don't know better than to dumb Persians don't know better than to dumb Persians don't know better than to listen to a guy who really knows listen to a guy who really knows listen to a guy who really knows strategy. And Diodoris says, quote, strategy. And Diodoris says, quote, strategy. And Diodoris says, quote, Menon of Roads, famous for his strategic Menon of Roads, famous for his strategic Menon of Roads, famous for his strategic brilliance, argued that they, meaning brilliance, argued that they, meaning brilliance, argued that they, meaning the Persian side, should not fight him, the Persian side, should not fight him, the Persian side, should not fight him, meaning Alexander directly, but should meaning Alexander directly, but should meaning Alexander directly, but should destroy the farmland so that shortage of destroy the farmland so that shortage of destroy the farmland so that shortage of provisions would prevent the Macedonians provisions would prevent the Macedonians provisions would prevent the Macedonians from advancing further. And he also from advancing further. And he also from advancing further. And he also argued that they should send both land argued that they should send both land argued that they should send both land and naval forces to Macedon and make and naval forces to Macedon and make and naval forces to Macedon and make Europe rather than Asia the theater of Europe rather than Asia the theater of Europe rather than Asia the theater of war. end quote.

war. end quote. war. end quote. Now, let me just point out that this is Now, let me just point out that this is Now, let me just point out that this is a tactic that had actually been done in a tactic that had actually been done in a tactic that had actually been done in earlier invasions from Greece. So, he's earlier invasions from Greece. So, he's earlier invasions from Greece. So, he's sort of suggesting that they do it sort of suggesting that they do it sort of suggesting that they do it again, right? Bogg Alexander down with again, right? Bogg Alexander down with again, right? Bogg Alexander down with his army in Asia Minor. Meanwhile, send his army in Asia Minor. Meanwhile, send his army in Asia Minor. Meanwhile, send money uh perhaps uh exiles who can money uh perhaps uh exiles who can money uh perhaps uh exiles who can foster rebellion, maybe some fleets, foster rebellion, maybe some fleets, foster rebellion, maybe some fleets, maybe even some soldiers back to Greece maybe even some soldiers back to Greece maybe even some soldiers back to Greece and Macedonia. You know, raise the flag and Macedonia. You know, raise the flag and Macedonia. You know, raise the flag of rebellion and burn his house down of rebellion and burn his house down of rebellion and burn his house down while he's away. while he's away. while he's away. Theodoris thinks this is good advice and Theodoris thinks this is good advice and Theodoris thinks this is good advice and says, quote, Menons was the best advice says, quote, Menons was the best advice says, quote, Menons was the best advice as subsequent events made clear, but he as subsequent events made clear, but he as subsequent events made clear, but he failed to win over the rest of the failed to win over the rest of the failed to win over the rest of the Persian high command who thought the Persian high command who thought the Persian high command who thought the course of action he was recommending was course of action he was recommending was course of action he was recommending was beneath Persian dignity. So given the beneath Persian dignity. So given the beneath Persian dignity. So given the prevailing view was that they should prevailing view was that they should prevailing view was that they should fight. End quote. fight. End quote. fight. End quote. A lot of historical ink has been spilled A lot of historical ink has been spilled A lot of historical ink has been spilled over this over this over this because the benefit of hindsight is so because the benefit of hindsight is so because the benefit of hindsight is so heavy in this case because we know how heavy in this case because we know how heavy in this case because we know how things turned out. It's tempting to say things turned out. It's tempting to say things turned out. It's tempting to say that any strategy besides the one that that any strategy besides the one that that any strategy besides the one that was actually employed would have been an was actually employed would have been an was actually employed would have been an improvement. So easy to say for Diodoris improvement. So easy to say for Diodoris improvement. So easy to say for Diodoris 200 250 years later that Menun's advice 200 250 years later that Menun's advice 200 250 years later that Menun's advice was the right choice. But at the time was the right choice. But at the time was the right choice. But at the time these Persians had some things arguing these Persians had some things arguing these Persians had some things arguing in their favor maybe that suggested that in their favor maybe that suggested that in their favor maybe that suggested that they shouldn't do this. And remember they shouldn't do this. And remember they shouldn't do this. And remember that they don't want to do this. These that they don't want to do this. These that they don't want to do this. These are the guys who live on that land.

are the guys who live on that land. are the guys who live on that land. These are the regional vice presidents. These are the regional vice presidents. These are the regional vice presidents. And when Menan says burn the farms, And when Menan says burn the farms, And when Menan says burn the farms, destroy the harvest, you know, maybe destroy the harvest, you know, maybe destroy the harvest, you know, maybe even destroy the cities. It's their even destroy the cities. It's their even destroy the cities. It's their cities. It's their harvest. It's their cities. It's their harvest. It's their cities. It's their harvest. It's their people. It's their farms. One historian, I think it was uh One historian, I think it was uh Voldemar Heckle had said something about Voldemar Heckle had said something about Voldemar Heckle had said something about the locals not being willing to, and I'm the locals not being willing to, and I'm the locals not being willing to, and I'm putting words in his mouth, sort of take putting words in his mouth, sort of take putting words in his mouth, sort of take one for the team for the rest of the one for the team for the rest of the one for the team for the rest of the empire, right? This would have been a empire, right? This would have been a empire, right? This would have been a good strategy, just not for them good strategy, just not for them good strategy, just not for them personally. But there's other things in personally. But there's other things in personally. But there's other things in play. First of all, what's the great play. First of all, what's the great play. First of all, what's the great king going to think? You know, you're king going to think? You know, you're king going to think? You know, you're burning my cities and destroying my burning my cities and destroying my burning my cities and destroying my harvest and creating this nightmare of a harvest and creating this nightmare of a harvest and creating this nightmare of a problem um without any of you even problem um without any of you even problem um without any of you even dying, not even sacrificing lives, just dying, not even sacrificing lives, just dying, not even sacrificing lives, just running away. running away. running away. Think about the people on the scene, Think about the people on the scene, Think about the people on the scene, too. Think about their well, we said too. Think about their well, we said too. Think about their well, we said their money, their own interests because their money, their own interests because their money, their own interests because it's their land that they run and that it's their land that they run and that it's their land that they run and that they live on and that they tax. But I they live on and that they tax. But I they live on and that they tax. But I mean, think of the honor involved. And mean, think of the honor involved. And mean, think of the honor involved. And honor is like religion. Those are two honor is like religion. Those are two honor is like religion. Those are two human motivations that bleed out of human motivations that bleed out of human motivations that bleed out of stories pretty quickly with the passage stories pretty quickly with the passage stories pretty quickly with the passage of time. But without them, a lot of of time. But without them, a lot of of time. But without them, a lot of conduct is inexplicable.

conduct is inexplicable. conduct is inexplicable. The honor one's a perfect example. In The honor one's a perfect example. In The honor one's a perfect example. In most eras, uh, people in societies, most eras, uh, people in societies, most eras, uh, people in societies, especially those who rise into the upper especially those who rise into the upper especially those who rise into the upper ranks, are very interested in ranks, are very interested in ranks, are very interested in maintaining their honor and doing what maintaining their honor and doing what maintaining their honor and doing what society encourages and not doing what it society encourages and not doing what it society encourages and not doing what it discourages. These people want to be discourages. These people want to be discourages. These people want to be honorable. What is honorable in their honorable. What is honorable in their honorable. What is honorable in their time period while certainly not running time period while certainly not running time period while certainly not running away, right? These are aristocrats. away, right? These are aristocrats. away, right? These are aristocrats. They're warriors. Heck, Hansel Brookke They're warriors. Heck, Hansel Brookke They're warriors. Heck, Hansel Brookke 130 years ago or so called them knights. 130 years ago or so called them knights. 130 years ago or so called them knights. So you get an idea of maybe the level of So you get an idea of maybe the level of So you get an idea of maybe the level of pride and honor that might be involved pride and honor that might be involved pride and honor that might be involved here, but also think about how it would here, but also think about how it would here, but also think about how it would completely undermine completely undermine completely undermine um any of the honor and recognition and um any of the honor and recognition and um any of the honor and recognition and glory that one might get for valiantly glory that one might get for valiantly glory that one might get for valiantly resisting Alexander, right? And resisting Alexander, right? And resisting Alexander, right? And defending the homeland. I mean, if you defending the homeland. I mean, if you defending the homeland. I mean, if you beat Alexander, but the way you did it beat Alexander, but the way you did it beat Alexander, but the way you did it was by running away and destroying was by running away and destroying was by running away and destroying everything of your own that he could everything of your own that he could everything of your own that he could take, well, where's the honor in that? take, well, where's the honor in that? take, well, where's the honor in that? It takes all the incentive out of this. It takes all the incentive out of this. It takes all the incentive out of this. And finally, these guys had done pretty And finally, these guys had done pretty And finally, these guys had done pretty well against the beach head. They' done well against the beach head. They' done well against the beach head. They' done pretty well against Philillip's uh beach pretty well against Philillip's uh beach pretty well against Philillip's uh beach head with Parminio and uh and and they head with Parminio and uh and and they head with Parminio and uh and and they didn't get rolled. So, I mean, maybe didn't get rolled. So, I mean, maybe didn't get rolled. So, I mean, maybe they had every incentive to believe uh they had every incentive to believe uh they had every incentive to believe uh that they stood a chance and that honor that they stood a chance and that honor that they stood a chance and that honor and maybe even the great king dictated and maybe even the great king dictated and maybe even the great king dictated that they should at least try.

that they should at least try. that they should at least try. Pierre Bon points out that Alexander's Pierre Bon points out that Alexander's Pierre Bon points out that Alexander's crossing and intentions were so clear crossing and intentions were so clear crossing and intentions were so clear and so known in advance that this whole and so known in advance that this whole and so known in advance that this whole idea of there being a strategy council idea of there being a strategy council idea of there being a strategy council here where these guys got to decide, you here where these guys got to decide, you here where these guys got to decide, you know, the main strategy to take is know, the main strategy to take is know, the main strategy to take is probably false because the great king probably false because the great king probably false because the great king probably had time even though he was, probably had time even though he was, probably had time even though he was, you know, LA to Denver distance or you know, LA to Denver distance or you know, LA to Denver distance or farther away to send, you know, his farther away to send, you know, his farther away to send, you know, his views on the matter, right? He might views on the matter, right? He might views on the matter, right? He might have said to them, "No, we're fighting. have said to them, "No, we're fighting. have said to them, "No, we're fighting. You guys just figure out, you know, how You guys just figure out, you know, how You guys just figure out, you know, how you want to line the troops up and where you want to line the troops up and where you want to line the troops up and where you want to have the encounter." you want to have the encounter." you want to have the encounter." And of course, none of this can happen And of course, none of this can happen And of course, none of this can happen until Alexander invades, which he does until Alexander invades, which he does until Alexander invades, which he does in the spring of 334 BC B.CE. Aryan has in the spring of 334 BC B.CE. Aryan has in the spring of 334 BC B.CE. Aryan has his whole route listed dot to dot to his whole route listed dot to dot to his whole route listed dot to dot to dot, point to point. dot, point to point. dot, point to point. According to the sources, he made the According to the sources, he made the According to the sources, he made the 300-mile journey from Europe to the edge 300-mile journey from Europe to the edge 300-mile journey from Europe to the edge of Asia in 20 days. And that ain't bad. of Asia in 20 days. And that ain't bad. of Asia in 20 days. And that ain't bad. We are told that uh he arrives at the We are told that uh he arrives at the We are told that uh he arrives at the Helellispont, which is the traditional Helellispont, which is the traditional Helellispont, which is the traditional crossing point from Europe to Asia. It's crossing point from Europe to Asia. It's crossing point from Europe to Asia. It's the Dardinels we call it now. There have the Dardinels we call it now. There have the Dardinels we call it now. There have been lots of encounters fought there been lots of encounters fought there been lots of encounters fought there over the eras. I mean, heck, the the over the eras. I mean, heck, the the over the eras. I mean, heck, the the battle of Gallipoli in the First World battle of Gallipoli in the First World battle of Gallipoli in the First World War was fought over there.

War was fought over there. War was fought over there. The most famous uh Europe to Asia The most famous uh Europe to Asia The most famous uh Europe to Asia conflict in um well, I was going to say conflict in um well, I was going to say conflict in um well, I was going to say human history, but it probably is human human history, but it probably is human human history, but it probably is human history uh that's ever happened. history uh that's ever happened. history uh that's ever happened. certainly to to Alexander's mind happens certainly to to Alexander's mind happens certainly to to Alexander's mind happens right there. The war between, you know, right there. The war between, you know, right there. The war between, you know, the Greeks and the Trojans, the one the Greeks and the Trojans, the one the Greeks and the Trojans, the one chronicled by Homer in the Iliad, chronicled by Homer in the Iliad, chronicled by Homer in the Iliad, supposedly Alexander's favorite book. supposedly Alexander's favorite book. supposedly Alexander's favorite book. Well, it probably would have been Well, it probably would have been Well, it probably would have been scrolls at this era, but he's supposed scrolls at this era, but he's supposed scrolls at this era, but he's supposed to have carried them with him, to have carried them with him, to have carried them with him, annotated, by the way, his personal copy annotated, by the way, his personal copy annotated, by the way, his personal copy by his tutor, Aristotle. I mean this is by his tutor, Aristotle. I mean this is by his tutor, Aristotle. I mean this is the most famous work in Greek history. the most famous work in Greek history. the most famous work in Greek history. It's one of the oldest maybe it is the It's one of the oldest maybe it is the It's one of the oldest maybe it is the oldest complete work we have in the oldest complete work we have in the oldest complete work we have in the western uh literary cannon. In fact I western uh literary cannon. In fact I western uh literary cannon. In fact I believe it is still the oldest work that believe it is still the oldest work that believe it is still the oldest work that is read regularly by people today uh is read regularly by people today uh is read regularly by people today uh from the western cannon. from the western cannon. from the western cannon. And so when Alexander and the army And so when Alexander and the army And so when Alexander and the army arrive at the helispond, he lets arrive at the helispond, he lets arrive at the helispond, he lets Parminio handle the boring actual Parminio handle the boring actual Parminio handle the boring actual crossing of the water from Europe to crossing of the water from Europe to crossing of the water from Europe to Asia, which in the dinels, it's like a Asia, which in the dinels, it's like a Asia, which in the dinels, it's like a mile, two miles. I mean, it's not it's mile, two miles. I mean, it's not it's mile, two miles. I mean, it's not it's not a very long distance, which is why not a very long distance, which is why not a very long distance, which is why it's the point of crossing. And it's the point of crossing. And it's the point of crossing. And Alexander, we are told, takes several Alexander, we are told, takes several Alexander, we are told, takes several thousand troops with him, like a like a thousand troops with him, like a like a thousand troops with him, like a like a large bodyguard, and heads south, I large bodyguard, and heads south, I large bodyguard, and heads south, I think it is about I think it's between I think it is about I think it's between I think it is about I think it's between I looked at a map, like between 25 and 35 looked at a map, like between 25 and 35 looked at a map, like between 25 and 35 miles to a different crossing point, the miles to a different crossing point, the miles to a different crossing point, the same ones traditionally, according to same ones traditionally, according to same ones traditionally, according to Homer, that the Greeks used when they Homer, that the Greeks used when they Homer, that the Greeks used when they crossed over to attack Troy

crossed over to attack Troy crossed over to attack Troy in the longgone Trojan Wars. in the longgone Trojan Wars. in the longgone Trojan Wars. Now, if you've listened to me over the Now, if you've listened to me over the Now, if you've listened to me over the eras, you know how fascinated I am with eras, you know how fascinated I am with eras, you know how fascinated I am with the concept of what ancient people the concept of what ancient people the concept of what ancient people thought their ancient history was and thought their ancient history was and thought their ancient history was and what it looked like and what their views what it looked like and what their views what it looked like and what their views of it were. And, you know, did it did it of it were. And, you know, did it did it of it were. And, you know, did it did it sort of go into foggy myth at some point sort of go into foggy myth at some point sort of go into foggy myth at some point and turn into gods and demigods? In and turn into gods and demigods? In and turn into gods and demigods? In Alexander's case, when he's looking back Alexander's case, when he's looking back Alexander's case, when he's looking back at the Trojan Wars, he's looking back at at the Trojan Wars, he's looking back at at the Trojan Wars, he's looking back at something that if they happened, let me something that if they happened, let me something that if they happened, let me stress that, if they happened, would stress that, if they happened, would stress that, if they happened, would have happened 800 or 900 years before have happened 800 or 900 years before have happened 800 or 900 years before Alexander's lifetime. In other words, it Alexander's lifetime. In other words, it Alexander's lifetime. In other words, it would be farther away from his time would be farther away from his time would be farther away from his time period in the past to him than that period in the past to him than that period in the past to him than that battle of Azenor I referenced a little battle of Azenor I referenced a little battle of Azenor I referenced a little while ago is to us, right? you know, while ago is to us, right? you know, while ago is to us, right? you know, English longbow bow and French knights English longbow bow and French knights English longbow bow and French knights closer to us now than the semi-leendary, closer to us now than the semi-leendary, closer to us now than the semi-leendary, what would we even call the Trojan Wars what would we even call the Trojan Wars what would we even call the Trojan Wars were to Alexander.

were to Alexander. were to Alexander. Add to that the fact that nothing was Add to that the fact that nothing was Add to that the fact that nothing was written down as far as we know about it written down as far as we know about it written down as far as we know about it till Homer, whoever he or they are, did till Homer, whoever he or they are, did till Homer, whoever he or they are, did it 400 years before Alexander was born, it 400 years before Alexander was born, it 400 years before Alexander was born, right? And then the Trojan Wars that right? And then the Trojan Wars that right? And then the Trojan Wars that Homer is writing about or 400 years Homer is writing about or 400 years Homer is writing about or 400 years before his time. Well, you get an idea before his time. Well, you get an idea before his time. Well, you get an idea of, you know, what we're talking about of, you know, what we're talking about of, you know, what we're talking about here. And yet to Alexander, this isn't here. And yet to Alexander, this isn't here. And yet to Alexander, this isn't just, you know, history as opposed to just, you know, history as opposed to just, you know, history as opposed to myth. It's heritage, right? This is myth. It's heritage, right? This is myth. It's heritage, right? This is family history. This is personal family history. This is personal family history. This is personal history. Remember who the star of the history. Remember who the star of the history. Remember who the star of the Iliad is, right? Iliad is, right? Iliad is, right? It's Achilles. And who's Achilles? It's Achilles. And who's Achilles? It's Achilles. And who's Achilles? Well, Alexander's Well, Alexander's Well, Alexander's ancestor, right? ancestor, right? ancestor, right? And so Alexander and this several And so Alexander and this several And so Alexander and this several thousand thousand thousand strong bodyguard of his, we're told, strong bodyguard of his, we're told, strong bodyguard of his, we're told, crosses at a different point, following crosses at a different point, following crosses at a different point, following the same sort of line of departure that the same sort of line of departure that the same sort of line of departure that his ancestor Achilles and those guys his ancestor Achilles and those guys his ancestor Achilles and those guys used and crosses from Europe to Asia used and crosses from Europe to Asia used and crosses from Europe to Asia there. Um because he's Alexander, he's there. Um because he's Alexander, he's there. Um because he's Alexander, he's always been scrupulous about um the always been scrupulous about um the always been scrupulous about um the religious sacrifices and religious sacrifices and religious sacrifices and responsibilities. We're told he holds a responsibilities. We're told he holds a responsibilities. We're told he holds a sacrifice on the European side.

sacrifice on the European side. sacrifice on the European side. gets in the warship uh begins to cross gets in the warship uh begins to cross gets in the warship uh begins to cross and then stops midway between the two and then stops midway between the two and then stops midway between the two sides, the two continents, holds another sides, the two continents, holds another sides, the two continents, holds another sacrifice sacrifice sacrifice and then heads across to Asia and then heads across to Asia and then heads across to Asia supposedly again, you know, with a grain supposedly again, you know, with a grain supposedly again, you know, with a grain of salt. Uh he's actually steering the of salt. Uh he's actually steering the of salt. Uh he's actually steering the ship in homeriic Iliad style. He changes ship in homeriic Iliad style. He changes ship in homeriic Iliad style. He changes into full armor at some point and when into full armor at some point and when into full armor at some point and when we must imagine this warship uh we must imagine this warship uh we must imagine this warship uh crunching the prow crunching onto the crunching the prow crunching onto the crunching the prow crunching onto the sand on the Asian side according to sand on the Asian side according to sand on the Asian side according to Diodoris and others remember they're Diodoris and others remember they're Diodoris and others remember they're working from earlier sources we don't working from earlier sources we don't working from earlier sources we don't have he throws his spear over the side have he throws his spear over the side have he throws his spear over the side of the ship it lands on Asian soil of the ship it lands on Asian soil of the ship it lands on Asian soil sticks straight up and Alexander is sticks straight up and Alexander is sticks straight up and Alexander is supposed to see that as a sign or claim supposed to see that as a sign or claim supposed to see that as a sign or claim all of Asia as spear one territory all of Asia as spear one territory all of Asia as spear one territory jumps off the side of the ship as though jumps off the side of the ship as though jumps off the side of the ship as though he's in Steven Spielberg's version of he's in Steven Spielberg's version of he's in Steven Spielberg's version of D-Day. As though he's expecting to fight D-Day. As though he's expecting to fight D-Day. As though he's expecting to fight like in the Iliad, cuz that did happen like in the Iliad, cuz that did happen like in the Iliad, cuz that did happen in the Iliad. And the first guy who in the Iliad. And the first guy who in the Iliad. And the first guy who jumped off the ship was killed jumped off the ship was killed jumped off the ship was killed instantly. Alexander sacrificed to him instantly. Alexander sacrificed to him instantly. Alexander sacrificed to him also, hoping for a better outcome than also, hoping for a better outcome than also, hoping for a better outcome than he had. And it is better because there's he had. And it is better because there's he had. And it is better because there's no Persians there.

no Persians there. no Persians there. Diodoris gives the rundown in the Diodoris gives the rundown in the Diodoris gives the rundown in the fabulous Robin Waterfield translation fabulous Robin Waterfield translation fabulous Robin Waterfield translation and writes, quote, "Alexander led his and writes, quote, "Alexander led his and writes, quote, "Alexander led his army to the Helispont and transported it army to the Helispont and transported it army to the Helispont and transported it over from Europe to Asia. He sailed over from Europe to Asia. He sailed over from Europe to Asia. He sailed himself with 60 warships to the trode. himself with 60 warships to the trode. himself with 60 warships to the trode. And when he touched land, he hurled his And when he touched land, he hurled his And when he touched land, he hurled his spear from his ship and it stuck in the spear from his ship and it stuck in the spear from his ship and it stuck in the earth. Then he leapt ashore, the first earth. Then he leapt ashore, the first earth. Then he leapt ashore, the first of the Macedonians to do so, and of the Macedonians to do so, and of the Macedonians to do so, and declared that he accepted Asia as a declared that he accepted Asia as a declared that he accepted Asia as a spear one gift from the gods." End spear one gift from the gods." End spear one gift from the gods." End quote. Has there ever been in real history a Has there ever been in real history a more cinematic moment than this? I mean, more cinematic moment than this? I mean, more cinematic moment than this? I mean, this is right out of a superhero movie. this is right out of a superhero movie. this is right out of a superhero movie. Um, if this story is, as Will Durant Um, if this story is, as Will Durant Um, if this story is, as Will Durant described it, uh, and we mentioned described it, uh, and we mentioned described it, uh, and we mentioned earlier, the most daring and romantic earlier, the most daring and romantic earlier, the most daring and romantic enterprise in the history of Kings, this enterprise in the history of Kings, this enterprise in the history of Kings, this guy that literally starts it, if we're guy that literally starts it, if we're guy that literally starts it, if we're to believe this story, by jumping off to believe this story, by jumping off to believe this story, by jumping off the side of the ship in full armor, the side of the ship in full armor, the side of the ship in full armor, ready to I mean, and we're at war. It's ready to I mean, and we're at war. It's ready to I mean, and we're at war. It's one can imagine him doing it even just one can imagine him doing it even just one can imagine him doing it even just like those, you know, movie superheroes like those, you know, movie superheroes like those, you know, movie superheroes do where they're in they they sort of do where they're in they they sort of do where they're in they they sort of squat down as they jump up. I mean, it's squat down as they jump up. I mean, it's squat down as they jump up. I mean, it's it's like Iron Man.

I don't know if any of that's true, but I don't know if any of that's true, but boy, along with every other Alexander boy, along with every other Alexander boy, along with every other Alexander uh fan person out there, I want it to be uh fan person out there, I want it to be uh fan person out there, I want it to be cuz this is movie worthy. And and you cuz this is movie worthy. And and you cuz this is movie worthy. And and you get a sense. I mean, if you look at get a sense. I mean, if you look at get a sense. I mean, if you look at Alexander's whole career, just like his Alexander's whole career, just like his Alexander's whole career, just like his dad's career, he seems to get it when it dad's career, he seems to get it when it dad's career, he seems to get it when it comes to this sort of stuff. What's hard to separate though is that What's hard to separate though is that there's a decent chance he's he sort of there's a decent chance he's he sort of there's a decent chance he's he sort of buys into it too on a personal level, buys into it too on a personal level, buys into it too on a personal level, which would make a lot of this sort of a which would make a lot of this sort of a which would make a lot of this sort of a window into his soul or his psychology window into his soul or his psychology window into his soul or his psychology or his motivations. or his motivations. or his motivations. But how would you know? And part of what But how would you know? And part of what But how would you know? And part of what makes Alexander, as we said earlier, so makes Alexander, as we said earlier, so makes Alexander, as we said earlier, so interesting is you don't have a lot of interesting is you don't have a lot of interesting is you don't have a lot of figures from 2,300 years ago that figures from 2,300 years ago that figures from 2,300 years ago that there's enough sort of to work with here there's enough sort of to work with here there's enough sort of to work with here for us to ask some of these salient for us to ask some of these salient for us to ask some of these salient questions about motivations and questions about motivations and questions about motivations and psychology and whatnot. psychology and whatnot. psychology and whatnot. But what Alexander does once he hits the But what Alexander does once he hits the But what Alexander does once he hits the other side of Asia is in keeping with other side of Asia is in keeping with other side of Asia is in keeping with his religious character holds another his religious character holds another his religious character holds another sacrifice. And a lot of these sacrifices sacrifice. And a lot of these sacrifices sacrifice. And a lot of these sacrifices are to gods that he he may think he's are to gods that he he may think he's are to gods that he he may think he's related to. And then he heads on out related to. And then he heads on out related to. And then he heads on out with his entourage, which I saw one with his entourage, which I saw one with his entourage, which I saw one source that suggested it's like 6,000 source that suggested it's like 6,000 source that suggested it's like 6,000 guys. Uh but think of how weird this is.

guys. Uh but think of how weird this is. guys. Uh but think of how weird this is. I mean, I keep thinking to myself, okay, I mean, I keep thinking to myself, okay, I mean, I keep thinking to myself, okay, if I have the most daring and romantic if I have the most daring and romantic if I have the most daring and romantic enterprise in the history of kings enterprise in the history of kings enterprise in the history of kings unfolding, what was it 25 to 35 miles unfolding, what was it 25 to 35 miles unfolding, what was it 25 to 35 miles from where I just came from and handling from where I just came from and handling from where I just came from and handling it? I mean, this is the key moment in my it? I mean, this is the key moment in my it? I mean, this is the key moment in my life. I'd want to be there. So why is he life. I'd want to be there. So why is he life. I'd want to be there. So why is he here? These are the kind of questions here? These are the kind of questions here? These are the kind of questions that sort of vex us all. Right? We're that sort of vex us all. Right? We're that sort of vex us all. Right? We're told that then Alexander leaves the told that then Alexander leaves the told that then Alexander leaves the landing site and he heads on into this landing site and he heads on into this landing site and he heads on into this town called Illiam. town called Illiam. town called Illiam. Now we all know that town by a different Now we all know that town by a different Now we all know that town by a different name. It's also known as Troy. And yes, name. It's also known as Troy. And yes, name. It's also known as Troy. And yes, it's still there sort of. And it's sort it's still there sort of. And it's sort it's still there sort of. And it's sort of by where Alexander landed. In fact, of by where Alexander landed. In fact, of by where Alexander landed. In fact, the whole area is called the Tro. It's the whole area is called the Tro. It's the whole area is called the Tro. It's related to the name related to the name related to the name and there are lots of thoughts as to why and there are lots of thoughts as to why and there are lots of thoughts as to why Alexander's doing this. But when he Alexander's doing this. But when he Alexander's doing this. But when he shows up, it can't possibly live up to shows up, it can't possibly live up to shows up, it can't possibly live up to expectations if you've been reading the expectations if you've been reading the expectations if you've been reading the Iliad because in Alexander's day, as one Iliad because in Alexander's day, as one Iliad because in Alexander's day, as one secondary source historian, well, I secondary source historian, well, I secondary source historian, well, I guess all of our sources are kind of guess all of our sources are kind of guess all of our sources are kind of secondary, aren't they? But as one secondary, aren't they? But as one secondary, aren't they? But as one historian has pointed out, by this time historian has pointed out, by this time historian has pointed out, by this time period, it's sort of a dusty tourist period, it's sort of a dusty tourist period, it's sort of a dusty tourist town.

town. town. But Alexander is drawn to it, which, you But Alexander is drawn to it, which, you But Alexander is drawn to it, which, you know, again, begs the question, why? And know, again, begs the question, why? And know, again, begs the question, why? And drawn to it importantly enough to detour drawn to it importantly enough to detour drawn to it importantly enough to detour from his most important, you know, from his most important, you know, from his most important, you know, moment in his life ever to swing by. moment in his life ever to swing by. moment in his life ever to swing by. Which brings us to one of the theories. Which brings us to one of the theories. Which brings us to one of the theories. And I had never heard this before, but And I had never heard this before, but And I had never heard this before, but in some of the research I was doing in some of the research I was doing in some of the research I was doing recently, a couple of historians had an recently, a couple of historians had an recently, a couple of historians had an interesting um suggested answer as to interesting um suggested answer as to interesting um suggested answer as to what we're seeing here. And they were what we're seeing here. And they were what we're seeing here. And they were pointing out that with the importance of pointing out that with the importance of pointing out that with the importance of the Iliad in Greek history, to call it the Iliad in Greek history, to call it the Iliad in Greek history, to call it the the equivalent of something like the the the equivalent of something like the the the equivalent of something like the modern-day Bible is to show how terrible modern-day Bible is to show how terrible modern-day Bible is to show how terrible these analogies could be. But it does these analogies could be. But it does these analogies could be. But it does sort of uh integrate itself as part of sort of uh integrate itself as part of sort of uh integrate itself as part of the foundation to the culture of the the foundation to the culture of the the foundation to the culture of the Greek world. I mean, one of the ways Greek world. I mean, one of the ways Greek world. I mean, one of the ways Macedonian society is um often described Macedonian society is um often described Macedonian society is um often described during this period is homeriic. Well, during this period is homeriic. Well, during this period is homeriic. Well, where do you think those values come where do you think those values come where do you think those values come from? Right. Well, if you get as close from? Right. Well, if you get as close from? Right. Well, if you get as close in an era where people didn't travel as in an era where people didn't travel as in an era where people didn't travel as much, right? If you get this close to much, right? If you get this close to much, right? If you get this close to some place that important to you and some place that important to you and some place that important to you and Alexander supposedly sleeping with a Alexander supposedly sleeping with a Alexander supposedly sleeping with a copy of the Iliad under his pillow, copy of the Iliad under his pillow, copy of the Iliad under his pillow, right? Wouldn't you just go visit it?

right? Wouldn't you just go visit it? right? Wouldn't you just go visit it? Isn't that a no-brainer? And some of the Isn't that a no-brainer? And some of the Isn't that a no-brainer? And some of the historians I was reading and I'd never historians I was reading and I'd never historians I was reading and I'd never run across that potential explanation run across that potential explanation run across that potential explanation before, but this may be a tourist jaunt. before, but this may be a tourist jaunt. before, but this may be a tourist jaunt. And the fact that Alexander is sort of And the fact that Alexander is sort of And the fact that Alexander is sort of following the Iliad like a travel guide. following the Iliad like a travel guide. following the Iliad like a travel guide. It's almost like Troy on Tend Drokmas a It's almost like Troy on Tend Drokmas a It's almost like Troy on Tend Drokmas a day here and he and the entourage go to day here and he and the entourage go to day here and he and the entourage go to this dusty tourist town and find the this dusty tourist town and find the this dusty tourist town and find the kind of well I mean go to a place today kind of well I mean go to a place today kind of well I mean go to a place today that's a religious sanctuary or a cult that's a religious sanctuary or a cult that's a religious sanctuary or a cult site or a place where our big battle was site or a place where our big battle was site or a place where our big battle was or a big tourist attraction. The locals or a big tourist attraction. The locals or a big tourist attraction. The locals always set up some sort of little kitsy always set up some sort of little kitsy always set up some sort of little kitsy situation where they can, you know, situation where they can, you know, situation where they can, you know, weedle a few dollars or dromas out of weedle a few dollars or dromas out of weedle a few dollars or dromas out of the locals. And that's what Troy's the locals. And that's what Troy's the locals. And that's what Troy's become. Because the Troy Alexander runs become. Because the Troy Alexander runs become. Because the Troy Alexander runs into uh is not the Troy of the Iliad into uh is not the Troy of the Iliad into uh is not the Troy of the Iliad because that Troy is gone, as the Iliad because that Troy is gone, as the Iliad because that Troy is gone, as the Iliad would suggest. would suggest. would suggest. You Trojan War fans out there already You Trojan War fans out there already You Trojan War fans out there already know this better than I do, but like a know this better than I do, but like a know this better than I do, but like a lot of ancient cities, they're often lot of ancient cities, they're often lot of ancient cities, they're often built in really good sites. And so when built in really good sites. And so when built in really good sites. And so when they get the inevitable destruction due they get the inevitable destruction due they get the inevitable destruction due to earthquake or flood or fire or to earthquake or flood or fire or to earthquake or flood or fire or invasion or what have you, they often invasion or what have you, they often invasion or what have you, they often rebuild them on the same site.

rebuild them on the same site. rebuild them on the same site. Troy is a perfect example of that. There Troy is a perfect example of that. There Troy is a perfect example of that. There are multiple troys all built on top of are multiple troys all built on top of are multiple troys all built on top of one another. And the archaeologists have one another. And the archaeologists have one another. And the archaeologists have given the layers uh names, I mean given the layers uh names, I mean given the layers uh names, I mean numbers that correspond with eras. The numbers that correspond with eras. The numbers that correspond with eras. The Troy of Alexander's time period is not Troy of Alexander's time period is not Troy of Alexander's time period is not the Troy of the earlier one, which is the Troy of the earlier one, which is the Troy of the earlier one, which is described with walls 30 feet high. described with walls 30 feet high. described with walls 30 feet high. Instead, Alexander goes to a place, Instead, Alexander goes to a place, Instead, Alexander goes to a place, we're told, that has sort of a dusty, we're told, that has sort of a dusty, we're told, that has sort of a dusty, rundown temple of Athena and a bunch of rundown temple of Athena and a bunch of rundown temple of Athena and a bunch of little um well, Plutarch describes them little um well, Plutarch describes them little um well, Plutarch describes them as antiquities and curiosities, but they as antiquities and curiosities, but they as antiquities and curiosities, but they have all the little sites that would have all the little sites that would have all the little sites that would draw, you know, a few tourists off the draw, you know, a few tourists off the draw, you know, a few tourists off the main drag to spend a little money. And main drag to spend a little money. And main drag to spend a little money. And Alexander, we are told, is excited to Alexander, we are told, is excited to Alexander, we are told, is excited to see them or excited to be seen seeing see them or excited to be seen seeing see them or excited to be seen seeing them depending on what he's really doing them depending on what he's really doing them depending on what he's really doing here. here. here. And that brings us to the second And that brings us to the second And that brings us to the second possibility as to what's going on here. possibility as to what's going on here. possibility as to what's going on here. This may not be a tourist trip at all. This may not be a tourist trip at all. This may not be a tourist trip at all. This may be an attempt to gain, what did This may be an attempt to gain, what did This may be an attempt to gain, what did we say, full spectrum dominance over we say, full spectrum dominance over we say, full spectrum dominance over the, you know, imaging here, the the, you know, imaging here, the the, you know, imaging here, the messaging, the propaganda.

messaging, the propaganda. messaging, the propaganda. Then he's not the first person, if the Then he's not the first person, if the Then he's not the first person, if the sources can be believed, to have this sources can be believed, to have this sources can be believed, to have this thought because 150 years before him, thought because 150 years before him, thought because 150 years before him, Xerxes going in the other direction to Xerxes going in the other direction to Xerxes going in the other direction to invade Greece supposedly did something invade Greece supposedly did something invade Greece supposedly did something similar. But he obviously sort of similar. But he obviously sort of similar. But he obviously sort of worshiped to the Trojan side cuz that worshiped to the Trojan side cuz that worshiped to the Trojan side cuz that would have been seen as the Asians and would have been seen as the Asians and would have been seen as the Asians and the Greek side being seen as the the Greek side being seen as the the Greek side being seen as the Europeans. One would think that Europeans. One would think that Europeans. One would think that Alexander would do the reverse, but he Alexander would do the reverse, but he Alexander would do the reverse, but he does something once again completely does something once again completely does something once again completely ingenious, we're told. ingenious, we're told. ingenious, we're told. and kind of pays tribute to both sides and kind of pays tribute to both sides and kind of pays tribute to both sides when he shows up to the dusty little when he shows up to the dusty little when he shows up to the dusty little tourist town filled with what historian tourist town filled with what historian tourist town filled with what historian FS Naiden says brick a brack and looks FS Naiden says brick a brack and looks FS Naiden says brick a brack and looks around obviously must have been a little around obviously must have been a little around obviously must have been a little disappointed promised later to you know disappointed promised later to you know disappointed promised later to you know come and refurbish everything and make come and refurbish everything and make come and refurbish everything and make it look good again but he gets shown it look good again but he gets shown it look good again but he gets shown around he gets shown all the tourist around he gets shown all the tourist around he gets shown all the tourist stuff and if you've ever been to one of stuff and if you've ever been to one of stuff and if you've ever been to one of these places they're all over the world these places they're all over the world these places they're all over the world there are stories about when the there are stories about when the there are stories about when the Byzantines and then later the Frankish Byzantines and then later the Frankish Byzantines and then later the Frankish crusaders crusaders crusaders uh retake the Holy Land. All of a uh retake the Holy Land. All of a uh retake the Holy Land. All of a sudden, these places spring up there and sudden, these places spring up there and sudden, these places spring up there and there's, you know, selling, you know, there's, you know, selling, you know, there's, you know, selling, you know, trinkets and momentos and supposed, you trinkets and momentos and supposed, you trinkets and momentos and supposed, you know, legitimate artifacts. Sure, this know, legitimate artifacts. Sure, this know, legitimate artifacts. Sure, this is one of the thorns in Jesus's, you is one of the thorns in Jesus's, you is one of the thorns in Jesus's, you know, crown of thorns. Would I lie to know, crown of thorns. Would I lie to know, crown of thorns. Would I lie to you? That kind of thing. Seems to be the you? That kind of thing. Seems to be the you? That kind of thing. Seems to be the most human of things to have happen. And most human of things to have happen. And most human of things to have happen. And Alexander is shown all the kind of Alexander is shown all the kind of Alexander is shown all the kind of things in this little tourist trap.

things in this little tourist trap. things in this little tourist trap. He's shown the liar of Paris, right? the He's shown the liar of Paris, right? the He's shown the liar of Paris, right? the musical instrument of of one of the key musical instrument of of one of the key musical instrument of of one of the key characters, Paris. But he declines to characters, Paris. But he declines to characters, Paris. But he declines to even see it, doesn't want to see it. He even see it, doesn't want to see it. He even see it, doesn't want to see it. He says that's only that was an instrument says that's only that was an instrument says that's only that was an instrument that was meant to, you know, sort of that was meant to, you know, sort of that was meant to, you know, sort of lure women into romantic relationships, lure women into romantic relationships, lure women into romantic relationships, but he would gladly look at the liar of but he would gladly look at the liar of but he would gladly look at the liar of Achilles that was played to inspire men. Achilles that was played to inspire men. Achilles that was played to inspire men. See, it's that kind of gig. He is shown, See, it's that kind of gig. He is shown, See, it's that kind of gig. He is shown, we are told, uh some armor. This must be we are told, uh some armor. This must be we are told, uh some armor. This must be the crowning jewel. I I my mom worked in the crowning jewel. I I my mom worked in the crowning jewel. I I my mom worked in a place called Weeky Watchy, Florida a place called Weeky Watchy, Florida a place called Weeky Watchy, Florida once and it's a similar kind of gig uh once and it's a similar kind of gig uh once and it's a similar kind of gig uh as a tourist uh destination. They had a as a tourist uh destination. They had a as a tourist uh destination. They had a a live mermaid show that was the a live mermaid show that was the a live mermaid show that was the attraction to, you know, take you off attraction to, you know, take you off attraction to, you know, take you off the highway. In this case, the crowning the highway. In this case, the crowning the highway. In this case, the crowning draw in this whole, you know, dusty draw in this whole, you know, dusty draw in this whole, you know, dusty little tourist town is this armor. Uh little tourist town is this armor. Uh little tourist town is this armor. Uh some historians say it's basically the some historians say it's basically the some historians say it's basically the equivalent of like a minted and equivalent of like a minted and equivalent of like a minted and notorized, they said, uh, you know, real notorized, they said, uh, you know, real notorized, they said, uh, you know, real piece of armor from the Trojan War. Some piece of armor from the Trojan War. Some piece of armor from the Trojan War. Some historians say it's actually a piece of historians say it's actually a piece of historians say it's actually a piece of Achilles's armor or that's how it was Achilles's armor or that's how it was Achilles's armor or that's how it was sold to Alexander. And can you imagine sold to Alexander. And can you imagine sold to Alexander. And can you imagine the irresistibility of something like the irresistibility of something like the irresistibility of something like that to him? In fact, there might even that to him? In fact, there might even that to him? In fact, there might even be a sense of ownership here. I mean, be a sense of ownership here. I mean, be a sense of ownership here. I mean, that's his ancestor. I don't even know that's his ancestor. I don't even know that's his ancestor. I don't even know what you're doing with that armor. That what you're doing with that armor. That what you're doing with that armor. That should be in my family. But we're told should be in my family. But we're told should be in my family. But we're told that he takes it.

that he takes it. that he takes it. Now, I have always thought given what we Now, I have always thought given what we Now, I have always thought given what we know about the rest of the history of know about the rest of the history of know about the rest of the history of the physical remains, shall we say, of the physical remains, shall we say, of the physical remains, shall we say, of Alexander that there is some karmic Alexander that there is some karmic Alexander that there is some karmic justice coming his way for an act like justice coming his way for an act like justice coming his way for an act like this. Because Alexander will after he this. Because Alexander will after he this. Because Alexander will after he dies be mummified and would be put on dies be mummified and would be put on dies be mummified and would be put on display for centuries. because he was display for centuries. because he was display for centuries. because he was absolutely fascinating to at least seven absolutely fascinating to at least seven absolutely fascinating to at least seven and maybe more of the great Roman and maybe more of the great Roman and maybe more of the great Roman emperors. They would go visit him, you emperors. They would go visit him, you emperors. They would go visit him, you know, in his tomb where he is um I was know, in his tomb where he is um I was know, in his tomb where he is um I was going to say buried, but he's just he's going to say buried, but he's just he's going to say buried, but he's just he's on display. on display. on display. And one of them, Caligula, supposedly And one of them, Caligula, supposedly And one of them, Caligula, supposedly according to Sutonius, so you know, according to Sutonius, so you know, according to Sutonius, so you know, sometimes I think he's like the gossip sometimes I think he's like the gossip sometimes I think he's like the gossip columnist of um you know, ancient Rome, columnist of um you know, ancient Rome, columnist of um you know, ancient Rome, but I'm not the only one. But according but I'm not the only one. But according but I'm not the only one. But according to Sutonius, Caligula takes Alexander's to Sutonius, Caligula takes Alexander's to Sutonius, Caligula takes Alexander's armor. There's a story of the emperor armor. There's a story of the emperor armor. There's a story of the emperor Augustus touching Alexander's mummified Augustus touching Alexander's mummified Augustus touching Alexander's mummified remains, breaking the nose off. So this remains, breaking the nose off. So this remains, breaking the nose off. So this is maybe karmic justice for taking the is maybe karmic justice for taking the is maybe karmic justice for taking the armor, the you know m the live mermaid armor, the you know m the live mermaid armor, the you know m the live mermaid show equivalent of this poor dusty show equivalent of this poor dusty show equivalent of this poor dusty tourist town and then promising to bring tourist town and then promising to bring tourist town and then promising to bring it back later. Uh, one historian said he it back later. Uh, one historian said he it back later. Uh, one historian said he wore it in the first battle, but it got, wore it in the first battle, but it got, wore it in the first battle, but it got, you know, a little beaten up and after you know, a little beaten up and after you know, a little beaten up and after that they just sort of displayed it on a that they just sort of displayed it on a that they just sort of displayed it on a stick. But the other historians make it stick. But the other historians make it stick. But the other historians make it sound like it was displayed on a stick sound like it was displayed on a stick sound like it was displayed on a stick only. Who knows?

only. Who knows? only. Who knows? Alexander was also shown these giant Alexander was also shown these giant Alexander was also shown these giant mounds, these kireans. You see them all mounds, these kireans. You see them all mounds, these kireans. You see them all over the world from all different eras. over the world from all different eras. over the world from all different eras. They're always impressive. They're giant They're always impressive. They're giant They're always impressive. They're giant barrerows where they where something's barrerows where they where something's barrerows where they where something's under them, usually mounds and tombs and under them, usually mounds and tombs and under them, usually mounds and tombs and whatnot. And he's told, and the locals whatnot. And he's told, and the locals whatnot. And he's told, and the locals probably believed this, that these probably believed this, that these probably believed this, that these mounds were the the graves of Achilles mounds were the the graves of Achilles mounds were the the graves of Achilles and Ajax, right? Alexander's hero. And I and Ajax, right? Alexander's hero. And I and Ajax, right? Alexander's hero. And I mean, can you imagine the draw? And once mean, can you imagine the draw? And once mean, can you imagine the draw? And once again, whether this is for propaganda again, whether this is for propaganda again, whether this is for propaganda purposes or not, or a combination, purposes or not, or a combination, purposes or not, or a combination, right? He really feels this, but it's right? He really feels this, but it's right? He really feels this, but it's good propaganda. He and Hephestian, his good propaganda. He and Hephestian, his good propaganda. He and Hephestian, his best friend, the Robin to his Batman. best friend, the Robin to his Batman. best friend, the Robin to his Batman. More on Hephestian as we go on. More on Hephestian as we go on. More on Hephestian as we go on. Supposedly, they put garlands on the Supposedly, they put garlands on the Supposedly, they put garlands on the tombs. They anoint themselves with oil tombs. They anoint themselves with oil tombs. They anoint themselves with oil and run around the tombs naked, which I and run around the tombs naked, which I and run around the tombs naked, which I guess is the custom. guess is the custom. guess is the custom. Now, I looked up those supposed tombs Now, I looked up those supposed tombs Now, I looked up those supposed tombs before this conversation and apparently before this conversation and apparently before this conversation and apparently uh they've been dated and they are far uh they've been dated and they are far uh they've been dated and they are far older than any of the dates for the older than any of the dates for the older than any of the dates for the Trojan War. So, clearly not the tombs Trojan War. So, clearly not the tombs Trojan War. So, clearly not the tombs they were expected to be. So either some they were expected to be. So either some they were expected to be. So either some enterprising, you know, representative enterprising, you know, representative enterprising, you know, representative of the Iliam tourist board came up with of the Iliam tourist board came up with of the Iliam tourist board came up with the idea, let's just say those are the the idea, let's just say those are the the idea, let's just say those are the tombs, or, you know, it's a longheld tombs, or, you know, it's a longheld tombs, or, you know, it's a longheld belief that goes back into the misty belief that goes back into the misty belief that goes back into the misty past, right? Remember, farther back in past, right? Remember, farther back in past, right? Remember, farther back in their past than the battle of Azenor is their past than the battle of Azenor is their past than the battle of Azenor is to us, so who knows?

to us, so who knows? to us, so who knows? But as a wonderful reminder to us all But as a wonderful reminder to us all But as a wonderful reminder to us all that things don't have to be real to be that things don't have to be real to be that things don't have to be real to be affecting, you know, real world events affecting, you know, real world events affecting, you know, real world events and to having an impact on reality. and to having an impact on reality. and to having an impact on reality. Because after all, doesn't matter Because after all, doesn't matter Because after all, doesn't matter whether Achilles ever lived or not for whether Achilles ever lived or not for whether Achilles ever lived or not for real. Doesn't matter whether his mortal real. Doesn't matter whether his mortal real. Doesn't matter whether his mortal remains lie under that mound that remains lie under that mound that remains lie under that mound that Alexander's running naked, covered in Alexander's running naked, covered in Alexander's running naked, covered in oil around. All that has to matter is oil around. All that has to matter is oil around. All that has to matter is that Alexander has to believe that he that Alexander has to believe that he that Alexander has to believe that he does. And in fact, doesn't even matter does. And in fact, doesn't even matter does. And in fact, doesn't even matter whether Alexander believes it. He can be whether Alexander believes it. He can be whether Alexander believes it. He can be a cynic and one of those people that a cynic and one of those people that a cynic and one of those people that just feels like, you know, the common just feels like, you know, the common just feels like, you know, the common people will buy into anything. Many people will buy into anything. Many people will buy into anything. Many leaders have been in that category. What leaders have been in that category. What leaders have been in that category. What really matters is that the people in really matters is that the people in really matters is that the people in that area believe it to be true and that that area believe it to be true and that that area believe it to be true and that other people in the Greek world believe other people in the Greek world believe other people in the Greek world believe it to be true. it to be true. it to be true. Although I'm going to go along with the Although I'm going to go along with the Although I'm going to go along with the idea that I think Alexander probably idea that I think Alexander probably idea that I think Alexander probably believed it to be true, too. After all, believed it to be true, too. After all, believed it to be true, too. After all, um it becomes difficult to explain um it becomes difficult to explain um it becomes difficult to explain otherwise, even for propaganda reasons otherwise, even for propaganda reasons otherwise, even for propaganda reasons why Alexander then would be here in why Alexander then would be here in why Alexander then would be here in Troy. I almost feel like there should be Troy. I almost feel like there should be Troy. I almost feel like there should be air quotes around it for this version of air quotes around it for this version of air quotes around it for this version of Troy. Alexander's visiting, but why he Troy. Alexander's visiting, but why he Troy. Alexander's visiting, but why he would be here in Troy instead of 25 or would be here in Troy instead of 25 or would be here in Troy instead of 25 or 35 miles from this area supervising the 35 miles from this area supervising the 35 miles from this area supervising the crossing of his army from Europe to Asia crossing of his army from Europe to Asia crossing of his army from Europe to Asia in the most important moment that has in the most important moment that has in the most important moment that has yet happened in his young life? Got to yet happened in his young life? Got to yet happened in his young life? Got to be a reason that explains that. Is the be a reason that explains that. Is the be a reason that explains that. Is the propaganda enough?

propaganda enough? propaganda enough? Well, Voldemar Heckle said that Well, Voldemar Heckle said that Well, Voldemar Heckle said that Alexander by doing this sought to place Alexander by doing this sought to place Alexander by doing this sought to place his expedition, meaning his war against his expedition, meaning his war against his expedition, meaning his war against the Persians, on a higher plane, right? the Persians, on a higher plane, right? the Persians, on a higher plane, right? associating it with this greatest of all associating it with this greatest of all associating it with this greatest of all Greek mythical military classics. Pierre Greek mythical military classics. Pierre Greek mythical military classics. Pierre Bant called the whole thing a homeriic Bant called the whole thing a homeriic Bant called the whole thing a homeriic pilgrimage, pilgrimage, pilgrimage, but it's worth asking what he's doing but it's worth asking what he's doing but it's worth asking what he's doing here. And is propaganda enough? Heckle here. And is propaganda enough? Heckle here. And is propaganda enough? Heckle points out that this propaganda was points out that this propaganda was points out that this propaganda was aimed more at the Greeks back home than aimed more at the Greeks back home than aimed more at the Greeks back home than anything else. Although one would think anything else. Although one would think anything else. Although one would think it dovetales nicely into Alexander's it dovetales nicely into Alexander's it dovetales nicely into Alexander's whole propaganda that he's coming to whole propaganda that he's coming to whole propaganda that he's coming to liberate the Greek cities of of Asia, liberate the Greek cities of of Asia, liberate the Greek cities of of Asia, right? It's an age-old problem. They've right? It's an age-old problem. They've right? It's an age-old problem. They've been, you know, trading hands for a long been, you know, trading hands for a long been, you know, trading hands for a long time. And Alexander and and his father time. And Alexander and and his father time. And Alexander and and his father are hoping that these cities welcome are hoping that these cities welcome are hoping that these cities welcome them with open arms instead of throwing them with open arms instead of throwing them with open arms instead of throwing up their walls and making them conduct up their walls and making them conduct up their walls and making them conduct sieges and stuff like that when he's sieges and stuff like that when he's sieges and stuff like that when he's already got this terrible burn rate. So, already got this terrible burn rate. So, already got this terrible burn rate. So, all of this plays nicely into this. And all of this plays nicely into this. And all of this plays nicely into this. And then he pulls a a little stunt that then he pulls a a little stunt that then he pulls a a little stunt that makes it even more clear that he's going makes it even more clear that he's going makes it even more clear that he's going to work that angle, too. Right? we're to work that angle, too. Right? we're to work that angle, too. Right? we're all on the same side against the big bad all on the same side against the big bad all on the same side against the big bad Asians Asians Asians when he does what Ian Worthington calls when he does what Ian Worthington calls when he does what Ian Worthington calls a neat combination of religion and a neat combination of religion and a neat combination of religion and politics when instead of doing the politics when instead of doing the politics when instead of doing the normal thing which is for his side to normal thing which is for his side to normal thing which is for his side to honor his side in the uh Trojan War, honor his side in the uh Trojan War, honor his side in the uh Trojan War, right? He he honors the Greeks and when right? He he honors the Greeks and when right? He he honors the Greeks and when the Persians invade Greece, they honor the Persians invade Greece, they honor the Persians invade Greece, they honor the Trojans, Alexander honors the the Trojans, Alexander honors the the Trojans, Alexander honors the Trojans, too.

Trojans, too. Trojans, too. He basically throws his arms around them He basically throws his arms around them He basically throws his arms around them and instead of doing what Herodotus does and instead of doing what Herodotus does and instead of doing what Herodotus does and assuming that the Trojans are the and assuming that the Trojans are the and assuming that the Trojans are the representatives of Asia, Alexander representatives of Asia, Alexander representatives of Asia, Alexander basically casts them as the Greeks of basically casts them as the Greeks of basically casts them as the Greeks of Asia. Remember the whole panh helenic Asia. Remember the whole panh helenic Asia. Remember the whole panh helenic idea is so covered in what we would call idea is so covered in what we would call idea is so covered in what we would call today bigotry and prejudice and today bigotry and prejudice and today bigotry and prejudice and ethnosentrism. I mean in in in the most ethnosentrism. I mean in in in the most ethnosentrism. I mean in in in the most extreme version of it, the adherence extreme version of it, the adherence extreme version of it, the adherence believe that the Greeks are the only believe that the Greeks are the only believe that the Greeks are the only people that should be free and all the people that should be free and all the people that should be free and all the barbarians should be slaves. So it barbarians should be slaves. So it barbarians should be slaves. So it matters whether or not the Trojans get matters whether or not the Trojans get matters whether or not the Trojans get classified on the barbarian side or not, classified on the barbarian side or not, classified on the barbarian side or not, right? Should you be a person who has right? Should you be a person who has right? Should you be a person who has slaves or should you be amongst the many slaves or should you be amongst the many slaves or should you be amongst the many who become slaves? And Alexander who become slaves? And Alexander who become slaves? And Alexander throwing his arms around the Trojans throwing his arms around the Trojans throwing his arms around the Trojans here is basically saying that when we here is basically saying that when we here is basically saying that when we talk about panhelanism, of course we talk about panhelanism, of course we talk about panhelanism, of course we mean you too mean you too mean you too in summing up everything Alexander's in summing up everything Alexander's in summing up everything Alexander's done here since he arrives on the Asian done here since he arrives on the Asian done here since he arrives on the Asian side of things. AB Bosworth, the late side of things. AB Bosworth, the late side of things. AB Bosworth, the late great Australian Alexandrian expert, AB great Australian Alexandrian expert, AB great Australian Alexandrian expert, AB Bosworth in his book Conquest and Bosworth in his book Conquest and Bosworth in his book Conquest and Empire, uh, points out that Alexander is Empire, uh, points out that Alexander is Empire, uh, points out that Alexander is operating, as we said, on multiple operating, as we said, on multiple operating, as we said, on multiple levels here, full spectrum dominance, levels here, full spectrum dominance, levels here, full spectrum dominance, even including incorporating the ghosts even including incorporating the ghosts even including incorporating the ghosts of the past into his military. And of the past into his military. And of the past into his military. And Bosworth, starting from Aryan, the Bosworth, starting from Aryan, the Bosworth, starting from Aryan, the historical source who is also so focused historical source who is also so focused historical source who is also so focused on the stuff in the past, Bosworth on the stuff in the past, Bosworth on the stuff in the past, Bosworth writes, quote, "For Aryan and possibly writes, quote, "For Aryan and possibly writes, quote, "For Aryan and possibly his sources, it was the invocation of his sources, it was the invocation of his sources, it was the invocation of the past that mattered most. The king,

the past that mattered most. The king, the past that mattered most. The king, meaning Alexander, made a formal visit meaning Alexander, made a formal visit meaning Alexander, made a formal visit to the sanctuary of Athena at Iliam, to the sanctuary of Athena at Iliam, to the sanctuary of Athena at Iliam, meaning Troy, and gained her blessing meaning Troy, and gained her blessing meaning Troy, and gained her blessing for the war, exchanging his own for the war, exchanging his own for the war, exchanging his own ceremonial armor for venerable relics in ceremonial armor for venerable relics in ceremonial armor for venerable relics in the shrine. That would be the Wiki the shrine. That would be the Wiki the shrine. That would be the Wiki Watchi mermaids. In future, the arms Watchi mermaids. In future, the arms Watchi mermaids. In future, the arms from the original panh helenic war, from the original panh helenic war, from the original panh helenic war, meaning the Trojan War, would be carried meaning the Trojan War, would be carried meaning the Trojan War, would be carried into battle before him. He also offered into battle before him. He also offered into battle before him. He also offered heroic honors to the great dead, notably heroic honors to the great dead, notably heroic honors to the great dead, notably hisid ancestors, Achilles and Ajax. But hisid ancestors, Achilles and Ajax. But hisid ancestors, Achilles and Ajax. But he did not follow the example of he did not follow the example of he did not follow the example of Heroditus and interpret the Trojan War Heroditus and interpret the Trojan War Heroditus and interpret the Trojan War as an early instance of the perpetual as an early instance of the perpetual as an early instance of the perpetual antagonism between Greek and barbarian. antagonism between Greek and barbarian. antagonism between Greek and barbarian. He had Trojan blood in him, Bosworth He had Trojan blood in him, Bosworth He had Trojan blood in him, Bosworth writes, through the Malloian royal line, writes, through the Malloian royal line, writes, through the Malloian royal line, which traced its origins to Achilles's which traced its origins to Achilles's which traced its origins to Achilles's son Neoamus and the captive Trojan son Neoamus and the captive Trojan son Neoamus and the captive Trojan princess Andromeach, and he was eager to princess Andromeach, and he was eager to princess Andromeach, and he was eager to reconcile the two sides of his lineage."

reconcile the two sides of his lineage." reconcile the two sides of his lineage." End quote. End quote. End quote. He then points out that Alexander made a He then points out that Alexander made a He then points out that Alexander made a sacrifice to the king of the Trojans in sacrifice to the king of the Trojans in sacrifice to the king of the Trojans in the Iliad, a guy named Pry, who was the Iliad, a guy named Pry, who was the Iliad, a guy named Pry, who was murdered in a sacriigious act, which you murdered in a sacriigious act, which you murdered in a sacriigious act, which you know is the sort of thing that could know is the sort of thing that could know is the sort of thing that could create bad ju guu resonating down a create bad ju guu resonating down a create bad ju guu resonating down a family line for generations. Well, the family line for generations. Well, the family line for generations. Well, the guy who killed him in the sacriiggious guy who killed him in the sacriiggious guy who killed him in the sacriiggious murder was Neoamus, who's the son of murder was Neoamus, who's the son of murder was Neoamus, who's the son of Achilles, both of whom were Alexander's Achilles, both of whom were Alexander's Achilles, both of whom were Alexander's ancestors. So, you know, not a bad deal ancestors. So, you know, not a bad deal ancestors. So, you know, not a bad deal to try to at least, you know, for the to try to at least, you know, for the to try to at least, you know, for the Hicks and the Rubes around that region Hicks and the Rubes around that region Hicks and the Rubes around that region who are going to spread the word far and who are going to spread the word far and who are going to spread the word far and wide and if they don't, I'll have my PR wide and if they don't, I'll have my PR wide and if they don't, I'll have my PR staff do it. Uh, you know, that I'm staff do it. Uh, you know, that I'm staff do it. Uh, you know, that I'm making up for that, right? Finally, making up for that, right? Finally, making up for that, right? Finally, somebody's closing this age-old wound, somebody's closing this age-old wound, somebody's closing this age-old wound, right? Great propaganda. And again, as right? Great propaganda. And again, as right? Great propaganda. And again, as uh Voldemar Heckle says, certainly also uh Voldemar Heckle says, certainly also uh Voldemar Heckle says, certainly also aimed at the Greeks back in Greece. aimed at the Greeks back in Greece. aimed at the Greeks back in Greece. But then, as Bosworth points out, what But then, as Bosworth points out, what But then, as Bosworth points out, what he's really doing here is drawing a he's really doing here is drawing a he's really doing here is drawing a circle around all these people that are circle around all these people that are circle around all these people that are going to be in the in crowd. And he's going to be in the in crowd. And he's going to be in the in crowd. And he's incorporating the Trojans as part of the incorporating the Trojans as part of the incorporating the Trojans as part of the Greek crowd. And Bosworth writes, quote, Greek crowd. And Bosworth writes, quote, Greek crowd. And Bosworth writes, quote, for Alexander, the Trojans were not for Alexander, the Trojans were not for Alexander, the Trojans were not barbarians, but Helen on Asian soil. And barbarians, but Helen on Asian soil. And barbarians, but Helen on Asian soil. And both in his person and in his both in his person and in his both in his person and in his propaganda, he united the Greek propaganda, he united the Greek propaganda, he united the Greek communities on either side of the Aian.

communities on either side of the Aian. communities on either side of the Aian. The descendants of Achilles and Pryam The descendants of Achilles and Pryam The descendants of Achilles and Pryam would now fight together against the would now fight together against the would now fight together against the common enemy. It was a most evocative common enemy. It was a most evocative common enemy. It was a most evocative variation on the theme of panhelanism variation on the theme of panhelanism variation on the theme of panhelanism and Alexander proceeded to battle with and Alexander proceeded to battle with and Alexander proceeded to battle with the ghosts of the past enlisted in his the ghosts of the past enlisted in his the ghosts of the past enlisted in his service. End quote. service. End quote. service. End quote. I freaking love that. That is Lord of I freaking love that. That is Lord of I freaking love that. That is Lord of the Rings paths of the dead stuff right the Rings paths of the dead stuff right the Rings paths of the dead stuff right there. I love that. But it goes even there. I love that. But it goes even there. I love that. But it goes even farther than that. When we talk about farther than that. When we talk about farther than that. When we talk about Alexander's attempt at full spectrum Alexander's attempt at full spectrum Alexander's attempt at full spectrum dominance here of of the propaganda and dominance here of of the propaganda and dominance here of of the propaganda and covering all his bases, there's another covering all his bases, there's another covering all his bases, there's another base and and we we can play with it not base and and we we can play with it not base and and we we can play with it not just with Alexander but with all those just with Alexander but with all those just with Alexander but with all those leaders that we mentioned at the start leaders that we mentioned at the start leaders that we mentioned at the start of this installment in this of this installment in this of this installment in this conversation, right? The other people conversation, right? The other people conversation, right? The other people that might be considered, you know, the that might be considered, you know, the that might be considered, you know, the people who could give Alexander a run people who could give Alexander a run people who could give Alexander a run for his money, right? of the greatest for his money, right? of the greatest for his money, right? of the greatest military leaders or the greatest military leaders or the greatest military leaders or the greatest conquerors of all time or all these conquerors of all time or all these conquerors of all time or all these people. How many of them believed in people. How many of them believed in people. How many of them believed in their religion or their words or their their religion or their words or their their religion or their words or their movement? In other words, how many of movement? In other words, how many of movement? In other words, how many of these people were cynical opportunists these people were cynical opportunists these people were cynical opportunists trying to, you know, fool the rubes or trying to, you know, fool the rubes or trying to, you know, fool the rubes or the crowds or or the people and and the crowds or or the people and and the crowds or or the people and and dressing up their authoritarian uh dressing up their authoritarian uh dressing up their authoritarian uh leanings and whatnot in all sorts of leanings and whatnot in all sorts of leanings and whatnot in all sorts of political or ideological finery? And how political or ideological finery? And how political or ideological finery? And how many of these guys really believed it?

many of these guys really believed it? many of these guys really believed it? Because if I asked you to take yourself Because if I asked you to take yourself Because if I asked you to take yourself out of the world you live in now and to out of the world you live in now and to out of the world you live in now and to go back in the time machine that I've go back in the time machine that I've go back in the time machine that I've always wanted to own. By the way, you always wanted to own. By the way, you always wanted to own. By the way, you can send it to uh the address on my can send it to uh the address on my can send it to uh the address on my website if you invent it. Promise not to website if you invent it. Promise not to website if you invent it. Promise not to destroy reality if you send it to me. destroy reality if you send it to me. destroy reality if you send it to me. But remember that in the same way that But remember that in the same way that But remember that in the same way that Achilles doesn't have to be real or lie Achilles doesn't have to be real or lie Achilles doesn't have to be real or lie under that mound to be affecting under that mound to be affecting under that mound to be affecting reality, reality, reality, magic magic magic and ghosts and ghosts and ghosts and gods don't have to be real to be and gods don't have to be real to be and gods don't have to be real to be affecting reality either. The living affecting reality either. The living affecting reality either. The living just have to believe in them. And when just have to believe in them. And when just have to believe in them. And when Alexander Alexander Alexander sacrifices to someone like Pry, he's sacrifices to someone like Pry, he's sacrifices to someone like Pry, he's putting on a show for all the people putting on a show for all the people putting on a show for all the people around him. He's creating propaganda he around him. He's creating propaganda he around him. He's creating propaganda he can use uh to hopefully flip some of can use uh to hopefully flip some of can use uh to hopefully flip some of these cities nearby that he wants to these cities nearby that he wants to these cities nearby that he wants to come over to his side. But at the same come over to his side. But at the same come over to his side. But at the same time, if you believe time, if you believe time, if you believe in ghosts and [snorts] things like that, in ghosts and [snorts] things like that, in ghosts and [snorts] things like that, remember these are people who who pay remember these are people who who pay remember these are people who who pay good money to people who can read what good money to people who can read what good money to people who can read what the movements of flocks of birds mean.

the movements of flocks of birds mean. the movements of flocks of birds mean. who have people who study their whole who have people who study their whole who have people who study their whole lives to get to positions where they lives to get to positions where they lives to get to positions where they slaughter animals and throw the entrils slaughter animals and throw the entrils slaughter animals and throw the entrils on a skillet and can tell you the future on a skillet and can tell you the future on a skillet and can tell you the future based on how it pops around while it's based on how it pops around while it's based on how it pops around while it's heating up. heating up. heating up. Kings go to temples and ask Kings go to temples and ask Kings go to temples and ask geopolitically important questions to geopolitically important questions to geopolitically important questions to priestesses who may be in transances priestesses who may be in transances priestesses who may be in transances when they give them the eye of the when they give them the eye of the when they give them the eye of the beholder and famously interpretive beholder and famously interpretive beholder and famously interpretive answers that have allegedly if the answers that have allegedly if the answers that have allegedly if the ancient sources are to be believed ancient sources are to be believed ancient sources are to be believed brought down empires. For more check out brought down empires. For more check out brought down empires. For more check out your Herodotus look up in the index Cus your Herodotus look up in the index Cus your Herodotus look up in the index Cus King Lydia. King Lydia. King Lydia. The point being that these people, at The point being that these people, at The point being that these people, at least some of them, buy into this. And least some of them, buy into this. And least some of them, buy into this. And if you do, and if you have the greatest if you do, and if you have the greatest if you do, and if you have the greatest army that the world has ever seen, you army that the world has ever seen, you army that the world has ever seen, you have nothing to fear, do you? I mean, have nothing to fear, do you? I mean, have nothing to fear, do you? I mean, what what trumps that in the game of what what trumps that in the game of what what trumps that in the game of geopolitical poker that Alexander is geopolitical poker that Alexander is geopolitical poker that Alexander is playing, only a wild card.

playing, only a wild card. playing, only a wild card. The gods are a wild card. The gods are a wild card. The gods are a wild card. And if you look at something like the And if you look at something like the And if you look at something like the Iliad, not as a story, Iliad, not as a story, Iliad, not as a story, but as history, you can't help but but as history, you can't help but but as history, you can't help but notice the gods are in the thick of it, notice the gods are in the thick of it, notice the gods are in the thick of it, too. too. too. You screw up your relationship with the You screw up your relationship with the You screw up your relationship with the gods in this deal and nothing else gods in this deal and nothing else gods in this deal and nothing else matters. matters. matters. And historian Frank Niden, FS Naiden, And historian Frank Niden, FS Naiden, And historian Frank Niden, FS Naiden, points out that, you know, um, one of points out that, you know, um, one of points out that, you know, um, one of the things Alexander is doing when he is the things Alexander is doing when he is the things Alexander is doing when he is promising to build a new shrine for this promising to build a new shrine for this promising to build a new shrine for this rundown version of Troy is he's showing rundown version of Troy is he's showing rundown version of Troy is he's showing his underlings, the companions, how he's his underlings, the companions, how he's his underlings, the companions, how he's going to govern, right? And part of what going to govern, right? And part of what going to govern, right? And part of what you do here is you restore. And part of you do here is you restore. And part of you do here is you restore. And part of what you restore are the shrines and the what you restore are the shrines and the what you restore are the shrines and the gods and the because if you don't well gods and the because if you don't well gods and the because if you don't well there's an old line you know used to there's an old line you know used to there's an old line you know used to print it on the German belt buckles print it on the German belt buckles print it on the German belt buckles right God midun God is with us it's an right God midun God is with us it's an right God midun God is with us it's an age old line for militaries from time age old line for militaries from time age old line for militaries from time immemorial right God's on our side immemorial right God's on our side immemorial right God's on our side because here's here's the problem what because here's here's the problem what because here's here's the problem what is the opposite of that God's against is the opposite of that God's against is the opposite of that God's against you and if God's against you does it you and if God's against you does it you and if God's against you does it matter that you have the greatest army matter that you have the greatest army matter that you have the greatest army that's ever been and frank Hank Niden that's ever been and frank Hank Niden that's ever been and frank Hank Niden writes in God, priest and soldier, writes in God, priest and soldier, writes in God, priest and soldier, quote, "By promising to build a new city quote, "By promising to build a new city quote, "By promising to build a new city and shrine at Troy, Alexander defined and shrine at Troy, Alexander defined and shrine at Troy, Alexander defined for the companions his notion of ruling for the companions his notion of ruling for the companions his notion of ruling Asia. If a city had declined, he means Asia. If a city had declined, he means Asia. If a city had declined, he means mostly physically, right? If it's

mostly physically, right? If it's mostly physically, right? If it's deteriorated, Alexander and the deteriorated, Alexander and the deteriorated, Alexander and the companions should restore it. Above all, companions should restore it. Above all, companions should restore it. Above all, they should restore shrines and worship they should restore shrines and worship they should restore shrines and worship in them, honoring the gods altars and in them, honoring the gods altars and in them, honoring the gods altars and the rights of suffence. They should the rights of suffence. They should the rights of suffence. They should never think that the ghosts of the dead never think that the ghosts of the dead never think that the ghosts of the dead were unobservant or powerless. Ancient were unobservant or powerless. Ancient were unobservant or powerless. Ancient kings such as Pry were still alive, if kings such as Pry were still alive, if kings such as Pry were still alive, if only as wraiths, and conquerors needed only as wraiths, and conquerors needed only as wraiths, and conquerors needed not only to respect them, but also to not only to respect them, but also to not only to respect them, but also to regard them as models. End quote. I regard them as models. End quote. I regard them as models. End quote. I interpret that as saying, "Don't piss interpret that as saying, "Don't piss interpret that as saying, "Don't piss off the dead. You don't know what off the dead. You don't know what off the dead. You don't know what they're capable of. And certainly don't they're capable of. And certainly don't they're capable of. And certainly don't piss off the gods because if you don't piss off the gods because if you don't piss off the gods because if you don't know what they're capable of, well, you know what they're capable of, well, you know what they're capable of, well, you haven't been reading your Iliad and we haven't been reading your Iliad and we haven't been reading your Iliad and we know Alexander is supposed to have slept know Alexander is supposed to have slept know Alexander is supposed to have slept with it under his pillow or something with it under his pillow or something with it under his pillow or something like that. like that. like that. One of the really interesting things One of the really interesting things One of the really interesting things about having so many of our sources even about having so many of our sources even about having so many of our sources even though they're hundreds of years after though they're hundreds of years after though they're hundreds of years after Alexander lived still being thousands of Alexander lived still being thousands of Alexander lived still being thousands of years from now um and having the years from now um and having the years from now um and having the Diodorises and the Aryans and the Diodorises and the Aryans and the Diodorises and the Aryans and the Plutarchs and those guys as our um you Plutarchs and those guys as our um you Plutarchs and those guys as our um you know earliest sort of pieces of know earliest sort of pieces of know earliest sort of pieces of information is that these guys when they information is that these guys when they information is that these guys when they talk about things like you know the talk about things like you know the talk about things like you know the interpretation of what the flight of interpretation of what the flight of interpretation of what the flight of birds means and predicting the future birds means and predicting the future birds means and predicting the future they believe that stuff too, right?

they believe that stuff too, right? they believe that stuff too, right? They're early enough so that they're not They're early enough so that they're not They're early enough so that they're not in our era where our modern historians in our era where our modern historians in our era where our modern historians are reading this stuff and and not are reading this stuff and and not are reading this stuff and and not believing in any of the statues sweating believing in any of the statues sweating believing in any of the statues sweating or the entrils popping or you know the or the entrils popping or you know the or the entrils popping or you know the priestesses in their transances telling priestesses in their transances telling priestesses in their transances telling you what sort of geopolitical decision you what sort of geopolitical decision you what sort of geopolitical decision to make. These guys like Aryan and to make. These guys like Aryan and to make. These guys like Aryan and Diodoris they live in an era where well Diodoris they live in an era where well Diodoris they live in an era where well they do believe that stuff. So they they do believe that stuff. So they they do believe that stuff. So they interpret all this differently. And so, interpret all this differently. And so, interpret all this differently. And so, you know, to a guy like Aryan, you know, you know, to a guy like Aryan, you know, you know, to a guy like Aryan, you know, sacrificing to pry him here is a key sacrificing to pry him here is a key sacrificing to pry him here is a key move on Alexander's part, not just for move on Alexander's part, not just for move on Alexander's part, not just for the propaganda purposes, which is what the propaganda purposes, which is what the propaganda purposes, which is what we we people in the modern world would we we people in the modern world would we we people in the modern world would notice, right? The real world, you know, notice, right? The real world, you know, notice, right? The real world, you know, terraform Joseph Stalin type real terraform Joseph Stalin type real terraform Joseph Stalin type real politic Machavelian type way of doing politic Machavelian type way of doing politic Machavelian type way of doing these sorts of things. You know, a guy these sorts of things. You know, a guy these sorts of things. You know, a guy like Aryan's going, "Okay, the spirit of like Aryan's going, "Okay, the spirit of like Aryan's going, "Okay, the spirit of prime is not going to interfere with prime is not going to interfere with prime is not going to interfere with you." You know, I mean, it's a whole you." You know, I mean, it's a whole you." You know, I mean, it's a whole different sort of lens through which to different sort of lens through which to different sort of lens through which to interpret not just reality, but interpret not just reality, but interpret not just reality, but Alexander's actions and the rightness or Alexander's actions and the rightness or Alexander's actions and the rightness or wrongness or prudentness or recklessness wrongness or prudentness or recklessness wrongness or prudentness or recklessness of them.

of them. of them. The specificity of Aryan freaks me out a The specificity of Aryan freaks me out a The specificity of Aryan freaks me out a little too because it's just this giant little too because it's just this giant little too because it's just this giant reminder of how much we've lost from the reminder of how much we've lost from the reminder of how much we've lost from the ancient world in terms of information ancient world in terms of information ancient world in terms of information because he's farther, you know, not much because he's farther, you know, not much because he's farther, you know, not much farther, but farther away from Alexander farther, but farther away from Alexander farther, but farther away from Alexander than we are from the American than we are from the American than we are from the American Revolution. And he'll give you the names Revolution. And he'll give you the names Revolution. And he'll give you the names of unit commanders. of unit commanders. of unit commanders. He'll give you the route city to city to He'll give you the route city to city to He'll give you the route city to city to city. And all you can think about is city. And all you can think about is city. And all you can think about is remember he even said the critics were remember he even said the critics were remember he even said the critics were ready to pounce on him. He's writing ready to pounce on him. He's writing ready to pounce on him. He's writing this history of Alexander. The accuracy this history of Alexander. The accuracy this history of Alexander. The accuracy is so important. He's working from is so important. He's working from is so important. He's working from stuff. Well, it's just a little glimpse stuff. Well, it's just a little glimpse stuff. Well, it's just a little glimpse into what must have been out there into what must have been out there into what must have been out there information wise. Always freaks me out a information wise. Always freaks me out a information wise. Always freaks me out a little because I think about what's been little because I think about what's been little because I think about what's been lost. lost. lost. But Aryan will tell you Alexander has But Aryan will tell you Alexander has But Aryan will tell you Alexander has some cities in his path and they make some cities in his path and they make some cities in his path and they make different decisions about whether or not different decisions about whether or not different decisions about whether or not to help him. to help him. to help him. Normally, he could threaten them and put Normally, he could threaten them and put Normally, he could threaten them and put them under siege, but that's going to them under siege, but that's going to them under siege, but that's going to take some time. And the burn rate take some time. And the burn rate take some time. And the burn rate hinders him. This is why all that hinders him. This is why all that hinders him. This is why all that propaganda must have been so important propaganda must have been so important propaganda must have been so important aimed at these cities to get them to aimed at these cities to get them to aimed at these cities to get them to come on his side because that's what he come on his side because that's what he come on his side because that's what he needs. But he doesn't get a ton of that.

needs. But he doesn't get a ton of that. needs. But he doesn't get a ton of that. Burn rate is still an issue. Burn rate is still an issue. Burn rate is still an issue. Pity the poor governors in these cities Pity the poor governors in these cities Pity the poor governors in these cities having to make this horrible decision. having to make this horrible decision. having to make this horrible decision. Alexander sitting outside their gates, Alexander sitting outside their gates, Alexander sitting outside their gates, you know, threatening them basically you know, threatening them basically you know, threatening them basically with this great army. Meanwhile, the with this great army. Meanwhile, the with this great army. Meanwhile, the king of Persia, just like the king of king of Persia, just like the king of king of Persia, just like the king of the Babylonians, just like the king of the Babylonians, just like the king of the Babylonians, just like the king of the Neoyans, all those guys are famous the Neoyans, all those guys are famous the Neoyans, all those guys are famous for reserving their most horrible for reserving their most horrible for reserving their most horrible tortures for people who are the tortures for people who are the tortures for people who are the governors of their cities who go all governors of their cities who go all governors of their cities who go all turn coat on them or something. So, turn coat on them or something. So, turn coat on them or something. So, tough position for these governors to be tough position for these governors to be tough position for these governors to be in. But Aryan tells you the route and as in. But Aryan tells you the route and as in. But Aryan tells you the route and as I said, the unit commanders, it's crazy. I said, the unit commanders, it's crazy. I said, the unit commanders, it's crazy. as Alexander and his force that he took as Alexander and his force that he took as Alexander and his force that he took to uh Troy link up with the main army to uh Troy link up with the main army to uh Troy link up with the main army again. Pinio's got them across. Thanks again. Pinio's got them across. Thanks again. Pinio's got them across. Thanks Palmino for that. And then they make Palmino for that. And then they make Palmino for that. And then they make their way uh it's about 3 days to the their way uh it's about 3 days to the their way uh it's about 3 days to the river Granicus where that's where river Granicus where that's where river Granicus where that's where Alexander's scouts come back and say the Alexander's scouts come back and say the Alexander's scouts come back and say the Persians are over there waiting at the Persians are over there waiting at the Persians are over there waiting at the river's edge. Maybe more on that in a river's edge. Maybe more on that in a river's edge. Maybe more on that in a second. And this is where we get a break second. And this is where we get a break second. And this is where we get a break in our sources.

in our sources. in our sources. This is where Diodoris and Aryan This is where Diodoris and Aryan This is where Diodoris and Aryan completely tell different stories. And completely tell different stories. And completely tell different stories. And it's this is why wondering about our it's this is why wondering about our it's this is why wondering about our sources is so interesting because how do sources is so interesting because how do sources is so interesting because how do you even know about this battle? Well, you even know about this battle? Well, you even know about this battle? Well, clearly tens of thousands of people are clearly tens of thousands of people are clearly tens of thousands of people are going to be there who see it as going to be there who see it as going to be there who see it as eyewitnesses. It's interesting again eyewitnesses. It's interesting again eyewitnesses. It's interesting again what Aryan must have had to work with or what Aryan must have had to work with or what Aryan must have had to work with or what Diodoris must have had to work with what Diodoris must have had to work with what Diodoris must have had to work with in terms of their sources. And their in terms of their sources. And their in terms of their sources. And their sources are clearly telling different sources are clearly telling different sources are clearly telling different stories. I like the way the great AB stories. I like the way the great AB stories. I like the way the great AB Bosworth put it. He said in his book Bosworth put it. He said in his book Bosworth put it. He said in his book Conquest and Empire, quote, if he, Conquest and Empire, quote, if he, Conquest and Empire, quote, if he, meaning Diodoris, is correctly meaning Diodoris, is correctly meaning Diodoris, is correctly reproducing his source, we can only reproducing his source, we can only reproducing his source, we can only conclude that the most basic details of conclude that the most basic details of conclude that the most basic details of the engagement were contested in the engagement were contested in the engagement were contested in antiquity. End quote. antiquity. End quote. antiquity. End quote. This is part of the wonderful detective This is part of the wonderful detective This is part of the wonderful detective story here a little bit. With tens of story here a little bit. With tens of story here a little bit. With tens of thousands of people at this battle, how thousands of people at this battle, how thousands of people at this battle, how is it contested in antiquity? brings up all kinds of questions about brings up all kinds of questions about things like, you know, how something things like, you know, how something things like, you know, how something that might not have been true made it that might not have been true made it that might not have been true made it into the historical record. I think it's into the historical record. I think it's into the historical record. I think it's indicative of the situation that Peter indicative of the situation that Peter indicative of the situation that Peter Green writing back in 1970 trying to Green writing back in 1970 trying to Green writing back in 1970 trying to reconcile the two main versions of this reconcile the two main versions of this reconcile the two main versions of this battle, right? The Aryan tradition or battle, right? The Aryan tradition or battle, right? The Aryan tradition or the Diodoris tradition has a whole the Diodoris tradition has a whole the Diodoris tradition has a whole appendix chapter and he entitled it appendix chapter and he entitled it appendix chapter and he entitled it propaganda at the Granicus.

propaganda at the Granicus. propaganda at the Granicus. The battle will of course be called the The battle will of course be called the The battle will of course be called the battle of the river Granicus. And one of battle of the river Granicus. And one of battle of the river Granicus. And one of two kinds of battle shapes up here. One two kinds of battle shapes up here. One two kinds of battle shapes up here. One is going to be a fight for the river is going to be a fight for the river is going to be a fight for the river essentially. Alexander has to get across essentially. Alexander has to get across essentially. Alexander has to get across the river. The Persians are defending the river. The Persians are defending the river. The Persians are defending the river. The Diodoris version though the river. The Diodoris version though the river. The Diodoris version though has Alexander waiting when he arrives, has Alexander waiting when he arrives, has Alexander waiting when he arrives, somehow getting across the river the somehow getting across the river the somehow getting across the river the next day before the Persians can stop next day before the Persians can stop next day before the Persians can stop him and then having a rather traditional him and then having a rather traditional him and then having a rather traditional battle on the other side of the river. battle on the other side of the river. battle on the other side of the river. Both sides sort of having the river make Both sides sort of having the river make Both sides sort of having the river make no major difference. no major difference. no major difference. Why would we have these two traditions? Why would we have these two traditions? Why would we have these two traditions? Well, Aryan has a story and again it's Well, Aryan has a story and again it's Well, Aryan has a story and again it's totally on brand. As we said earlier, totally on brand. As we said earlier, totally on brand. As we said earlier, Alexander gets this good advice from Alexander gets this good advice from Alexander gets this good advice from these old marshals that were his dad's these old marshals that were his dad's these old marshals that were his dad's generals all the time. And it is almost generals all the time. And it is almost generals all the time. And it is almost manifestly good advice when you read it. manifestly good advice when you read it. manifestly good advice when you read it. Good conservative advice. And in the Good conservative advice. And in the Good conservative advice. And in the ancient world, remember, you lose one ancient world, remember, you lose one ancient world, remember, you lose one battle, that could be the entire war. It battle, that could be the entire war. It battle, that could be the entire war. It wasn't like, you know, some wars, the wasn't like, you know, some wars, the wasn't like, you know, some wars, the first world war, you could lose a battle first world war, you could lose a battle first world war, you could lose a battle and go, "Well, it's a learning and go, "Well, it's a learning and go, "Well, it's a learning experience. We'll get them next time experience. We'll get them next time experience. We'll get them next time because there's so many battles." It because there's so many battles." It because there's so many battles." It isn't like that in the ancient world. It isn't like that in the ancient world. It isn't like that in the ancient world. It isn't like that in most eras.

isn't like that in most eras. isn't like that in most eras. And so you want to be careful And so you want to be careful And so you want to be careful theoretically, but as we said earlier theoretically, but as we said earlier theoretically, but as we said earlier when Alexander got that good advice that when Alexander got that good advice that when Alexander got that good advice that he should marry and beget heir before he he should marry and beget heir before he he should marry and beget heir before he attacks Persia, um he gets some good attacks Persia, um he gets some good attacks Persia, um he gets some good advice according to Aryan here because advice according to Aryan here because advice according to Aryan here because Aryan says Parminio comes up to him uh Aryan says Parminio comes up to him uh Aryan says Parminio comes up to him uh as they're sort of assessing what as they're sort of assessing what as they're sort of assessing what they've got here and says this doesn't they've got here and says this doesn't they've got here and says this doesn't look good. Basically, look good. Basically, look good. Basically, here's the setup. here's the setup. here's the setup. According to Aryan, as Alexander comes According to Aryan, as Alexander comes According to Aryan, as Alexander comes up in the late afternoon is generally up in the late afternoon is generally up in the late afternoon is generally the time uh that it's considered to have the time uh that it's considered to have the time uh that it's considered to have happened. The Persians are waiting on happened. The Persians are waiting on happened. The Persians are waiting on the other side of this river for him. the other side of this river for him. the other side of this river for him. Now, we all understand that in a Now, we all understand that in a Now, we all understand that in a military history sense, rivers are one military history sense, rivers are one military history sense, rivers are one of the key pieces of terrain any general of the key pieces of terrain any general of the key pieces of terrain any general would know about. There's a reason they would know about. There's a reason they would know about. There's a reason they often form the boundary between peoples often form the boundary between peoples often form the boundary between peoples or states or nations today. If somebody or states or nations today. If somebody or states or nations today. If somebody is defending the other side of the river is defending the other side of the river is defending the other side of the river makes it very difficult to both cross makes it very difficult to both cross makes it very difficult to both cross the river and defend yourself and the river and defend yourself and the river and defend yourself and everyone knows it including Alexander.

everyone knows it including Alexander. everyone knows it including Alexander. Now the river Granicus Now the river Granicus Now the river Granicus in modern day Turkey it's called the in modern day Turkey it's called the in modern day Turkey it's called the Bea. Bea. Bea. This is not a heavyduty river. This This is not a heavyduty river. This This is not a heavyduty river. This isn't the rine, the Danube, the vulgar, isn't the rine, the Danube, the vulgar, isn't the rine, the Danube, the vulgar, nothing like that. But it doesn't have nothing like that. But it doesn't have nothing like that. But it doesn't have to be for the purposes the Persians are to be for the purposes the Persians are to be for the purposes the Persians are going to use it for. going to use it for. going to use it for. It's about 3 days from the time It's about 3 days from the time It's about 3 days from the time Alexander's army crosses from Europe to Alexander's army crosses from Europe to Alexander's army crosses from Europe to Asia that they arrive at the sight of Asia that they arrive at the sight of Asia that they arrive at the sight of the river. the river. the river. Experts differ to this day because I Experts differ to this day because I Experts differ to this day because I can't find any consent consensus over can't find any consent consensus over can't find any consent consensus over and you know be difficult to know. you and you know be difficult to know. you and you know be difficult to know. you have to involve a lot of other uh have to involve a lot of other uh have to involve a lot of other uh scientific specialties too to even begin scientific specialties too to even begin scientific specialties too to even begin to answer the question of how much the to answer the question of how much the to answer the question of how much the river today is like the river in river today is like the river in river today is like the river in Alexander's time. What's more, there's Alexander's time. What's more, there's Alexander's time. What's more, there's always been sort of a a you know, let's always been sort of a a you know, let's always been sort of a a you know, let's call it a small minority view because call it a small minority view because call it a small minority view because that's what it is that that the river's that's what it is that that the river's that's what it is that that the river's changed course over time. So finding the changed course over time. So finding the changed course over time. So finding the sight of the battle while it's still up sight of the battle while it's still up sight of the battle while it's still up in the air whether they have an expert in the air whether they have an expert in the air whether they have an expert who' been looking for it for 20 years who' been looking for it for 20 years who' been looking for it for 20 years claims to have found it in 2024. The claims to have found it in 2024. The claims to have found it in 2024. The Turkish Tourism Board quite Turkish Tourism Board quite Turkish Tourism Board quite intelligently jumped on this. It's a intelligently jumped on this. It's a intelligently jumped on this. It's a little too recent for any sort of little too recent for any sort of little too recent for any sort of scientific consensus to have developed, scientific consensus to have developed, scientific consensus to have developed, but I it sounds like from all of my but I it sounds like from all of my but I it sounds like from all of my research, it's leaning that way. There's research, it's leaning that way. There's research, it's leaning that way. There's a rise uh sort of like a hill that takes a rise uh sort of like a hill that takes a rise uh sort of like a hill that takes part uh in the battle that plays a role part uh in the battle that plays a role part uh in the battle that plays a role in the battle somewhat. So, people in the battle somewhat. So, people in the battle somewhat. So, people who've been trying to find the location who've been trying to find the location who've been trying to find the location of this use sort of triangulate. We have of this use sort of triangulate. We have of this use sort of triangulate. We have the river here. There's a rise over the river here. There's a rise over the river here. There's a rise over here. You could look at it on Google here. You could look at it on Google here. You could look at it on Google Earth or some other satellite thing if

Earth or some other satellite thing if Earth or some other satellite thing if you want to. you want to. you want to. The ancient authors make the river sound The ancient authors make the river sound The ancient authors make the river sound quite a bit more robust and the current quite a bit more robust and the current quite a bit more robust and the current stronger and the water deeper and all stronger and the water deeper and all stronger and the water deeper and all that sort of stuff than it is today. that sort of stuff than it is today. that sort of stuff than it is today. But they may have been exaggerating to But they may have been exaggerating to But they may have been exaggerating to make it seem more of a challenge for make it seem more of a challenge for make it seem more of a challenge for Alexander, make him look better. Alexander, make him look better. Alexander, make him look better. It doesn't really need to be this big It doesn't really need to be this big It doesn't really need to be this big river though to to serve its purpose river though to to serve its purpose river though to to serve its purpose which is to nullify the best part the which is to nullify the best part the which is to nullify the best part the most hard to deal with part of most hard to deal with part of most hard to deal with part of Alexander's army which is well it is the Alexander's army which is well it is the Alexander's army which is well it is the infantry right the felangites with that infantry right the felangites with that infantry right the felangites with that 16 to 18t pike that when you're marching 16 to 18t pike that when you're marching 16 to 18t pike that when you're marching normally breaks down into two pieces and normally breaks down into two pieces and normally breaks down into two pieces and they they kind of throw it over their they they kind of throw it over their they they kind of throw it over their shoulder for marching but it takes a shoulder for marching but it takes a shoulder for marching but it takes a minute to put it back together as you minute to put it back together as you minute to put it back together as you might imagine. Are they going to try to might imagine. Are they going to try to might imagine. Are they going to try to march across a river if there's an enemy march across a river if there's an enemy march across a river if there's an enemy defending that river with these 16 to 18 defending that river with these 16 to 18 defending that river with these 16 to 18 foot pikes and then try to stay in foot pikes and then try to stay in foot pikes and then try to stay in formation? It's not going to work. So, formation? It's not going to work. So, formation? It's not going to work. So, you're gonna nullify. It's almost like a you're gonna nullify. It's almost like a you're gonna nullify. It's almost like a football thing. Take away the other football thing. Take away the other football thing. Take away the other side's best weapon and then make them side's best weapon and then make them side's best weapon and then make them fight you without it. Uh, this river fight you without it. Uh, this river fight you without it. Uh, this river because it's more than just water, because it's more than just water, because it's more than just water, right? It's a stream bed and we're told right? It's a stream bed and we're told right? It's a stream bed and we're told that both banks on on each side are that both banks on on each side are that both banks on on each side are steep. So, what you essentially have steep. So, what you essentially have steep. So, what you essentially have here is a giant ditch with a 3 3 and 1/2 here is a giant ditch with a 3 3 and 1/2 here is a giant ditch with a 3 3 and 1/2 foot uh deep amount of water going down foot uh deep amount of water going down foot uh deep amount of water going down the middle of it.

the middle of it. the middle of it. It will also nullify Alexander's great It will also nullify Alexander's great It will also nullify Alexander's great cavalry, which you know, if you're not cavalry, which you know, if you're not cavalry, which you know, if you're not afraid of the fangites, you should be afraid of the fangites, you should be afraid of the fangites, you should be afraid of the companion cavalry. So, afraid of the companion cavalry. So, afraid of the companion cavalry. So, it's a great setup. This, by the way, is it's a great setup. This, by the way, is it's a great setup. This, by the way, is right after, if we want to put right after, if we want to put right after, if we want to put everything in the proper time frame, uh everything in the proper time frame, uh everything in the proper time frame, uh that that meeting had happened when that that meeting had happened when that that meeting had happened when Menon had told the Persians, you should Menon had told the Persians, you should Menon had told the Persians, you should just go all scorched earth. Just don't just go all scorched earth. Just don't just go all scorched earth. Just don't fight the guy. And they they were going fight the guy. And they they were going fight the guy. And they they were going to go and fight the guy instead. If to go and fight the guy instead. If to go and fight the guy instead. If you're going to do that, this is a good you're going to do that, this is a good you're going to do that, this is a good defensive position to try. This seems to defensive position to try. This seems to defensive position to try. This seems to be the last good move the Persians are be the last good move the Persians are be the last good move the Persians are going to make if you believe the ancient going to make if you believe the ancient going to make if you believe the ancient sources, although those differ. for more sources, although those differ. for more sources, although those differ. for more on that in a second because the Persian on that in a second because the Persian on that in a second because the Persian deployment seems nuts, deployment seems nuts, deployment seems nuts, but it's bad enough in terms of, you but it's bad enough in terms of, you but it's bad enough in terms of, you know, how it looks to someone like know, how it looks to someone like know, how it looks to someone like Parminio, a guy who can recognize a Parminio, a guy who can recognize a Parminio, a guy who can recognize a death trap when he sees it. And death trap when he sees it. And death trap when he sees it. And according to Aryan, there's something according to Aryan, there's something according to Aryan, there's something like 20,000 Persian cavalry lined up like 20,000 Persian cavalry lined up like 20,000 Persian cavalry lined up horse shoulder to horse shoulder like a horse shoulder to horse shoulder like a horse shoulder to horse shoulder like a wall uh and deep along the entire wall uh and deep along the entire wall uh and deep along the entire riverbank. Historian Arthur Ferrell in riverbank. Historian Arthur Ferrell in riverbank. Historian Arthur Ferrell in the origins of war estimated maybe like the origins of war estimated maybe like the origins of war estimated maybe like a mile and a half long line just waiting a mile and a half long line just waiting a mile and a half long line just waiting for the Macedonians to have to cross for the Macedonians to have to cross for the Macedonians to have to cross this river and ready to attack them this river and ready to attack them this river and ready to attack them while they're in the middle of it. Not while they're in the middle of it. Not while they're in the middle of it. Not to mention when they get to the other to mention when they get to the other to mention when they get to the other side, Permenio goes up to Alexander and side, Permenio goes up to Alexander and side, Permenio goes up to Alexander and gives him, according to Aryan, the gives him, according to Aryan, the gives him, according to Aryan, the wonderful conservative advice we would wonderful conservative advice we would wonderful conservative advice we would expect a general in his 60s to give the expect a general in his 60s to give the expect a general in his 60s to give the kid who hasn't done much of anything kid who hasn't done much of anything kid who hasn't done much of anything yet, who he knew since the, you know,

yet, who he knew since the, you know, yet, who he knew since the, you know, the now king that he has to answer to the now king that he has to answer to the now king that he has to answer to was in diapers, right? And he gives him was in diapers, right? And he gives him was in diapers, right? And he gives him the kind of advice we'd all like to have the kind of advice we'd all like to have the kind of advice we'd all like to have if our son was running around with our if our son was running around with our if our son was running around with our Ferrari without his seatelt on driving Ferrari without his seatelt on driving Ferrari without his seatelt on driving it. Now that you know we bequeathed it it. Now that you know we bequeathed it it. Now that you know we bequeathed it to him and in my Delin cord translation to him and in my Delin cord translation to him and in my Delin cord translation of Aryan, Aryan picks up the story of Aryan, Aryan picks up the story of Aryan, Aryan picks up the story basically from Alexander rolling up on basically from Alexander rolling up on basically from Alexander rolling up on the river and there's a huge the river and there's a huge the river and there's a huge disagreement in over how many troops he disagreement in over how many troops he disagreement in over how many troops he had with him because is he taking sort had with him because is he taking sort had with him because is he taking sort of a flying column of the best troops in of a flying column of the best troops in of a flying column of the best troops in which case he's got like 18 to 19,000 which case he's got like 18 to 19,000 which case he's got like 18 to 19,000 but they're all the best all the cavalry but they're all the best all the cavalry but they're all the best all the cavalry the best of the infantry or does he have the best of the infantry or does he have the best of the infantry or does he have the whole army with him which would give the whole army with him which would give the whole army with him which would give him more like 40,000 troops As we said him more like 40,000 troops As we said him more like 40,000 troops As we said earlier, earlier, earlier, there are disagreements about that there are disagreements about that there are disagreements about that because the ancient sources don't because the ancient sources don't because the ancient sources don't clearly say anything like that. I've clearly say anything like that. I've clearly say anything like that. I've seen some wonderful um fusions of these seen some wonderful um fusions of these seen some wonderful um fusions of these ideas suggesting that the flying column ideas suggesting that the flying column ideas suggesting that the flying column was the one that sort of crossed was the one that sort of crossed was the one that sort of crossed initially and then made it possible for initially and then made it possible for initially and then made it possible for the rest of the 40,000 to show up. I the rest of the 40,000 to show up. I the rest of the 40,000 to show up. I don't know what's right, don't know what's right, don't know what's right, but uh the Persians are supposed to have but uh the Persians are supposed to have but uh the Persians are supposed to have according to Aryan 20,000 cavalry and according to Aryan 20,000 cavalry and according to Aryan 20,000 cavalry and then close to 20,000 infantry and that then close to 20,000 infantry and that then close to 20,000 infantry and that infantry being placed um strangely and infantry being placed um strangely and infantry being placed um strangely and inexplicably enough uh a distance from inexplicably enough uh a distance from inexplicably enough uh a distance from the river up on that rise we talked the river up on that rise we talked the river up on that rise we talked about earlier. They may or may not all about earlier. They may or may not all about earlier. They may or may not all be Greek heavy infantry hoplight type be Greek heavy infantry hoplight type be Greek heavy infantry hoplight type troops. Most of the sources I've seen troops. Most of the sources I've seen troops. Most of the sources I've seen would suggest get closer to about 5,000 would suggest get closer to about 5,000 would suggest get closer to about 5,000 of them as Greek hoplights and then a

of them as Greek hoplights and then a of them as Greek hoplights and then a bunch of locally raised forces that bunch of locally raised forces that bunch of locally raised forces that would have fought differently. No one would have fought differently. No one would have fought differently. No one knows and it doesn't matter because they knows and it doesn't matter because they knows and it doesn't matter because they play no active role in the battle which play no active role in the battle which play no active role in the battle which is part of the problem. But it all looks is part of the problem. But it all looks is part of the problem. But it all looks like, as I said, a death trap to like, as I said, a death trap to like, as I said, a death trap to apparently roll up on this near the apparently roll up on this near the apparently roll up on this near the latter part of the afternoon. Not a lot latter part of the afternoon. Not a lot latter part of the afternoon. Not a lot of daylight left to fight a battle. And of daylight left to fight a battle. And of daylight left to fight a battle. And uh Aryan picks up the story from before uh Aryan picks up the story from before uh Aryan picks up the story from before they arrive at the river and says, they arrive at the river and says, they arrive at the river and says, quote, "Alexander, meanwhile, was quote, "Alexander, meanwhile, was quote, "Alexander, meanwhile, was advancing in battle order upon the river advancing in battle order upon the river advancing in battle order upon the river Granicus. His infantry was masked in two Granicus. His infantry was masked in two Granicus. His infantry was masked in two groups, both wings protected by cavalry, groups, both wings protected by cavalry, groups, both wings protected by cavalry, while all transport, he means the while all transport, he means the while all transport, he means the baggage train, had orders to follow in baggage train, had orders to follow in baggage train, had orders to follow in the rear. The reconnaissance parties the rear. The reconnaissance parties the rear. The reconnaissance parties were under the command of Hegelicus. were under the command of Hegelicus. were under the command of Hegelicus. See what I'm saying, though? There's a See what I'm saying, though? There's a See what I'm saying, though? There's a name of a unit commander. Anyway, he name of a unit commander. Anyway, he name of a unit commander. Anyway, he continues with the Lancers and about 500 continues with the Lancers and about 500 continues with the Lancers and about 500 light troops. Just short of the river, light troops. Just short of the river, light troops. Just short of the river, the scouts gallop back to report that the scouts gallop back to report that the scouts gallop back to report that the Persian army had taken battle the Persian army had taken battle the Persian army had taken battle positions on the further bank, whereupon positions on the further bank, whereupon positions on the further bank, whereupon Alexander gave all necessary orders in Alexander gave all necessary orders in Alexander gave all necessary orders in preparation for an engagement. Pminio, preparation for an engagement. Pminio, preparation for an engagement. Pminio, however, he writes, was opposed to this, however, he writes, was opposed to this, however, he writes, was opposed to this, presenting himself before Alexander. My presenting himself before Alexander. My presenting himself before Alexander. My lord, he said, in my view, our best plan lord, he said, in my view, our best plan lord, he said, in my view, our best plan in the present situation is to halt here in the present situation is to halt here in the present situation is to halt here on this side of the river. The enemy on this side of the river. The enemy on this side of the river. The enemy infantry is heavily outnumbered by ours, infantry is heavily outnumbered by ours, infantry is heavily outnumbered by ours, and I do not think they will run the

and I do not think they will run the and I do not think they will run the risk of remaining so close to us risk of remaining so close to us risk of remaining so close to us throughout the night. So, if they throughout the night. So, if they throughout the night. So, if they withdraw, we can get across at dawn withdraw, we can get across at dawn withdraw, we can get across at dawn without opposition. Indeed, we shall be without opposition. Indeed, we shall be without opposition. Indeed, we shall be over before they have a chance of over before they have a chance of over before they have a chance of getting into position to meet us. But to getting into position to meet us. But to getting into position to meet us. But to attempt the crossing in the present attempt the crossing in the present attempt the crossing in the present circumstances would I think be a grave circumstances would I think be a grave circumstances would I think be a grave risk. We cannot manage the crossing in risk. We cannot manage the crossing in risk. We cannot manage the crossing in line on a broad front because in many line on a broad front because in many line on a broad front because in many places the river is obviously deep. The places the river is obviously deep. The places the river is obviously deep. The banks are very high and here and there banks are very high and here and there banks are very high and here and there almost sheer. We should have to cross almost sheer. We should have to cross almost sheer. We should have to cross therefore in column and in loose order therefore in column and in loose order therefore in column and in loose order at that with the result that their at that with the result that their at that with the result that their masked cavalry will be upon us just as masked cavalry will be upon us just as masked cavalry will be upon us just as we are struggling out of the water and we are struggling out of the water and we are struggling out of the water and at the greatest possible disadvantage. A at the greatest possible disadvantage. A at the greatest possible disadvantage. A failure at the outset would be a serious failure at the outset would be a serious failure at the outset would be a serious thing now and highly detrimental to our thing now and highly detrimental to our thing now and highly detrimental to our success in the long run. End quote. success in the long run. End quote. success in the long run. End quote. Now that's just good advice. Now that's just good advice. Now that's just good advice. And of course, Alexander in keeping And of course, Alexander in keeping And of course, Alexander in keeping with, you know, this entire sort of with, you know, this entire sort of with, you know, this entire sort of motif we talked about earlier where he motif we talked about earlier where he motif we talked about earlier where he gets this manifestly good advice and gets this manifestly good advice and gets this manifestly good advice and says to hell with that and always gets says to hell with that and always gets says to hell with that and always gets away with it. Well, he tells Parminio away with it. Well, he tells Parminio away with it. Well, he tells Parminio just like he did when Parminio and just like he did when Parminio and just like he did when Parminio and Antiper told him to marry and be getting Antiper told him to marry and be getting Antiper told him to marry and be getting heir before attacking a rival empire heir before attacking a rival empire heir before attacking a rival empire where you're going to be fighting in the where you're going to be fighting in the where you're going to be fighting in the front rank in every battle. tells front rank in every battle. tells front rank in every battle. tells Parmenio, "Now to hell with that good Parmenio, "Now to hell with that good Parmenio, "Now to hell with that good advice, old man." Well, the actual words advice, old man." Well, the actual words advice, old man." Well, the actual words as recorded by Aryan from my Pamela

as recorded by Aryan from my Pamela as recorded by Aryan from my Pamela Mench translation in the landmark Aryan Mench translation in the landmark Aryan Mench translation in the landmark Aryan quote. And by the way, she says Parmmen, quote. And by the way, she says Parmmen, quote. And by the way, she says Parmmen, which is the Greek way, which is which is the Greek way, which is which is the Greek way, which is probably what I should pronounce it as. probably what I should pronounce it as. probably what I should pronounce it as. I'm going to say Parmenio for I'm going to say Parmenio for I'm going to say Parmenio for consistency sake because they do consistency sake because they do consistency sake because they do elsewhere. elsewhere. elsewhere. Quote, "But Alexander replied, I know Quote, "But Alexander replied, I know Quote, "But Alexander replied, I know all that, Parminio, but I would be all that, Parminio, but I would be all that, Parminio, but I would be ashamed after having easily crossed the ashamed after having easily crossed the ashamed after having easily crossed the Helispunt if this little stream," and Helispunt if this little stream," and Helispunt if this little stream," and now Aryan says, "Such was the phrase he now Aryan says, "Such was the phrase he now Aryan says, "Such was the phrase he used to disparrage the Granicus keeps us used to disparrage the Granicus keeps us used to disparrage the Granicus keeps us from crossing as we are. I would from crossing as we are. I would from crossing as we are. I would consider it unworthy of the Macedonians consider it unworthy of the Macedonians consider it unworthy of the Macedonians renown and of my quickness to accept renown and of my quickness to accept renown and of my quickness to accept risks. And I think the Persians would risks. And I think the Persians would risks. And I think the Persians would take courage and think themselves a take courage and think themselves a take courage and think themselves a match for the Macedonians in battle, match for the Macedonians in battle, match for the Macedonians in battle, seeing that up till now their fears have seeing that up till now their fears have seeing that up till now their fears have not been confirmed by what they've not been confirmed by what they've not been confirmed by what they've experienced. End quote. experienced. End quote. experienced. End quote. So much for good advice. So much for good advice. So much for good advice. Now, I should point out though that Now, I should point out though that Now, I should point out though that Diodoris says none of this. There is no Diodoris says none of this. There is no Diodoris says none of this. There is no conversation with Parminio. There is no conversation with Parminio. There is no conversation with Parminio. There is no question over advice. There is no sort question over advice. There is no sort question over advice. There is no sort of clash of cultures once again between of clash of cultures once again between of clash of cultures once again between you know this guy in his early 60s who you know this guy in his early 60s who you know this guy in his early 60s who knew his dad and himself in his very knew his dad and himself in his very knew his dad and himself in his very early 20s and basically facing his first early 20s and basically facing his first early 20s and basically facing his first real competition here when it comes to real competition here when it comes to real competition here when it comes to his dad's plans to attack the Persians.

his dad's plans to attack the Persians. his dad's plans to attack the Persians. Well, here they are. This isn't the Well, here they are. This isn't the Well, here they are. This isn't the great king's imperial army, but here great king's imperial army, but here great king's imperial army, but here they are. And Alexander says to heck they are. And Alexander says to heck they are. And Alexander says to heck with you, unless he didn't because with you, unless he didn't because with you, unless he didn't because that's what this propaganda on the that's what this propaganda on the that's what this propaganda on the granicus may be. Peter Green, I think, granicus may be. Peter Green, I think, granicus may be. Peter Green, I think, retracted that whole theory later. But retracted that whole theory later. But retracted that whole theory later. But the idea was an attempt at trying to the idea was an attempt at trying to the idea was an attempt at trying to explain the discrepancy. And the way he explain the discrepancy. And the way he explain the discrepancy. And the way he explained it then, again, retracted. Um, explained it then, again, retracted. Um, explained it then, again, retracted. Um, but it makes sense to me is that it's but it makes sense to me is that it's but it makes sense to me is that it's covering up a defeat. Maybe that maybe covering up a defeat. Maybe that maybe covering up a defeat. Maybe that maybe Alexander did tell Parminio to heck with Alexander did tell Parminio to heck with Alexander did tell Parminio to heck with you. We're attacking and he got pushed you. We're attacking and he got pushed you. We're attacking and he got pushed back. Doesn't look good, right? back. Doesn't look good, right? back. Doesn't look good, right? Especially when you're just at the Especially when you're just at the Especially when you're just at the outset here. You've got this outset here. You've got this outset here. You've got this invincibility myth. You just prayed to invincibility myth. You just prayed to invincibility myth. You just prayed to all these gods and made all, you know, all these gods and made all, you know, all these gods and made all, you know, and now this happens. That's not the and now this happens. That's not the and now this happens. That's not the story we're going with. We'll follow story we're going with. We'll follow story we're going with. We'll follow Harmenio's advice tomorrow. Do exactly Harmenio's advice tomorrow. Do exactly Harmenio's advice tomorrow. Do exactly what he says and boom, it works. So, what he says and boom, it works. So, what he says and boom, it works. So, we'll cover up that little reverse. we'll cover up that little reverse. we'll cover up that little reverse. Nobody knows what happened, of course. Nobody knows what happened, of course. Nobody knows what happened, of course. But Diodoris's story is suspiciously But Diodoris's story is suspiciously But Diodoris's story is suspiciously exactly what Parminio is advising exactly what Parminio is advising exactly what Parminio is advising Alexander to do in the Aryan version.

Alexander to do in the Aryan version. Alexander to do in the Aryan version. So, you know, So, you know, So, you know, take that for what it's worth. take that for what it's worth. take that for what it's worth. There's a great note in the landmark There's a great note in the landmark There's a great note in the landmark area and that the editor puts in about area and that the editor puts in about area and that the editor puts in about just this question like these these just this question like these these just this question like these these conversations. And remember, ancient conversations. And remember, ancient conversations. And remember, ancient authors did these conversations. Well, authors did these conversations. Well, authors did these conversations. Well, let's be honest. What are the movie let's be honest. What are the movie let's be honest. What are the movie directors doing now? What are you going directors doing now? What are you going directors doing now? What are you going to do in your movie when you make it? to do in your movie when you make it? to do in your movie when you make it? And I hope you do. Going to invent a And I hope you do. Going to invent a And I hope you do. Going to invent a little dialogue, aren't you? Uh but the little dialogue, aren't you? Uh but the little dialogue, aren't you? Uh but the editor throws this in there to point out editor throws this in there to point out editor throws this in there to point out uh you know the whole dialogue question uh you know the whole dialogue question uh you know the whole dialogue question in the Diodoris issue and says quote in the Diodoris issue and says quote in the Diodoris issue and says quote this first speech of the many that will this first speech of the many that will this first speech of the many that will be encountered in Aryan's texts raises be encountered in Aryan's texts raises be encountered in Aryan's texts raises the problem of authenticity of such the problem of authenticity of such the problem of authenticity of such speeches. This particular case is doubly speeches. This particular case is doubly speeches. This particular case is doubly problematic however because of the problematic however because of the problematic however because of the conflict among our ancient sources as to conflict among our ancient sources as to conflict among our ancient sources as to how Alexander fought the battle of the how Alexander fought the battle of the how Alexander fought the battle of the granicus. Parminia's speech here advises granicus. Parminia's speech here advises granicus. Parminia's speech here advises Alexander to rest for the night and Alexander to rest for the night and Alexander to rest for the night and attempt a crossing of the river at dawn attempt a crossing of the river at dawn attempt a crossing of the river at dawn and Aryan represents Alexander as and Aryan represents Alexander as and Aryan represents Alexander as rejecting that advice in favor of an rejecting that advice in favor of an rejecting that advice in favor of an immediate crossing. Diodoris, however, immediate crossing. Diodoris, however, immediate crossing. Diodoris, however, the editor says reports that Alexander the editor says reports that Alexander the editor says reports that Alexander did exactly what Parmmeno here advises.

did exactly what Parmmeno here advises. did exactly what Parmmeno here advises. After bivwacking near the stream, he After bivwacking near the stream, he After bivwacking near the stream, he brought the army across at dawn before brought the army across at dawn before brought the army across at dawn before the Persians could organize themselves the Persians could organize themselves the Persians could organize themselves to oppose him. There is no possibility to oppose him. There is no possibility to oppose him. There is no possibility of reconciling these two accounts and no of reconciling these two accounts and no of reconciling these two accounts and no agreement among historians as to which agreement among historians as to which agreement among historians as to which is the more credible. End quote. Well, I is the more credible. End quote. Well, I is the more credible. End quote. Well, I suppose the good news is we're not going suppose the good news is we're not going suppose the good news is we're not going to have this much of a problem to have this much of a problem to have this much of a problem reconstructing the other battles in reconstructing the other battles in reconstructing the other battles in Alexander's career. But what sucks about Alexander's career. But what sucks about Alexander's career. But what sucks about it is this is perhaps the most dramatic it is this is perhaps the most dramatic it is this is perhaps the most dramatic because this is where Alexander gets because this is where Alexander gets because this is where Alexander gets into the most trouble. into the most trouble. into the most trouble. And it's not the kind of trouble, by the And it's not the kind of trouble, by the And it's not the kind of trouble, by the way, that you generally see commanders way, that you generally see commanders way, that you generally see commanders getting into once it becomes the norm getting into once it becomes the norm getting into once it becomes the norm for generals to stay sort of clear of for generals to stay sort of clear of for generals to stay sort of clear of the worst part of the violence. the worst part of the violence. the worst part of the violence. You can't have the sort of tactic that You can't have the sort of tactic that You can't have the sort of tactic that the Persians may have been trying to the Persians may have been trying to the Persians may have been trying to employ here. Such a personal tactic uh employ here. Such a personal tactic uh employ here. Such a personal tactic uh if you're fighting at Waterlue. can't if you're fighting at Waterlue. can't if you're fighting at Waterlue. can't have the Duke of Wellington decide to have the Duke of Wellington decide to have the Duke of Wellington decide to send his guard troops uh down in the send his guard troops uh down in the send his guard troops uh down in the field where they can stab Napoleon in field where they can stab Napoleon in field where they can stab Napoleon in the throat with a bayonet because the throat with a bayonet because the throat with a bayonet because Napoleon is not going to be anywhere Napoleon is not going to be anywhere Napoleon is not going to be anywhere near that scene. You wouldn't risk a near that scene. You wouldn't risk a near that scene. You wouldn't risk a genius like that so close to the danger, genius like that so close to the danger, genius like that so close to the danger, would you? That would be a waste of your would you? That would be a waste of your would you? That would be a waste of your precious genius resources. And you can precious genius resources. And you can precious genius resources. And you can see that all throughout history. It's see that all throughout history. It's see that all throughout history. It's not that these commanders don't want to not that these commanders don't want to not that these commanders don't want to fight in the front rank. Uh you see it fight in the front rank. Uh you see it fight in the front rank. Uh you see it happen all the time. I mean, Caesar happen all the time. I mean, Caesar happen all the time. I mean, Caesar famously picks up his uh weapon and a famously picks up his uh weapon and a famously picks up his uh weapon and a shield nearby and fights in the ranks shield nearby and fights in the ranks shield nearby and fights in the ranks with his troops from the Gauls.

with his troops from the Gauls. with his troops from the Gauls. Famously, the Celtic troops ambush his Famously, the Celtic troops ambush his Famously, the Celtic troops ambush his legions while they're, you know, sort of legions while they're, you know, sort of legions while they're, you know, sort of building stuff and and not ready for it. building stuff and and not ready for it. building stuff and and not ready for it. So, nobody's afraid. But again, Caesar's So, nobody's afraid. But again, Caesar's So, nobody's afraid. But again, Caesar's hoping to command, you know, from a hoping to command, you know, from a hoping to command, you know, from a position where he can inspire units and position where he can inspire units and position where he can inspire units and he can make decisions and and help. I he can make decisions and and help. I he can make decisions and and help. I mean, you know, they got plenty of mean, you know, they got plenty of mean, you know, they got plenty of people who can fight in the front rank. people who can fight in the front rank. people who can fight in the front rank. It's a different expectation though, It's a different expectation though, It's a different expectation though, isn't it? in the macadian side as we isn't it? in the macadian side as we isn't it? in the macadian side as we said it's a culture that has been said it's a culture that has been said it's a culture that has been described as homeriic in terms of its described as homeriic in terms of its described as homeriic in terms of its value system and not only are all these value system and not only are all these value system and not only are all these people uh especially the companions people uh especially the companions people uh especially the companions right Alexander's sort of uh peers or right Alexander's sort of uh peers or right Alexander's sort of uh peers or near peers all these people seek the near peers all these people seek the near peers all these people seek the distinction in their culture that comes distinction in their culture that comes distinction in their culture that comes from you know exceeding and and creating from you know exceeding and and creating from you know exceeding and and creating all sorts of almost homeriic type all sorts of almost homeriic type all sorts of almost homeriic type stories on the battlefield they all want stories on the battlefield they all want stories on the battlefield they all want that that that and uh the king is expected to be right and uh the king is expected to be right and uh the king is expected to be right in the thick of it. I mean, look how in the thick of it. I mean, look how in the thick of it. I mean, look how many wounds Alexander's dad had, right? many wounds Alexander's dad had, right? many wounds Alexander's dad had, right? One eye, leg all mangled, and that was One eye, leg all mangled, and that was One eye, leg all mangled, and that was not unusual. So, it's difficult to sort not unusual. So, it's difficult to sort not unusual. So, it's difficult to sort of make the distinction between the of make the distinction between the of make the distinction between the expectations that all Macedonians had expectations that all Macedonians had expectations that all Macedonians had for all Macedonian kings versus for all Macedonian kings versus for all Macedonian kings versus Alexander's even graded on a curve um Alexander's even graded on a curve um Alexander's even graded on a curve um exceeding of that because the ancient exceeding of that because the ancient exceeding of that because the ancient sources know what the expectation is.

sources know what the expectation is. sources know what the expectation is. And yet, they all point out that he's And yet, they all point out that he's And yet, they all point out that he's driven to be the best. driven to be the best. driven to be the best. It's one thing to say you've got to It's one thing to say you've got to It's one thing to say you've got to behave like one of the great warriors in behave like one of the great warriors in behave like one of the great warriors in the Iliad. It's another thing to say the Iliad. It's another thing to say the Iliad. It's another thing to say you've got to be Achilles and you've got you've got to be Achilles and you've got you've got to be Achilles and you've got to be better than Achilles, right? to be better than Achilles, right? to be better than Achilles, right? You're trying to beat Achilles. So You're trying to beat Achilles. So You're trying to beat Achilles. So again, trying to figure out this guy's again, trying to figure out this guy's again, trying to figure out this guy's psychological proclivities versus the psychological proclivities versus the psychological proclivities versus the cultural expectation and all that sort cultural expectation and all that sort cultural expectation and all that sort of stuff. It's it's hard to dissect, of stuff. It's it's hard to dissect, of stuff. It's it's hard to dissect, isn't it? isn't it? isn't it? But because he's going to be so But because he's going to be so But because he's going to be so conspicuous, because he's the share conspicuous, because he's the share conspicuous, because he's the share punct in this um Macedonian plan, it punct in this um Macedonian plan, it punct in this um Macedonian plan, it makes him vulnerable and it makes him a makes him vulnerable and it makes him a makes him vulnerable and it makes him a target. And the ancient sources make it target. And the ancient sources make it target. And the ancient sources make it sound like if nothing else, they sound like if nothing else, they sound like if nothing else, they certainly had a group of people whose certainly had a group of people whose certainly had a group of people whose job it was on the Persian side of this job it was on the Persian side of this job it was on the Persian side of this divide, the river, the banks, the stream divide, the river, the banks, the stream divide, the river, the banks, the stream bed, the whole thing to follow him bed, the whole thing to follow him bed, the whole thing to follow him around and sort of shadow him. It's like around and sort of shadow him. It's like around and sort of shadow him. It's like having some linebackers out there who having some linebackers out there who having some linebackers out there who are spying the quarterback just in case are spying the quarterback just in case are spying the quarterback just in case he runs. And Alexander's easily seen. he runs. And Alexander's easily seen. he runs. And Alexander's easily seen. The ancient sources make it clear he's The ancient sources make it clear he's The ancient sources make it clear he's got, you know, very ostentatious armor.

got, you know, very ostentatious armor. got, you know, very ostentatious armor. I mean, it's and he's got an entourage I mean, it's and he's got an entourage I mean, it's and he's got an entourage with him. So, you you can't miss him. with him. So, you you can't miss him. with him. So, you you can't miss him. But that's by design. In the ancient war But that's by design. In the ancient war But that's by design. In the ancient war situation, it's important to have the situation, it's important to have the situation, it's important to have the general for your own side, very visible general for your own side, very visible general for your own side, very visible and everything. The problem is is, you and everything. The problem is is, you and everything. The problem is is, you know, when you're making yourself know, when you're making yourself know, when you're making yourself visible for your side, you're making visible for your side, you're making visible for your side, you're making yourself, you know, a target for the yourself, you know, a target for the yourself, you know, a target for the other side. other side. other side. There's a line in the Diodoris version There's a line in the Diodoris version There's a line in the Diodoris version of the actual fighting where he he says of the actual fighting where he he says of the actual fighting where he he says that a Persian officer spies Alexander that a Persian officer spies Alexander that a Persian officer spies Alexander nearby in the fight and looks at the nearby in the fight and looks at the nearby in the fight and looks at the entire moment as a gift from the gods to entire moment as a gift from the gods to entire moment as a gift from the gods to have this chance to end the whole war, have this chance to end the whole war, have this chance to end the whole war, you know, in one moment of single you know, in one moment of single you know, in one moment of single combat. It's almost chesslike, isn't it? combat. It's almost chesslike, isn't it? combat. It's almost chesslike, isn't it? I mean, take the other side's king and I mean, take the other side's king and I mean, take the other side's king and it's game over. This is part of what we it's game over. This is part of what we it's game over. This is part of what we love about ancient history is that, you love about ancient history is that, you love about ancient history is that, you know, you just don't get these kinds of know, you just don't get these kinds of know, you just don't get these kinds of opportunities in the modern world to opportunities in the modern world to opportunities in the modern world to take out the, you know, head of state of take out the, you know, head of state of take out the, you know, head of state of another country that you're at war with another country that you're at war with another country that you're at war with and call it game over. I It's almost and call it game over. I It's almost and call it game over. I It's almost like single combat and, you know, like single combat and, you know, like single combat and, you know, whoever wins uh wins the war.

whoever wins uh wins the war. whoever wins uh wins the war. And you don't want to go all great And you don't want to go all great And you don't want to go all great theory on any of this. Um because theory on any of this. Um because theory on any of this. Um because obviously the trends and the forces and obviously the trends and the forces and obviously the trends and the forces and all the other things you know the all the other things you know the all the other things you know the zeitgeists of previous eras are built zeitgeists of previous eras are built zeitgeists of previous eras are built upon one another and everything upon one another and everything upon one another and everything interacts on everything else to make it interacts on everything else to make it interacts on everything else to make it possible for some of these so-called possible for some of these so-called possible for some of these so-called great figures to arise. great figures to arise. great figures to arise. But it's impossible to not notice isn't But it's impossible to not notice isn't But it's impossible to not notice isn't it that amongst some of these people who it that amongst some of these people who it that amongst some of these people who are right place right time and then they are right place right time and then they are right place right time and then they become you know who they become that become you know who they become that become you know who they become that their individual personality quirks their individual personality quirks their individual personality quirks change the way things otherwise might change the way things otherwise might change the way things otherwise might be. I mean, it's not hard to make an be. I mean, it's not hard to make an be. I mean, it's not hard to make an argument that the 19 the First World argument that the 19 the First World argument that the 19 the First World War, the 1920s, 1930s, I mean, make the War, the 1920s, 1930s, I mean, make the War, the 1920s, 1930s, I mean, make the rise of a Hitler-like figure easy to rise of a Hitler-like figure easy to rise of a Hitler-like figure easy to explain, explain, explain, but it doesn't have to be that guy with but it doesn't have to be that guy with but it doesn't have to be that guy with his particular weird proclivities that his particular weird proclivities that his particular weird proclivities that then stamp an entire generation with, then stamp an entire generation with, then stamp an entire generation with, you know, his neurosis. you know, his neurosis. you know, his neurosis. And the same thing could be true of an And the same thing could be true of an And the same thing could be true of an Alexander. I mean, when you have an army Alexander. I mean, when you have an army Alexander. I mean, when you have an army like that, you're going to be able to like that, you're going to be able to like that, you're going to be able to conquer people and make history and, you conquer people and make history and, you conquer people and make history and, you know, all sort take territory.

know, all sort take territory. know, all sort take territory. Macadonate Techch can be the disruptive Macadonate Techch can be the disruptive Macadonate Techch can be the disruptive technological firm that it was going to technological firm that it was going to technological firm that it was going to be anyway. The difference is is that at be anyway. The difference is is that at be anyway. The difference is is that at a certain point, you know, the original a certain point, you know, the original a certain point, you know, the original shareholders are going to want to cash shareholders are going to want to cash shareholders are going to want to cash in their stock options and call it a in their stock options and call it a in their stock options and call it a day. And the particular weirdness of day. And the particular weirdness of day. And the particular weirdness of Alexander is that he never wants to call Alexander is that he never wants to call Alexander is that he never wants to call it a day. And that's what makes him it a day. And that's what makes him it a day. And that's what makes him different. And that's the part that different. And that's the part that different. And that's the part that didn't have to happen. And if you kill didn't have to happen. And if you kill didn't have to happen. And if you kill him at the Granicus, it doesn't. him at the Granicus, it doesn't. him at the Granicus, it doesn't. Aryan actually has the lineup of Aryan actually has the lineup of Aryan actually has the lineup of Alexander's troops. I mean, it's a Alexander's troops. I mean, it's a Alexander's troops. I mean, it's a little like giving you the rundown little like giving you the rundown little like giving you the rundown before a football game. You know, he's before a football game. You know, he's before a football game. You know, he's telling you, "Okay, the offensive line's telling you, "Okay, the offensive line's telling you, "Okay, the offensive line's got this guy on the outside." Goes all got this guy on the outside." Goes all got this guy on the outside." Goes all the way down the list and gives you the the way down the list and gives you the the way down the list and gives you the unit commanders 300 years later. I mean, unit commanders 300 years later. I mean, unit commanders 300 years later. I mean, all of those unit commanders are famous. all of those unit commanders are famous. all of those unit commanders are famous. The fact that he runs down certain units The fact that he runs down certain units The fact that he runs down certain units is where some of this confusion o over is where some of this confusion o over is where some of this confusion o over whether or not that's all the units that whether or not that's all the units that whether or not that's all the units that are at the battle or whether he's just are at the battle or whether he's just are at the battle or whether he's just naming the most principal ones, right?

naming the most principal ones, right? naming the most principal ones, right? The flying column idea versus the entire The flying column idea versus the entire The flying column idea versus the entire army idea. But Alexander's troops are army idea. But Alexander's troops are army idea. But Alexander's troops are lined up basically on one bank and then lined up basically on one bank and then lined up basically on one bank and then you have that steep bank followed by the you have that steep bank followed by the you have that steep bank followed by the riverbed followed by the river itself riverbed followed by the river itself riverbed followed by the river itself followed by the riverbed on the other followed by the riverbed on the other followed by the riverbed on the other side followed by the steep bank on the side followed by the steep bank on the side followed by the steep bank on the other side. And that's where the Persian other side. And that's where the Persian other side. And that's where the Persian troops start. troops start. troops start. And in my Martin Hammond translation of And in my Martin Hammond translation of And in my Martin Hammond translation of Aryan, he takes up the conversation Aryan, he takes up the conversation Aryan, he takes up the conversation about the Persians and says, quote, "The about the Persians and says, quote, "The about the Persians and says, quote, "The Persians cavalry numbered some 20,000 Persians cavalry numbered some 20,000 Persians cavalry numbered some 20,000 and their foreign mercenary infantry a and their foreign mercenary infantry a and their foreign mercenary infantry a little less than that number. They were little less than that number. They were little less than that number. They were drawn up with the cavalry ranged in an drawn up with the cavalry ranged in an drawn up with the cavalry ranged in an extended failank along the riverbank and extended failank along the riverbank and extended failank along the riverbank and the infantry behind the cavalry." He the infantry behind the cavalry." He the infantry behind the cavalry." He then notes that there was high ground then notes that there was high ground then notes that there was high ground beyond the bank. They posted a beyond the bank. They posted a beyond the bank. They posted a particular concentration of cavalry particular concentration of cavalry particular concentration of cavalry squadrons on the bank opposite where squadrons on the bank opposite where squadrons on the bank opposite where they could see Alexander himself, ready they could see Alexander himself, ready they could see Alexander himself, ready to attack their left front. He was easy to attack their left front. He was easy to attack their left front. He was easy enough to pick out for the magnificence enough to pick out for the magnificence enough to pick out for the magnificence of his armor and the awe attention of of his armor and the awe attention of of his armor and the awe attention of his entourage. End quote.

his entourage. End quote. his entourage. End quote. I think one of the reasons this idea I think one of the reasons this idea I think one of the reasons this idea that maybe this was the Persian plan to that maybe this was the Persian plan to that maybe this was the Persian plan to take out the, you know, the other side's take out the, you know, the other side's take out the, you know, the other side's king on the chessboard is is attractive king on the chessboard is is attractive king on the chessboard is is attractive is because otherwise, what the heck is is because otherwise, what the heck is is because otherwise, what the heck is their plan? their plan? their plan? This looks like a crazy sort of a setup This looks like a crazy sort of a setup This looks like a crazy sort of a setup for the Persians. And well, they've for the Persians. And well, they've for the Persians. And well, they've attracted a lot of attention from attracted a lot of attention from attracted a lot of attention from critics ever since. critics ever since. critics ever since. The general idea here is that the wrong The general idea here is that the wrong The general idea here is that the wrong move is to try to hold ground with move is to try to hold ground with move is to try to hold ground with cavalry. It seems counterintuitive based cavalry. It seems counterintuitive based cavalry. It seems counterintuitive based on everything we moderns know about on everything we moderns know about on everything we moderns know about fighting with cavalry. But that's the fighting with cavalry. But that's the fighting with cavalry. But that's the big variable, isn't it? We don't big variable, isn't it? We don't big variable, isn't it? We don't understand how they fought in the understand how they fought in the understand how they fought in the ancient world really. And so it's ancient world really. And so it's ancient world really. And so it's difficult to critique what they're doing difficult to critique what they're doing difficult to critique what they're doing because they are certainly I mean are we because they are certainly I mean are we because they are certainly I mean are we suggesting that the Persians don't suggesting that the Persians don't suggesting that the Persians don't understand how to use cavalry or what understand how to use cavalry or what understand how to use cavalry or what cavalry is good for? I mean, it boggles cavalry is good for? I mean, it boggles cavalry is good for? I mean, it boggles the mind to think we could sit here and the mind to think we could sit here and the mind to think we could sit here and go, "Well, they were just stupid. Don't go, "Well, they were just stupid. Don't go, "Well, they were just stupid. Don't they know that you're not supposed to they know that you're not supposed to they know that you're not supposed to hold ground with cavalry?" I mean, hold ground with cavalry?" I mean, hold ground with cavalry?" I mean, doesn't that sound silly?

doesn't that sound silly? doesn't that sound silly? The other thing, though, that factors The other thing, though, that factors The other thing, though, that factors into this is we can't just say that into this is we can't just say that into this is we can't just say that Aryan's an idiot either because he's a Aryan's an idiot either because he's a Aryan's an idiot either because he's a military commander in his background. He military commander in his background. He military commander in his background. He knows darn well what you can and can't knows darn well what you can and can't knows darn well what you can and can't do with cavalry. And he certainly, if he do with cavalry. And he certainly, if he do with cavalry. And he certainly, if he was reading his sources and they said was reading his sources and they said was reading his sources and they said this stuff, he would give it the, you this stuff, he would give it the, you this stuff, he would give it the, you know, the side eye. So, so something's know, the side eye. So, so something's know, the side eye. So, so something's going on here that we don't understand. going on here that we don't understand. going on here that we don't understand. And in order to try to explain uh this And in order to try to explain uh this And in order to try to explain uh this missing ingredient, there have been lots missing ingredient, there have been lots missing ingredient, there have been lots of theories. One that seems to make some of theories. One that seems to make some of theories. One that seems to make some sense that you'll see floated around sense that you'll see floated around sense that you'll see floated around there is that the Persians didn't intend there is that the Persians didn't intend there is that the Persians didn't intend to fight here at all. That this is some to fight here at all. That this is some to fight here at all. That this is some sort of a display, if you will. And it's sort of a display, if you will. And it's sort of a display, if you will. And it's not uncommon. I mean, there are whole not uncommon. I mean, there are whole not uncommon. I mean, there are whole eras, including this era, in warfare, eras, including this era, in warfare, eras, including this era, in warfare, where maneuvering uh your army to try to where maneuvering uh your army to try to where maneuvering uh your army to try to gain uh leverage or an advantage on your gain uh leverage or an advantage on your gain uh leverage or an advantage on your opponent is 9/10en of what generals do opponent is 9/10en of what generals do opponent is 9/10en of what generals do in warfare. You see this in the musket in warfare. You see this in the musket in warfare. You see this in the musket period. You see it in the Napoleonic period. You see it in the Napoleonic period. You see it in the Napoleonic period. This whole um idea that battles period. This whole um idea that battles period. This whole um idea that battles just happen. Uh well, they really a lot just happen. Uh well, they really a lot just happen. Uh well, they really a lot of times don't. And uh maybe the of times don't. And uh maybe the of times don't. And uh maybe the Persians were lining up here on the Persians were lining up here on the Persians were lining up here on the riverbank as if to say, "Do you really riverbank as if to say, "Do you really riverbank as if to say, "Do you really want to contend with this? We've got you want to contend with this? We've got you want to contend with this? We've got you in an inferior position and expect in an inferior position and expect in an inferior position and expect Alexander to go a different route.

Alexander to go a different route. Alexander to go a different route. Remember, he's got this burn rate to Remember, he's got this burn rate to Remember, he's got this burn rate to deal with." deal with." deal with." If they didn't expect to fight, this If they didn't expect to fight, this If they didn't expect to fight, this would explain a whole lot about their would explain a whole lot about their would explain a whole lot about their setup because the other thing they do setup because the other thing they do setup because the other thing they do that doesn't make any sense is they put that doesn't make any sense is they put that doesn't make any sense is they put all this infantry they have, Theodora all this infantry they have, Theodora all this infantry they have, Theodora says it's over 100,000, which is crazy, says it's over 100,000, which is crazy, says it's over 100,000, which is crazy, but I mean even the 20,000 of Aryans or but I mean even the 20,000 of Aryans or but I mean even the 20,000 of Aryans or so or almost 20,000 um it's up on a rise so or almost 20,000 um it's up on a rise so or almost 20,000 um it's up on a rise in the distance. in the distance. in the distance. We don't have and yours truly especially We don't have and yours truly especially We don't have and yours truly especially doesn't have enough understanding of how doesn't have enough understanding of how doesn't have enough understanding of how long it would take a large group of long it would take a large group of long it would take a large group of human beings to move from wherever that human beings to move from wherever that human beings to move from wherever that hill is to where they might be needed in hill is to where they might be needed in hill is to where they might be needed in battle. So all this stuff is very battle. So all this stuff is very battle. So all this stuff is very difficult for us to figure out. But what difficult for us to figure out. But what difficult for us to figure out. But what you'll read is that they are seemingly you'll read is that they are seemingly you'll read is that they are seemingly um in a place where they can't be um in a place where they can't be um in a place where they can't be helpful in which case you ask again who helpful in which case you ask again who helpful in which case you ask again who set it up this way. What the heck are set it up this way. What the heck are set it up this way. What the heck are they thinking? And historians are trying they thinking? And historians are trying they thinking? And historians are trying to fill the gap and there are all kinds to fill the gap and there are all kinds to fill the gap and there are all kinds of theories. of theories. of theories. The display one is an interesting one to The display one is an interesting one to The display one is an interesting one to ponder because if they thought that they ponder because if they thought that they ponder because if they thought that they were going to basically show that they were going to basically show that they were going to basically show that they were in such a superior position that no were in such a superior position that no were in such a superior position that no general who knows what he's doing is general who knows what he's doing is general who knows what he's doing is going to wade into this death trap, going to wade into this death trap, going to wade into this death trap, right? You've been blocked. Go around.

right? You've been blocked. Go around. right? You've been blocked. Go around. We'll see if we can catch you on the We'll see if we can catch you on the We'll see if we can catch you on the other side. And Palmino essentially says other side. And Palmino essentially says other side. And Palmino essentially says that. And Alexander by discounting that. And Alexander by discounting that. And Alexander by discounting Palmin's good advice here might have Palmin's good advice here might have Palmin's good advice here might have actually had the right move. But it's actually had the right move. But it's actually had the right move. But it's it's a gamble, right? It's the right it's a gamble, right? It's the right it's a gamble, right? It's the right move where you just say I'm going to move where you just say I'm going to move where you just say I'm going to roll the dice. But or maybe maybe now roll the dice. But or maybe maybe now roll the dice. But or maybe maybe now that I think about it, maybe he he has that I think about it, maybe he he has that I think about it, maybe he he has this intuition that this is just a this intuition that this is just a this intuition that this is just a display. And if it is just a display, display. And if it is just a display, display. And if it is just a display, well, the worst thing for the people who well, the worst thing for the people who well, the worst thing for the people who are thinking they have you in an are thinking they have you in an are thinking they have you in an inferior position is for somebody to inferior position is for somebody to inferior position is for somebody to call your bluff and to actually attack call your bluff and to actually attack call your bluff and to actually attack your position that looks so crazy to us your position that looks so crazy to us your position that looks so crazy to us because it was never intended to because it was never intended to because it was never intended to actually fight. actually fight. actually fight. The other thing that comes into play The other thing that comes into play The other thing that comes into play here is we, as I said, just don't here is we, as I said, just don't here is we, as I said, just don't understand ancient warfare. There's so understand ancient warfare. There's so understand ancient warfare. There's so many things that make it difficult to many things that make it difficult to many things that make it difficult to understand. I mean, we've talked over understand. I mean, we've talked over understand. I mean, we've talked over and over, haven't we, about the the both and over, haven't we, about the the both and over, haven't we, about the the both individual psychology of the people in individual psychology of the people in individual psychology of the people in these battles and then how that these battles and then how that these battles and then how that contributes to a sort of a mass contributes to a sort of a mass contributes to a sort of a mass psychology and we talk all the time, psychology and we talk all the time, psychology and we talk all the time, don't we, about how Phobos, the god of don't we, about how Phobos, the god of don't we, about how Phobos, the god of fear, sort of um struts around the fear, sort of um struts around the fear, sort of um struts around the battlefield. I mean, rules it, right?

battlefield. I mean, rules it, right? battlefield. I mean, rules it, right? All these kinds of ideas that talk about All these kinds of ideas that talk about All these kinds of ideas that talk about psychology and and human beings and fear psychology and and human beings and fear psychology and and human beings and fear and all these kinds of things. But think and all these kinds of things. But think and all these kinds of things. But think about how you three-dimensionalize that about how you three-dimensionalize that about how you three-dimensionalize that problem for a general trying to have problem for a general trying to have problem for a general trying to have things on the battlefield they can count things on the battlefield they can count things on the battlefield they can count on. When you add a variable like animals on. When you add a variable like animals on. When you add a variable like animals to the mix, horses, camels, elephants, to the mix, horses, camels, elephants, to the mix, horses, camels, elephants, all used in war, how do you account for all used in war, how do you account for all used in war, how do you account for the psychology of these nonhuman the psychology of these nonhuman the psychology of these nonhuman variables on the battlefield? And how variables on the battlefield? And how variables on the battlefield? And how much can you alter that natural much can you alter that natural much can you alter that natural psychology? I mean, that's what you're psychology? I mean, that's what you're psychology? I mean, that's what you're doing with people when you turn them doing with people when you turn them doing with people when you turn them into soldiers, aren't you? You're into soldiers, aren't you? You're into soldiers, aren't you? You're turning them into trained troops that turning them into trained troops that turning them into trained troops that have sublimated their natural instincts have sublimated their natural instincts have sublimated their natural instincts to do things like run when a bunch of to do things like run when a bunch of to do things like run when a bunch of armed men are running towards you, armed men are running towards you, armed men are running towards you, right? You you tame that with right? You you tame that with right? You you tame that with discipline. How much can you do that discipline. How much can you do that discipline. How much can you do that with animals? And that's been a big with animals? And that's been a big with animals? And that's been a big question forever. And we don't have a question forever. And we don't have a question forever. And we don't have a lot of good information on that either lot of good information on that either lot of good information on that either because in our living memory of using because in our living memory of using because in our living memory of using things like horses, for example, in war, things like horses, for example, in war, things like horses, for example, in war, they're generally more of a baggage they're generally more of a baggage they're generally more of a baggage animal or a draft animal. If you go back animal or a draft animal. If you go back animal or a draft animal. If you go back to the last time cavalry was uh involved to the last time cavalry was uh involved to the last time cavalry was uh involved in war in any large numbers, mid- 20th in war in any large numbers, mid- 20th in war in any large numbers, mid- 20th century maybe, uh you you can have your century maybe, uh you you can have your century maybe, uh you you can have your animal and the rider develop a animal and the rider develop a animal and the rider develop a relationship, which again would have relationship, which again would have relationship, which again would have been a much bigger thing back in earlier been a much bigger thing back in earlier been a much bigger thing back in earlier eras, but you can't account for how much eras, but you can't account for how much eras, but you can't account for how much the training impacts things. I mean, the training impacts things. I mean, the training impacts things. I mean, what could you get animals to do and what could you get animals to do and what could you get animals to do and what couldn't you get them to do? And do what couldn't you get them to do? And do what couldn't you get them to do? And do some people's cultures armies do this

some people's cultures armies do this some people's cultures armies do this better than others? I mean, if you better than others? I mean, if you better than others? I mean, if you could, for example, train your horses to could, for example, train your horses to could, for example, train your horses to do something if you're a schonian or a do something if you're a schonian or a do something if you're a schonian or a Staratian or a hun due to the way your Staratian or a hun due to the way your Staratian or a hun due to the way your culture operates um and and your close culture operates um and and your close culture operates um and and your close association with these animals and how association with these animals and how association with these animals and how you do war and the way that they've seen you do war and the way that they've seen you do war and the way that they've seen other animals do it before you, you other animals do it before you, you other animals do it before you, you know, learn like sheep dogs learn know, learn like sheep dogs learn know, learn like sheep dogs learn and if the Romans can't do that, I mean, and if the Romans can't do that, I mean, and if the Romans can't do that, I mean, how much of an advantage does that give how much of an advantage does that give how much of an advantage does that give one people over another? It's one people over another? It's one people over another? It's interesting to think about what a secret interesting to think about what a secret interesting to think about what a secret weapon animal training might be in an weapon animal training might be in an weapon animal training might be in an era where animals were very important to era where animals were very important to era where animals were very important to warfare. I mean, to give you one example, there's I mean, to give you one example, there's a whole theory, just one theory out a whole theory, just one theory out a whole theory, just one theory out there, that the way that knights broke there, that the way that knights broke there, that the way that knights broke up uh formations of foot soldiers was to up uh formations of foot soldiers was to up uh formations of foot soldiers was to simply put their lance against the simply put their lance against the simply put their lance against the shield of the enemy infantry men and and shield of the enemy infantry men and and shield of the enemy infantry men and and have their horse push, jostling the have their horse push, jostling the have their horse push, jostling the formation into sort of disorder. formation into sort of disorder. formation into sort of disorder. For that to happen, of course, the horse For that to happen, of course, the horse For that to happen, of course, the horse has to be trained to do that. So, once has to be trained to do that. So, once has to be trained to do that. So, once again, trying to figure out how much you again, trying to figure out how much you again, trying to figure out how much you could train these animals is could train these animals is could train these animals is fascinating. Voldemar Heckle talks about fascinating. Voldemar Heckle talks about fascinating. Voldemar Heckle talks about how the cavalry that the Persians are how the cavalry that the Persians are how the cavalry that the Persians are going to use in this battle. Remember, going to use in this battle. Remember, going to use in this battle. Remember, this is a proincially raised army. This this is a proincially raised army. This this is a proincially raised army. This is not the royal army with the king.

is not the royal army with the king. is not the royal army with the king. He's going to have some units with him He's going to have some units with him He's going to have some units with him when when the king shows up that you when when the king shows up that you when when the king shows up that you don't have in a battle like this. You're don't have in a battle like this. You're don't have in a battle like this. You're not going to have the the cavalry that's not going to have the the cavalry that's not going to have the the cavalry that's real heavy and armored and can sit there real heavy and armored and can sit there real heavy and armored and can sit there and cut their way through other and cut their way through other and cut their way through other formations. The cavalry here is more formations. The cavalry here is more formations. The cavalry here is more like the cavalry that the Greeks would like the cavalry that the Greeks would like the cavalry that the Greeks would have seen 150 years ago back in the have seen 150 years ago back in the have seen 150 years ago back in the Greek and Persian wars, probably armed Greek and Persian wars, probably armed Greek and Persian wars, probably armed with javelins more often though than the with javelins more often though than the with javelins more often though than the bows of the old days. But if you think bows of the old days. But if you think bows of the old days. But if you think about thousands of them on the riverbank about thousands of them on the riverbank about thousands of them on the riverbank throwing their javelins either at the throwing their javelins either at the throwing their javelins either at the same time in like a same time in like a same time in like a volley or a fuselade or if they were volley or a fuselade or if they were volley or a fuselade or if they were essentially allowed to individually essentially allowed to individually essentially allowed to individually throw their javelins as targets throw their javelins as targets throw their javelins as targets appeared. Um it's interesting to appeared. Um it's interesting to appeared. Um it's interesting to speculate what thousands of them thrown speculate what thousands of them thrown speculate what thousands of them thrown into the river as Alexander's troops into the river as Alexander's troops into the river as Alexander's troops were crossing would be like because were crossing would be like because were crossing would be like because that's kind of the Aryan version of this that's kind of the Aryan version of this that's kind of the Aryan version of this battle by the way. stand up there on the 9 to 12t banks and stand up there on the 9 to 12t banks and throw your javelins down. Maybe gallop throw your javelins down. Maybe gallop throw your javelins down. Maybe gallop down there down there down there so the river breaks up their formation.

so the river breaks up their formation. so the river breaks up their formation. Uh the chaos caused by the mass javelin Uh the chaos caused by the mass javelin Uh the chaos caused by the mass javelin attacks does so even more and then you attacks does so even more and then you attacks does so even more and then you can strike against the remnants as they can strike against the remnants as they can strike against the remnants as they crawl out. And we haven't even mentioned crawl out. And we haven't even mentioned crawl out. And we haven't even mentioned the fact that there are variables in the fact that there are variables in the fact that there are variables in here that sound boring to your average here that sound boring to your average here that sound boring to your average person, but that both Alexander freaks person, but that both Alexander freaks person, but that both Alexander freaks like yours truly and PhD people who have like yours truly and PhD people who have like yours truly and PhD people who have to really understand this, there's a to really understand this, there's a to really understand this, there's a horseshoe sort of effect where we we horseshoe sort of effect where we we horseshoe sort of effect where we we kind of get interested in the same sort kind of get interested in the same sort kind of get interested in the same sort of minutiae um at a certain point of our of minutiae um at a certain point of our of minutiae um at a certain point of our our fandom. But I mean, what's the our fandom. But I mean, what's the our fandom. But I mean, what's the riverbed composed of, right? Is it riverbed composed of, right? Is it riverbed composed of, right? Is it stone? Is it gravel? Is it sand? Is it stone? Is it gravel? Is it sand? Is it stone? Is it gravel? Is it sand? Is it mud? Mud and algae. Um, and did you have mud? Mud and algae. Um, and did you have mud? Mud and algae. Um, and did you have time to do any reconnaissance about it time to do any reconnaissance about it time to do any reconnaissance about it or were the Persians there waiting for or were the Persians there waiting for or were the Persians there waiting for you so even your reconnaissance troops you so even your reconnaissance troops you so even your reconnaissance troops couldn't do a little testing so that you couldn't do a little testing so that you couldn't do a little testing so that you had some advanced notice? I mean, you had some advanced notice? I mean, you had some advanced notice? I mean, you may find out what the surface of the may find out what the surface of the may find out what the surface of the riverbed is and how slippery it may be riverbed is and how slippery it may be riverbed is and how slippery it may be uh when you guys are walking through it, uh when you guys are walking through it, uh when you guys are walking through it, right? So, all these variables, I mean, right? So, all these variables, I mean, right? So, all these variables, I mean, ancient battles turned on a lot of weird ancient battles turned on a lot of weird ancient battles turned on a lot of weird variables. Those of you who are fans variables. Those of you who are fans variables. Those of you who are fans know, I mean, there have been ancient know, I mean, there have been ancient know, I mean, there have been ancient battles where uh supposedly the sun is battles where uh supposedly the sun is battles where uh supposedly the sun is in one side's eyes and not the other, in one side's eyes and not the other, in one side's eyes and not the other, which is something, by the way, a good which is something, by the way, a good which is something, by the way, a good general can almost sort of arrange.

general can almost sort of arrange. general can almost sort of arrange. Other battles where the wind blows up Other battles where the wind blows up Other battles where the wind blows up and blows sand in one side's face and and blows sand in one side's face and and blows sand in one side's face and not the other. So, ancient battles can not the other. So, ancient battles can not the other. So, ancient battles can turn on weird things. turn on weird things. turn on weird things. And whether or not the riverbed is And whether or not the riverbed is And whether or not the riverbed is really slippery or not slippery at all, really slippery or not slippery at all, really slippery or not slippery at all, that's a variable that could matter. And that's a variable that could matter. And that's a variable that could matter. And Alexander may not get a chance to find Alexander may not get a chance to find Alexander may not get a chance to find out, you know, what the answer to that out, you know, what the answer to that out, you know, what the answer to that question is, as we said, until he's question is, as we said, until he's question is, as we said, until he's dealing with it personally. dealing with it personally. dealing with it personally. If you're Alexander, how do you attack a If you're Alexander, how do you attack a If you're Alexander, how do you attack a position like this? A position that's position like this? A position that's position like this? A position that's such a death trap that if Aryan is to be such a death trap that if Aryan is to be such a death trap that if Aryan is to be be believed, Parminio told him not to be believed, Parminio told him not to be believed, Parminio told him not to attack it. So, if you're going to attack it. So, if you're going to attack it. So, if you're going to overrule the general's good advice, what overrule the general's good advice, what overrule the general's good advice, what are you going to do here? are you going to do here? are you going to do here? And this of course is where we start And this of course is where we start And this of course is where we start getting into not just you have the getting into not just you have the getting into not just you have the difference between the ancient difference between the ancient difference between the ancient historians version of the battle of the historians version of the battle of the historians version of the battle of the river granicus but the modern historians river granicus but the modern historians river granicus but the modern historians too because they have to fill in the too because they have to fill in the too because they have to fill in the gaps just like any movie you know gaps just like any movie you know gaps just like any movie you know producer or whatnot would have to do as producer or whatnot would have to do as producer or whatnot would have to do as well and it's how you fill in the gaps well and it's how you fill in the gaps well and it's how you fill in the gaps that change the way you know the battle that change the way you know the battle that change the way you know the battle is seen by one historian versus another.

is seen by one historian versus another. is seen by one historian versus another. I mean there's a whole school of I mean there's a whole school of I mean there's a whole school of historians. I remember Arthur Frell in historians. I remember Arthur Frell in historians. I remember Arthur Frell in his seinal book the 1985 the origins of his seinal book the 1985 the origins of his seinal book the 1985 the origins of war which I loved. Um he runs down the war which I loved. Um he runs down the war which I loved. Um he runs down the different schools of thought. I mean different schools of thought. I mean different schools of thought. I mean there's a whole military historian there's a whole military historian there's a whole military historian tradition out there that frontal tradition out there that frontal tradition out there that frontal assaults of the sort that Aryan is kind assaults of the sort that Aryan is kind assaults of the sort that Aryan is kind of describing here uh really didn't of describing here uh really didn't of describing here uh really didn't happen or were so deadly to your own happen or were so deadly to your own happen or were so deadly to your own side that no great commander like side that no great commander like side that no great commander like Alexander would ever do them. Therefore, Alexander would ever do them. Therefore, Alexander would ever do them. Therefore, there must have been things like faints there must have been things like faints there must have been things like faints involved which Alexander was also good involved which Alexander was also good involved which Alexander was also good at. at. at. But there's another school of thought But there's another school of thought But there's another school of thought and Frell's one of those guys um who and Frell's one of those guys um who and Frell's one of those guys um who believes that frontal assaults are believes that frontal assaults are believes that frontal assaults are possible and the way that they're possible and the way that they're possible and the way that they're carried out is what makes them possible. carried out is what makes them possible. carried out is what makes them possible. And that's what Aryan is describing And that's what Aryan is describing And that's what Aryan is describing here. Aryan says Alexander has a it's here. Aryan says Alexander has a it's here. Aryan says Alexander has a it's it's not a unit, it's several units, but it's not a unit, it's several units, but it's not a unit, it's several units, but it's sort of an attack force that he's it's sort of an attack force that he's it's sort of an attack force that he's going to send in across the river first. going to send in across the river first. going to send in across the river first. And this is Arthur Pharaoh points out And this is Arthur Pharaoh points out And this is Arthur Pharaoh points out that this is akin to a lot of different that this is akin to a lot of different that this is akin to a lot of different units you can think of in history whose units you can think of in history whose units you can think of in history whose job it is to do this. This isn't a job it is to do this. This isn't a job it is to do this. This isn't a specialized unit. Aryan specifically specialized unit. Aryan specifically specialized unit. Aryan specifically says it's just their day. So it was a says it's just their day. So it was a says it's just their day. So it was a rotational thing. It's happens to be rotational thing. It's happens to be rotational thing. It's happens to be their day of doing it. So they get to be their day of doing it. So they get to be their day of doing it. So they get to be the ones who cross the river first and the ones who cross the river first and the ones who cross the river first and draw all the enemy attention initially.

draw all the enemy attention initially. draw all the enemy attention initially. Historian Ian Worthingson points out Historian Ian Worthingson points out Historian Ian Worthingson points out that this is known as the pawn that this is known as the pawn that this is known as the pawn sacrifice. Another chess metaphor there. sacrifice. Another chess metaphor there. sacrifice. Another chess metaphor there. Arthur Frell names a couple of units Arthur Frell names a couple of units Arthur Frell names a couple of units that I'd forgotten about. It's one of that I'd forgotten about. It's one of that I'd forgotten about. It's one of those things that when you hear them and those things that when you hear them and those things that when you hear them and read them again after years, you go, I read them again after years, you go, I read them again after years, you go, I totally forgotten about that. There were totally forgotten about that. There were totally forgotten about that. There were units in the British Army in the units in the British Army in the units in the British Army in the Napoleonic era uh that was called the Napoleonic era uh that was called the Napoleonic era uh that was called the forlorn hope. forlorn hope. forlorn hope. There was a similar one in the French There was a similar one in the French There was a similar one in the French military called the lost children. And military called the lost children. And military called the lost children. And these were groups of people that had these were groups of people that had these were groups of people that had incredibly high levels of honor, but incredibly high levels of honor, but incredibly high levels of honor, but they earned that honor by sacrificing they earned that honor by sacrificing they earned that honor by sacrificing their lives in almost hopeless endeavors their lives in almost hopeless endeavors their lives in almost hopeless endeavors to create an opportunity to open up a to create an opportunity to open up a to create an opportunity to open up a door for the rest of the, you know, door for the rest of the, you know, door for the rest of the, you know, army. army. army. And there's, you know, this is sort of And there's, you know, this is sort of And there's, you know, this is sort of indicative of how it all works though indicative of how it all works though indicative of how it all works though because units like this either because units like this either because units like this either volunteers like the forloren hope guys volunteers like the forloren hope guys volunteers like the forloren hope guys were like volunteers and the heavily were like volunteers and the heavily were like volunteers and the heavily rewarded and tons of honor afterwards. rewarded and tons of honor afterwards. rewarded and tons of honor afterwards. But they could also be prisoners of war But they could also be prisoners of war But they could also be prisoners of war or convicts or people who through this or convicts or people who through this or convicts or people who through this if you survive, if you're one of the, if you survive, if you're one of the, if you survive, if you're one of the, you know, one in 20 that makes it, you you know, one in 20 that makes it, you you know, one in 20 that makes it, you could have your freedom or you're could have your freedom or you're could have your freedom or you're totally forgiven, right? All your crimes totally forgiven, right? All your crimes totally forgiven, right? All your crimes are pardoned.

are pardoned. are pardoned. Or if you're the Mongols, you just Or if you're the Mongols, you just Or if you're the Mongols, you just capture a whole town and decide that capture a whole town and decide that capture a whole town and decide that you're going to run those people right you're going to run those people right you're going to run those people right into the ranks of your opponent and then into the ranks of your opponent and then into the ranks of your opponent and then take advantage of the disorder that that take advantage of the disorder that that take advantage of the disorder that that creates to hit them with a whole line creates to hit them with a whole line creates to hit them with a whole line of, you know, exquisitly ordered troops. of, you know, exquisitly ordered troops. of, you know, exquisitly ordered troops. And you could see what an advantage that And you could see what an advantage that And you could see what an advantage that would be. would be. would be. But this is basically what Frell's But this is basically what Frell's But this is basically what Frell's pointing out in his book, The Origins of pointing out in his book, The Origins of pointing out in his book, The Origins of War, is that this is essentially how you War, is that this is essentially how you War, is that this is essentially how you create that gap or that weak point that create that gap or that weak point that create that gap or that weak point that the historians who think you have to the historians who think you have to the historians who think you have to have a faint by Alexander in order to have a faint by Alexander in order to have a faint by Alexander in order to create a weak point, this is how you create a weak point, this is how you create a weak point, this is how you create one by direct frontal assault, create one by direct frontal assault, create one by direct frontal assault, which of course is sort of what Aryan which of course is sort of what Aryan which of course is sort of what Aryan says happened. says happened. says happened. You have to go in there and remember uh You have to go in there and remember uh You have to go in there and remember uh Aryan's going to point out that this is Aryan's going to point out that this is Aryan's going to point out that this is mixed unit of cavalry and infantry mixed unit of cavalry and infantry mixed unit of cavalry and infantry including you know one you'll often hear including you know one you'll often hear including you know one you'll often hear the word battalion but none of that sort the word battalion but none of that sort the word battalion but none of that sort of makes sense uh in terms of the of makes sense uh in terms of the of makes sense uh in terms of the ancient equivalent but but there's going ancient equivalent but but there's going ancient equivalent but but there's going to be a unit of fangites to be a unit of fangites to be a unit of fangites mixed in with this cavalry. So this is mixed in with this cavalry. So this is mixed in with this cavalry. So this is going to be a big enough threat for the going to be a big enough threat for the going to be a big enough threat for the Persians to have to respond to. They're Persians to have to respond to. They're Persians to have to respond to. They're going to throw a bunch of javelins, going to throw a bunch of javelins, going to throw a bunch of javelins, which means they have less javelins, which means they have less javelins, which means they have less javelins, obviously, and they're going to have to obviously, and they're going to have to obviously, and they're going to have to move forward and try to contest the move forward and try to contest the move forward and try to contest the river. But by doing so now, they're not river. But by doing so now, they're not river. But by doing so now, they're not just sitting there in formation at the just sitting there in formation at the just sitting there in formation at the top of a rise waiting for you. They're top of a rise waiting for you. They're top of a rise waiting for you. They're in the scrum, which makes them in the scrum, which makes them in the scrum, which makes them vulnerable to a counterstroke. And vulnerable to a counterstroke. And vulnerable to a counterstroke. And that's what Alexander is planning to do.

that's what Alexander is planning to do. that's what Alexander is planning to do. And of course, you know, being this And of course, you know, being this And of course, you know, being this time, this place, those expectations, time, this place, those expectations, time, this place, those expectations, and the particular kind of Achilles sort and the particular kind of Achilles sort and the particular kind of Achilles sort of guy he is, he will lead himself. of guy he is, he will lead himself. of guy he is, he will lead himself. What we need to understand just for our What we need to understand just for our What we need to understand just for our mind's eye visualization purposes is mind's eye visualization purposes is mind's eye visualization purposes is that because of the nature of this that because of the nature of this that because of the nature of this terrain, there's a lot of places you terrain, there's a lot of places you terrain, there's a lot of places you just can't fight. And in Conquest and just can't fight. And in Conquest and just can't fight. And in Conquest and Empire, the late great AB Bosworth Empire, the late great AB Bosworth Empire, the late great AB Bosworth points out that when you take into points out that when you take into points out that when you take into account what's going on here and the account what's going on here and the account what's going on here and the kind of troops that are being used, kind of troops that are being used, kind of troops that are being used, basically it's only going to be feasible basically it's only going to be feasible basically it's only going to be feasible to fight at the gravel areas where to fight at the gravel areas where to fight at the gravel areas where there's a lot of builtup uh but dry there's a lot of builtup uh but dry there's a lot of builtup uh but dry areas near the riverbed. So, open areas areas near the riverbed. So, open areas areas near the riverbed. So, open areas below the bluffs or in those areas that below the bluffs or in those areas that below the bluffs or in those areas that are cut up into pathways natural. They are cut up into pathways natural. They are cut up into pathways natural. They sort of become the water sort of erodess sort of become the water sort of erodess sort of become the water sort of erodess through there and so they're natural through there and so they're natural through there and so they're natural pathways. is these are going to be the pathways. is these are going to be the pathways. is these are going to be the places where the fighting happens. So places where the fighting happens. So places where the fighting happens. So really constrained areas which don't really constrained areas which don't really constrained areas which don't allow most of the troops to even come allow most of the troops to even come allow most of the troops to even come into the combat. into the combat. into the combat. So really it's going to be tip of the So really it's going to be tip of the So really it's going to be tip of the spear forces that try to force this spear forces that try to force this spear forces that try to force this entry. And this main tip of the spear entry. And this main tip of the spear entry. And this main tip of the spear force that gets to do this first are the force that gets to do this first are the force that gets to do this first are the fourlororn hope the lost children the fourlororn hope the lost children the fourlororn hope the lost children the pawn sacrifice of these units that Aryan pawn sacrifice of these units that Aryan pawn sacrifice of these units that Aryan actually names and who are famous actually names and who are famous actually names and who are famous hundreds of years later.

hundreds of years later. hundreds of years later. There's a truly hardcore history moment. There's a truly hardcore history moment. There's a truly hardcore history moment. At least it's one of those that I think At least it's one of those that I think At least it's one of those that I think about. Again, if you're making your about. Again, if you're making your about. Again, if you're making your movie, this I'm going to have this. And movie, this I'm going to have this. And movie, this I'm going to have this. And the Battle of the Granicus didn't even the Battle of the Granicus didn't even the Battle of the Granicus didn't even make it into the most recent Alexander make it into the most recent Alexander make it into the most recent Alexander movie. I should point out, but there's movie. I should point out, but there's movie. I should point out, but there's this moment at the beginning of the this moment at the beginning of the this moment at the beginning of the battle that Aryan talks about. And he's, battle that Aryan talks about. And he's, battle that Aryan talks about. And he's, as I've said now several times, he was a as I've said now several times, he was a as I've said now several times, he was a military commander. He's writing for an military commander. He's writing for an military commander. He's writing for an audience of people who would have been audience of people who would have been audience of people who would have been uh familiar with what makes sense and uh familiar with what makes sense and uh familiar with what makes sense and what's ludicrous in terms of a battle what's ludicrous in terms of a battle what's ludicrous in terms of a battle narrative. That doesn't mean he won't narrative. That doesn't mean he won't narrative. That doesn't mean he won't throw in their some stuff for dramatic throw in their some stuff for dramatic throw in their some stuff for dramatic purposes. I don't know. But he's trying purposes. I don't know. But he's trying purposes. I don't know. But he's trying to be accurate. He talks about this hush to be accurate. He talks about this hush to be accurate. He talks about this hush over the battlefield as both armies are over the battlefield as both armies are over the battlefield as both armies are just staring at each other across this just staring at each other across this just staring at each other across this obstacle. obstacle. obstacle. And it it is at least a football And it it is at least a football And it it is at least a football stadium's amount of people with animals. stadium's amount of people with animals. stadium's amount of people with animals. And you just think about this and you And you just think about this and you And you just think about this and you try to break it down because part of try to break it down because part of try to break it down because part of trying to assess really earlier trying to assess really earlier trying to assess really earlier cultures, we all understand this, right?

cultures, we all understand this, right? cultures, we all understand this, right? Is that they're all sort of built Is that they're all sort of built Is that they're all sort of built differently. And what makes us human is differently. And what makes us human is differently. And what makes us human is is hammered like a piece of metal by the is hammered like a piece of metal by the is hammered like a piece of metal by the culture the whole time we're being culture the whole time we're being culture the whole time we're being raised and formed. raised and formed. raised and formed. And the incentives and disincentives in And the incentives and disincentives in And the incentives and disincentives in that society, you know, have a huge that society, you know, have a huge that society, you know, have a huge impact on what we think is good or bad impact on what we think is good or bad impact on what we think is good or bad or right or wrong or how we react to or right or wrong or how we react to or right or wrong or how we react to things. Even though there's human things. Even though there's human things. Even though there's human elements we could easily recognize elements we could easily recognize elements we could easily recognize motivating people, right? motivating people, right? motivating people, right? But you've got to imagine there's a lot But you've got to imagine there's a lot But you've got to imagine there's a lot of people scared of people scared of people scared and the Greek uh playwrights and and the Greek uh playwrights and and the Greek uh playwrights and whatnot, they'll talk about this about whatnot, they'll talk about this about whatnot, they'll talk about this about the chattering of teeth in the ranks, the chattering of teeth in the ranks, the chattering of teeth in the ranks, the people losing control of their the people losing control of their the people losing control of their bowels, but they still stood there next bowels, but they still stood there next bowels, but they still stood there next to their neighbor with their long spears to their neighbor with their long spears to their neighbor with their long spears in the failanks, that kind of thing. So, in the failanks, that kind of thing. So, in the failanks, that kind of thing. So, it's clearly there. it's clearly there. it's clearly there. At the same time, it doesn't take a At the same time, it doesn't take a At the same time, it doesn't take a genius to realize some of these genius to realize some of these genius to realize some of these Macedonians and probably some of these Macedonians and probably some of these Macedonians and probably some of these Persian nobles on the other side too are Persian nobles on the other side too are Persian nobles on the other side too are looking at the other side as something looking at the other side as something looking at the other side as something good to eat, right? Something to gain good to eat, right? Something to gain good to eat, right? Something to gain honor through. It's an opportunity for honor through. It's an opportunity for honor through. It's an opportunity for great things to happen. I mean, some great things to happen. I mean, some great things to happen. I mean, some people look at it that way. They look at people look at it that way. They look at people look at it that way. They look at if you have enough confidence, you don't if you have enough confidence, you don't if you have enough confidence, you don't look at this as a bad thing. You look at look at this as a bad thing. You look at look at this as a bad thing. You look at this as a fantastic thing.

this as a fantastic thing. this as a fantastic thing. And Aryen begins sort of his rundown of And Aryen begins sort of his rundown of And Aryen begins sort of his rundown of how the battle starts with this moment how the battle starts with this moment how the battle starts with this moment of silence which Alexander will then of silence which Alexander will then of silence which Alexander will then break by leaping on his horse saying break by leaping on his horse saying break by leaping on his horse saying let's go get him. We have trumpets. let's go get him. We have trumpets. let's go get him. We have trumpets. We have war cries which must sound like We have war cries which must sound like We have war cries which must sound like don't you think like football soccer don't you think like football soccer don't you think like football soccer stadium type chance. The trumpets I stadium type chance. The trumpets I stadium type chance. The trumpets I really interesting to think about. And really interesting to think about. And really interesting to think about. And then he's going to send the pawn then he's going to send the pawn then he's going to send the pawn sacrifice across to take it on the chin sacrifice across to take it on the chin sacrifice across to take it on the chin for everyone. And in my Aubrey Delenor for everyone. And in my Aubrey Delenor for everyone. And in my Aubrey Delenor translation of Aryan, translation of Aryan, translation of Aryan, Aryan says, quote, "There was a profound Aryan says, quote, "There was a profound Aryan says, quote, "There was a profound hush as both armies stood for a while, hush as both armies stood for a while, hush as both armies stood for a while, motionless on the brink of the river, as motionless on the brink of the river, as motionless on the brink of the river, as if in awe of what was to come. Then if in awe of what was to come. Then if in awe of what was to come. Then Alexander, while the Persians still Alexander, while the Persians still Alexander, while the Persians still waited for the crossing to begin that waited for the crossing to begin that waited for the crossing to begin that they might fall upon his men as they they might fall upon his men as they they might fall upon his men as they were struggling up the further bank, were struggling up the further bank, were struggling up the further bank, leapt upon his horse and called upon his leapt upon his horse and called upon his leapt upon his horse and called upon his bodyguard to follow and play the man.

bodyguard to follow and play the man. bodyguard to follow and play the man. Play the true man is how my other Play the true man is how my other Play the true man is how my other translations do it. His orders were that translations do it. His orders were that translations do it. His orders were that Aintus, son of Arabus, should lead off Aintus, son of Arabus, should lead off Aintus, son of Arabus, should lead off into the water with the advanced scouts, into the water with the advanced scouts, into the water with the advanced scouts, the Peyonians, and one infantry company, the Peyonians, and one infantry company, the Peyonians, and one infantry company, preceded by Tammy, son of Philip, with preceded by Tammy, son of Philip, with preceded by Tammy, son of Philip, with Socrates's squadron, which was the Socrates's squadron, which was the Socrates's squadron, which was the leading cavalry squadron for that day. leading cavalry squadron for that day. leading cavalry squadron for that day. Then he himself at the head of the right Then he himself at the head of the right Then he himself at the head of the right wing of the army with trumpets blaring wing of the army with trumpets blaring wing of the army with trumpets blaring and the shout going up to the god of and the shout going up to the god of and the shout going up to the god of battle moved forward into the river. End battle moved forward into the river. End battle moved forward into the river. End quote. quote. quote. And then Aryan says something that is And then Aryan says something that is And then Aryan says something that is part of what makes it so difficult in my part of what makes it so difficult in my part of what makes it so difficult in my mind's eye to picture how ancient and mind's eye to picture how ancient and mind's eye to picture how ancient and medieval battles actually went because medieval battles actually went because medieval battles actually went because he describes something that Alexander he describes something that Alexander he describes something that Alexander and Philip both did and and a lot of the and Philip both did and and a lot of the and Philip both did and and a lot of the better armies in history could do. you better armies in history could do. you better armies in history could do. you have to be well trained to do it. But he have to be well trained to do it. But he have to be well trained to do it. But he talks about Alexander advancing his talks about Alexander advancing his talks about Alexander advancing his forces uh some translations use the term forces uh some translations use the term forces uh some translations use the term obliquely which is a pretty military obliquely which is a pretty military obliquely which is a pretty military term also others diagonally.

term also others diagonally. term also others diagonally. This is part of what makes the This is part of what makes the This is part of what makes the translations so difficult because they translations so difficult because they translations so difficult because they will interchange for example military will interchange for example military will interchange for example military formations, battalions, squadrons, formations, battalions, squadrons, formations, battalions, squadrons, troops, troops, troops, companies and just interchangeably and companies and just interchangeably and companies and just interchangeably and not in any sort of military sense. So it not in any sort of military sense. So it not in any sort of military sense. So it becomes confusing. The same happens when becomes confusing. The same happens when becomes confusing. The same happens when you try to figure out how these armies you try to figure out how these armies you try to figure out how these armies are lined up. Because we often think are lined up. Because we often think are lined up. Because we often think about them like railroad tracks, two about them like railroad tracks, two about them like railroad tracks, two parallel lines facing against each parallel lines facing against each parallel lines facing against each other. And in a sense, Alexander's other. And in a sense, Alexander's other. And in a sense, Alexander's armies lined up on this one bank facing armies lined up on this one bank facing armies lined up on this one bank facing off against the Persians lined up on the off against the Persians lined up on the off against the Persians lined up on the other bank of this river and stream bed. other bank of this river and stream bed. other bank of this river and stream bed. And Alexander can order his whole army And Alexander can order his whole army And Alexander can order his whole army across like a giant wave that swarms across like a giant wave that swarms across like a giant wave that swarms over the bank and then swarms up the over the bank and then swarms up the over the bank and then swarms up the other bank. But that's not what he does. other bank. But that's not what he does. other bank. But that's not what he does. Aryan says that he goes and does what Aryan says that he goes and does what Aryan says that he goes and does what Philip and his army tend to do on flat Philip and his army tend to do on flat Philip and his army tend to do on flat battlefields, but he tries to advance in battlefields, but he tries to advance in battlefields, but he tries to advance in a diagonal sense. So, think about those a diagonal sense. So, think about those a diagonal sense. So, think about those two railroad tracks. And now picture two railroad tracks. And now picture two railroad tracks. And now picture Alexander trying to make the railroad Alexander trying to make the railroad Alexander trying to make the railroad track bend diagonally and hit the other track bend diagonally and hit the other track bend diagonally and hit the other railroad track at an angle. You see this railroad track at an angle. You see this railroad track at an angle. You see this with waves, too. Waves can hit a beach with waves, too. Waves can hit a beach with waves, too. Waves can hit a beach dead on, but waves can also break dead on, but waves can also break dead on, but waves can also break sideways, right? the way a surfer takes sideways, right? the way a surfer takes sideways, right? the way a surfer takes advantage of the fact that you know the advantage of the fact that you know the advantage of the fact that you know the waves are hitting at different stages.

waves are hitting at different stages. waves are hitting at different stages. But what this seems to do, and again But what this seems to do, and again But what this seems to do, and again this is part of what the physics of this is part of what the physics of this is part of what the physics of ancient warfare sort of becomes ancient warfare sort of becomes ancient warfare sort of becomes difficult to determine, but it it's sort difficult to determine, but it it's sort difficult to determine, but it it's sort of a progressive of a progressive of a progressive collapse and a roll up of the enemy collapse and a roll up of the enemy collapse and a roll up of the enemy line, right? You hit it at one place and line, right? You hit it at one place and line, right? You hit it at one place and destabilize it and before you can destabilize it and before you can destabilize it and before you can recover from that, the rest of the, you recover from that, the rest of the, you recover from that, the rest of the, you know, unit is now hitting you. And know, unit is now hitting you. And know, unit is now hitting you. And before you can recover from that, the before you can recover from that, the before you can recover from that, the rest of the unit is now hitting you. So, rest of the unit is now hitting you. So, rest of the unit is now hitting you. So, it's a progressive amount of force it's a progressive amount of force it's a progressive amount of force applied uh sequentially, a progressive applied uh sequentially, a progressive applied uh sequentially, a progressive collapse and roll up of the enemy line. collapse and roll up of the enemy line. collapse and roll up of the enemy line. It's difficult for me to imagine what It's difficult for me to imagine what It's difficult for me to imagine what that's like in a riverbed situation. that's like in a riverbed situation. that's like in a riverbed situation. Uh AB Bosworth tries to explain it. Um Uh AB Bosworth tries to explain it. Um Uh AB Bosworth tries to explain it. Um and he does the best job in a way that I and he does the best job in a way that I and he does the best job in a way that I can picture it. a different historian can picture it. a different historian can picture it. a different historian trying to explain it might might be trying to explain it might might be trying to explain it might might be better for you to envision it. But in my better for you to envision it. But in my better for you to envision it. But in my conquest and empire, Bosworth points out conquest and empire, Bosworth points out conquest and empire, Bosworth points out that all of this battle that really that all of this battle that really that all of this battle that really matters is happening in the few access matters is happening in the few access matters is happening in the few access points where troops can actually be points where troops can actually be points where troops can actually be employed. Otherwise, they're sort of employed. Otherwise, they're sort of employed. Otherwise, they're sort of waiting to cross. Um, and he says, waiting to cross. Um, and he says, waiting to cross. Um, and he says, quote, quote, quote, access for an army was confined to a access for an army was confined to a access for an army was confined to a limited number of points. And we may limited number of points. And we may limited number of points. And we may assume that Amantess's force, this is assume that Amantess's force, this is assume that Amantess's force, this is the pawn sacrifice force, took the the pawn sacrifice force, took the the pawn sacrifice force, took the easiest route, crossing the river easiest route, crossing the river easiest route, crossing the river without difficulty and continuing at without difficulty and continuing at without difficulty and continuing at speed up the opposite slope. Their speed up the opposite slope. Their speed up the opposite slope. Their mission was to get as far as possible mission was to get as far as possible mission was to get as far as possible from the bank and stem the initial from the bank and stem the initial from the bank and stem the initial charge of the Persian cavalry. So charge of the Persian cavalry. So charge of the Persian cavalry. So allowing the rest of the right wing to allowing the rest of the right wing to allowing the rest of the right wing to filter across the stream. As they

filter across the stream. As they filter across the stream. As they crossed, he writes, Alexander brought crossed, he writes, Alexander brought crossed, he writes, Alexander brought the rest of the companions into motion. the rest of the companions into motion. the rest of the companions into motion. and that's his heavy cavalry unit and that's his heavy cavalry unit and that's his heavy cavalry unit following up the access slope. This following up the access slope. This following up the access slope. This movement naturally took him downstream movement naturally took him downstream movement naturally took him downstream to the left and he kept his forces in a to the left and he kept his forces in a to the left and he kept his forces in a diagonal line so that they would be able diagonal line so that they would be able diagonal line so that they would be able to use the whole width of the gravel bed to use the whole width of the gravel bed to use the whole width of the gravel bed sweeping up not in column but in sweeping up not in column but in sweeping up not in column but in successive waves which would gradually successive waves which would gradually successive waves which would gradually assume the characteristic Macedonian assume the characteristic Macedonian assume the characteristic Macedonian wedge formation. End quote. wedge formation. End quote. wedge formation. End quote. I think about it again like instead of I think about it again like instead of I think about it again like instead of the waves swarming over the banks all the waves swarming over the banks all the waves swarming over the banks all across the riverbed, it's coming down across the riverbed, it's coming down across the riverbed, it's coming down the river like a flash flood and hitting the river like a flash flood and hitting the river like a flash flood and hitting the Persian line at an angle. the Persian line at an angle. the Persian line at an angle. But that doesn't happen until the old But that doesn't happen until the old But that doesn't happen until the old pawn sacrifice guys, right? The the the pawn sacrifice guys, right? The the the pawn sacrifice guys, right? The the the lost children, the forlorn hope gets lost children, the forlorn hope gets lost children, the forlorn hope gets into the river and begins to draw the into the river and begins to draw the into the river and begins to draw the Persian fire, which they do. I found a Persian fire, which they do. I found a Persian fire, which they do. I found a wonderful 1883 wonderful 1883 wonderful 1883 translation of Aryan by EJ Chinuk to translation of Aryan by EJ Chinuk to translation of Aryan by EJ Chinuk to give us a sense of what that was like give us a sense of what that was like give us a sense of what that was like for the poor people whose job it is to for the poor people whose job it is to for the poor people whose job it is to create the breach that Alexander is create the breach that Alexander is create the breach that Alexander is going to dive into.

going to dive into. going to dive into. EJ Chinuk writing in 1883 has Aryan EJ Chinuk writing in 1883 has Aryan EJ Chinuk writing in 1883 has Aryan saying quote the Persians began the saying quote the Persians began the saying quote the Persians began the contest by hurling missiles from above contest by hurling missiles from above contest by hurling missiles from above in the direction where the men of in the direction where the men of in the direction where the men of Amentas and Socrates were the first to Amentas and Socrates were the first to Amentas and Socrates were the first to reach the bank. Some of them casting reach the bank. Some of them casting reach the bank. Some of them casting javelins into the river from their javelins into the river from their javelins into the river from their commanding position on the bank and commanding position on the bank and commanding position on the bank and others stepping down along the flatter others stepping down along the flatter others stepping down along the flatter parts of it to the very edge of the parts of it to the very edge of the parts of it to the very edge of the water. Then ensued a violent struggle on water. Then ensued a violent struggle on water. Then ensued a violent struggle on the part of the cavalry. On the one side the part of the cavalry. On the one side the part of the cavalry. On the one side to emerge from the river and on the to emerge from the river and on the to emerge from the river and on the other side to prevent the landing. From other side to prevent the landing. From other side to prevent the landing. From the Persians, he writes, "There was a the Persians, he writes, "There was a the Persians, he writes, "There was a terrible discharge of darts. But the terrible discharge of darts. But the terrible discharge of darts. But the Macedonians fought with spears. The Macedonians fought with spears. The Macedonians fought with spears. The Macedonians being far inferior in number Macedonians being far inferior in number Macedonians being far inferior in number suffered severely at the first onset suffered severely at the first onset suffered severely at the first onset because they were obliged to defend because they were obliged to defend because they were obliged to defend themselves in the river where their themselves in the river where their themselves in the river where their footing was unsteady and where they were footing was unsteady and where they were footing was unsteady and where they were below the level of their asalants. below the level of their asalants. below the level of their asalants. Whereas the Persians were fighting from Whereas the Persians were fighting from Whereas the Persians were fighting from the top of the bank which gave them an the top of the bank which gave them an the top of the bank which gave them an advantage especially as the best of the advantage especially as the best of the advantage especially as the best of the Persian horse had been posted there. End Persian horse had been posted there. End Persian horse had been posted there. End quote. Aryan then points out that our quote. Aryan then points out that our quote. Aryan then points out that our wonderful Greek figure that the Greek wonderful Greek figure that the Greek wonderful Greek figure that the Greek audiences could relate to, Menon of audiences could relate to, Menon of audiences could relate to, Menon of Roads, is there with a cavalry unit and Roads, is there with a cavalry unit and Roads, is there with a cavalry unit and his sons. So if the Persians had set his sons. So if the Persians had set his sons. So if the Persians had set their forces up in a completely inane their forces up in a completely inane their forces up in a completely inane sort of tactical deployment, you would sort of tactical deployment, you would sort of tactical deployment, you would think Menam would have at least spoken think Menam would have at least spoken think Menam would have at least spoken up. Another argument that that's not up. Another argument that that's not up. Another argument that that's not what happened. Uh, Aryan continues,

what happened. Uh, Aryan continues, what happened. Uh, Aryan continues, quote, "Meen himself as well as his sons quote, "Meen himself as well as his sons quote, "Meen himself as well as his sons were running every risk with these, and were running every risk with these, and were running every risk with these, and the Macedonians who first came into the Macedonians who first came into the Macedonians who first came into conflict with the Persians, though they conflict with the Persians, though they conflict with the Persians, though they showed great valor, were cut down, showed great valor, were cut down, showed great valor, were cut down, except those who retreated to Alexander, except those who retreated to Alexander, except those who retreated to Alexander, who was now approaching, for the king who was now approaching, for the king who was now approaching, for the king was already near, leading with him the was already near, leading with him the was already near, leading with him the right wing." End quote. right wing." End quote. right wing." End quote. So Alexander is out front leading the So Alexander is out front leading the So Alexander is out front leading the attack here after the pawn sacrifice has attack here after the pawn sacrifice has attack here after the pawn sacrifice has done their job. done their job. done their job. And this is where I begin to have And this is where I begin to have And this is where I begin to have trouble with this battle besides the trouble with this battle besides the trouble with this battle besides the fact that Diodoris describes a different fact that Diodoris describes a different fact that Diodoris describes a different battle entirely. But my problems start battle entirely. But my problems start battle entirely. But my problems start right here right here right here because I can't differentiate between, because I can't differentiate between, because I can't differentiate between, you know, as I had said earlier, the you know, as I had said earlier, the you know, as I had said earlier, the expectations put on a Macedonian king, expectations put on a Macedonian king, expectations put on a Macedonian king, any king, versus what's specifically any king, versus what's specifically any king, versus what's specifically unusual about Alexander. cuz I would unusual about Alexander. cuz I would unusual about Alexander. cuz I would think, you know, King Tommy Boy or King think, you know, King Tommy Boy or King think, you know, King Tommy Boy or King some dude's going to be out there in the some dude's going to be out there in the some dude's going to be out there in the front rank somewhere, too. Maybe not front rank somewhere, too. Maybe not front rank somewhere, too. Maybe not leading the companion cavalry, but leading the companion cavalry, but leading the companion cavalry, but maybe. I mean, what's the expectation maybe. I mean, what's the expectation maybe. I mean, what's the expectation level here? And how much is he exceeding level here? And how much is he exceeding level here? And how much is he exceeding it?

it? it? It does appear though once the fighting It does appear though once the fighting It does appear though once the fighting is going to start here that he likes it. is going to start here that he likes it. is going to start here that he likes it. So, no matter what, I mean, you may have So, no matter what, I mean, you may have So, no matter what, I mean, you may have to be in the front rank to be a to be in the front rank to be a to be in the front rank to be a Macedonian king. doesn't mean you have Macedonian king. doesn't mean you have Macedonian king. doesn't mean you have to actively seek out every opportunity, to actively seek out every opportunity, to actively seek out every opportunity, you know, to show how great you are you know, to show how great you are you know, to show how great you are to demonstrate your superiority, even to demonstrate your superiority, even to demonstrate your superiority, even though that's not just his philosophy. though that's not just his philosophy. though that's not just his philosophy. This would have been an attitude This would have been an attitude This would have been an attitude probably amongst the companions also. I probably amongst the companions also. I probably amongst the companions also. I mean, everybody's trying to outdo mean, everybody's trying to outdo mean, everybody's trying to outdo everyone else. It's kind of how you everyone else. It's kind of how you everyone else. It's kind of how you have, you know, this system where you have, you know, this system where you have, you know, this system where you all make each other better, right? all make each other better, right? all make each other better, right? The problem is is we're going to have a The problem is is we're going to have a The problem is is we're going to have a king put himself in really dangerous king put himself in really dangerous king put himself in really dangerous situations here where maybe even though situations here where maybe even though situations here where maybe even though you're in the front rank and even though you're in the front rank and even though you're in the front rank and even though you're taking a lot of risks might be you're taking a lot of risks might be you're taking a lot of risks might be smarter. I mean a guy like Plutarch who smarter. I mean a guy like Plutarch who smarter. I mean a guy like Plutarch who wrote about Alexander suggested it might wrote about Alexander suggested it might wrote about Alexander suggested it might have been smarter had he paid a little have been smarter had he paid a little have been smarter had he paid a little bit more attention to not putting bit more attention to not putting bit more attention to not putting yourself in extra risky situations but yourself in extra risky situations but yourself in extra risky situations but that's not his brand.

that's not his brand. that's not his brand. AB Bosworth says in Conquest and Empire, AB Bosworth says in Conquest and Empire, AB Bosworth says in Conquest and Empire, quote, "Few enterprises have ever been quote, "Few enterprises have ever been quote, "Few enterprises have ever been so dependent on the survival of a single so dependent on the survival of a single so dependent on the survival of a single man. Yet Alexander's career was a man. Yet Alexander's career was a man. Yet Alexander's career was a continuing saga of heroic self-exposure. continuing saga of heroic self-exposure. continuing saga of heroic self-exposure. Each wound he incurred was fresh Each wound he incurred was fresh Each wound he incurred was fresh evidence of the fragility of the evidence of the fragility of the evidence of the fragility of the political structure which underpinned political structure which underpinned political structure which underpinned the campaign. renewed warning that every the campaign. renewed warning that every the campaign. renewed warning that every victory of his army could be nullified victory of his army could be nullified victory of his army could be nullified by a random missile or the assassin's by a random missile or the assassin's by a random missile or the assassin's knife. There must have been widespread knife. There must have been widespread knife. There must have been widespread expectation, he writes, of his imminent expectation, he writes, of his imminent expectation, he writes, of his imminent death, and that expectation will have death, and that expectation will have death, and that expectation will have fueled resistance to his regime." End fueled resistance to his regime." End fueled resistance to his regime." End quote. quote. quote. And I don't understand, as I've said And I don't understand, as I've said And I don't understand, as I've said before, how this whole layout is working before, how this whole layout is working before, how this whole layout is working in this battle. I have no mental ability in this battle. I have no mental ability in this battle. I have no mental ability to picture what it looks like and I to picture what it looks like and I to picture what it looks like and I can't figure out what they're doing with can't figure out what they're doing with can't figure out what they're doing with all the people. I mean, this is a large all the people. I mean, this is a large all the people. I mean, this is a large number of people, even if it's just the number of people, even if it's just the number of people, even if it's just the strike force part we were talking about strike force part we were talking about strike force part we were talking about going into I mean, I don't know where going into I mean, I don't know where going into I mean, I don't know where they're putting them all.

they're putting them all. they're putting them all. And if we're going to say that it's a And if we're going to say that it's a And if we're going to say that it's a giant crowd of packed people, which is giant crowd of packed people, which is giant crowd of packed people, which is possible, but then the next part of possible, but then the next part of possible, but then the next part of Aryan leads us to believe, if I'm not Aryan leads us to believe, if I'm not Aryan leads us to believe, if I'm not taking this too literally, although once taking this too literally, although once taking this too literally, although once again, this is a guy who should know again, this is a guy who should know again, this is a guy who should know better than to make up stuff that would better than to make up stuff that would better than to make up stuff that would never happen in a battle. I mean, he's never happen in a battle. I mean, he's never happen in a battle. I mean, he's got people talking to one another. And got people talking to one another. And got people talking to one another. And even if what they're saying is even if what they're saying is even if what they're saying is fictional, what he's displaying is fictional, what he's displaying is fictional, what he's displaying is essentially the ability to communicate essentially the ability to communicate essentially the ability to communicate while the combat is going on around you. while the combat is going on around you. while the combat is going on around you. And I've tried for years to find And I've tried for years to find And I've tried for years to find analogies that I can use to picture it analogies that I can use to picture it analogies that I can use to picture it in my head because there's one whole in my head because there's one whole in my head because there's one whole military history school of thought that military history school of thought that military history school of thought that these kinds of battles are like giant these kinds of battles are like giant these kinds of battles are like giant crowd situations where people are crowd situations where people are crowd situations where people are pushing and shoving and and cramming pushing and shoving and and cramming pushing and shoving and and cramming people in and it's weight of force of people in and it's weight of force of people in and it's weight of force of numbers and mass. There's others who numbers and mass. There's others who numbers and mass. There's others who believe that there's quite a bit of believe that there's quite a bit of believe that there's quite a bit of space between people and that this idea space between people and that this idea space between people and that this idea of, you know, people getting together on of, you know, people getting together on of, you know, people getting together on the battlefield really tightly is both the battlefield really tightly is both the battlefield really tightly is both something that happens sometimes and is something that happens sometimes and is something that happens sometimes and is known to happen with specific units like known to happen with specific units like known to happen with specific units like the Macedonian failank is specifically the Macedonian failank is specifically the Macedonian failank is specifically known to be really really closely packed known to be really really closely packed known to be really really closely packed and and tight. But that's part of what and and tight. But that's part of what and and tight. But that's part of what makes it so deadly and unusual. even makes it so deadly and unusual. even makes it so deadly and unusual. even hoplight failances that in you know my hoplight failances that in you know my hoplight failances that in you know my head you normally think of as as closely head you normally think of as as closely head you normally think of as as closely packed together shield overlapping other packed together shield overlapping other packed together shield overlapping other shield. But a historian like Hans Van shield. But a historian like Hans Van shield. But a historian like Hans Van Whis in his book Greek warfare myths and Whis in his book Greek warfare myths and Whis in his book Greek warfare myths and realities really helps me see better the realities really helps me see better the realities really helps me see better the idea that this is part of what gets us

idea that this is part of what gets us idea that this is part of what gets us in trouble when you have a wargaming in trouble when you have a wargaming in trouble when you have a wargaming past like I do. some of the things that past like I do. some of the things that past like I do. some of the things that that manifest on the war games table that manifest on the war games table that manifest on the war games table that you start to internalize as maybe that you start to internalize as maybe that you start to internalize as maybe representing how things really were representing how things really were representing how things really were aren't the way things really were aren't the way things really were aren't the way things really were because you can't do it on a war games because you can't do it on a war games because you can't do it on a war games table really well. For example, the idea table really well. For example, the idea table really well. For example, the idea that units the the term that I remember that units the the term that I remember that units the the term that I remember hearing that was so interesting was hearing that was so interesting was hearing that was so interesting was breathe, right? They expand and breathe, right? They expand and breathe, right? They expand and contract. They they don't stay contract. They they don't stay contract. They they don't stay overlapping shields all the time when overlapping shields all the time when overlapping shields all the time when they decide to move. Van Whisa has a they decide to move. Van Whisa has a they decide to move. Van Whisa has a great uh primary source quote uh where great uh primary source quote uh where great uh primary source quote uh where where they describe the movement like where they describe the movement like where they describe the movement like wasps. They get out there and they wasps. They get out there and they wasps. They get out there and they start, you know, spreading out and then start, you know, spreading out and then start, you know, spreading out and then when they need to they can pack back when they need to they can pack back when they need to they can pack back into a failank formation. In other into a failank formation. In other into a failank formation. In other words, you start to see that there's words, you start to see that there's words, you start to see that there's more fluidity. And he also talks about, more fluidity. And he also talks about, more fluidity. And he also talks about, you know, famously the Roman legionary you know, famously the Roman legionary you know, famously the Roman legionary required a certain amount of space to required a certain amount of space to required a certain amount of space to wield their sword and to fight the way wield their sword and to fight the way wield their sword and to fight the way they did. And that's why their they did. And that's why their they did. And that's why their formations were always seen to be able, formations were always seen to be able, formations were always seen to be able, especially at the point of contact, to especially at the point of contact, to especially at the point of contact, to have some distance between every have some distance between every have some distance between every individual fighter. Um, the Greek system individual fighter. Um, the Greek system individual fighter. Um, the Greek system was supposed to be the opposite. You was supposed to be the opposite. You was supposed to be the opposite. You know, growing up, that's what they know, growing up, that's what they know, growing up, that's what they always taught us, all tightly packed always taught us, all tightly packed always taught us, all tightly packed together. And Van Whis is saying that together. And Van Whis is saying that together. And Van Whis is saying that when you analyze things like the war when you analyze things like the war when you analyze things like the war dances they were doing and everything dances they were doing and everything dances they were doing and everything else, they're all maneuvering and moving else, they're all maneuvering and moving else, they're all maneuvering and moving their shield around and doing acrobatic their shield around and doing acrobatic their shield around and doing acrobatic things, too, which you can't do if things, too, which you can't do if things, too, which you can't do if you're in an overlapping shield on you're in an overlapping shield on you're in an overlapping shield on shield formation. So, once again, you shield formation. So, once again, you shield formation. So, once again, you get this idea that maybe there's more get this idea that maybe there's more get this idea that maybe there's more space in these battles than we normally space in these battles than we normally space in these battles than we normally thought of. And I the only analogy I was thought of. And I the only analogy I was thought of. And I the only analogy I was able to come up with, of course, was able to come up with, of course, was able to come up with, of course, was like an American football analogy. Is it like an American football analogy. Is it like an American football analogy. Is it like you're the quarterback and you've like you're the quarterback and you've like you're the quarterback and you've got, you know, an offensive line around got, you know, an offensive line around got, you know, an offensive line around you and the chaos is going on everywhere you and the chaos is going on everywhere you and the chaos is going on everywhere of the battle, but you've got some room

of the battle, but you've got some room of the battle, but you've got some room to sort of make communications and to to sort of make communications and to to sort of make communications and to set up little blocks and and do things set up little blocks and and do things set up little blocks and and do things like that. I mean, with hundreds or like that. I mean, with hundreds or like that. I mean, with hundreds or thousands of people obviously on a thousands of people obviously on a thousands of people obviously on a larger hopefully than football field larger hopefully than football field larger hopefully than football field size space, but the same sort of size space, but the same sort of size space, but the same sort of distance between human beings and distance between human beings and distance between human beings and whatnot. whatnot. whatnot. And we get into trouble in my mind's eye And we get into trouble in my mind's eye And we get into trouble in my mind's eye right here when we've got Alexander right here when we've got Alexander right here when we've got Alexander charging in with the right wing. Okay. charging in with the right wing. Okay. charging in with the right wing. Okay. Does he hit all these people in a mass Does he hit all these people in a mass Does he hit all these people in a mass fighting in front of him? I mean, does fighting in front of him? I mean, does fighting in front of him? I mean, does he run his horses into them? That sounds he run his horses into them? That sounds he run his horses into them? That sounds silly. silly. silly. And then if he stops, you know, right And then if he stops, you know, right And then if he stops, you know, right before the point of contact. See, these before the point of contact. See, these before the point of contact. See, these are all the things that I call the are all the things that I call the are all the things that I call the physics of the ancient battlefield. Van physics of the ancient battlefield. Van physics of the ancient battlefield. Van Whis refers to them as the mechanics of Whis refers to them as the mechanics of Whis refers to them as the mechanics of battle where you just don't know. And battle where you just don't know. And battle where you just don't know. And even if you can say, well, they even if you can say, well, they even if you can say, well, they certainly couldn't have done that. It certainly couldn't have done that. It certainly couldn't have done that. It doesn't tell you what they did do. And doesn't tell you what they did do. And doesn't tell you what they did do. And it turns out certainly now that you look it turns out certainly now that you look it turns out certainly now that you look back on it, obviously when I was a kid back on it, obviously when I was a kid back on it, obviously when I was a kid all these were hard pronouncements. Now all these were hard pronouncements. Now all these were hard pronouncements. Now of course it looks like different of course it looks like different of course it looks like different strokes for different folks applies here strokes for different folks applies here strokes for different folks applies here and different types of cavalry with and different types of cavalry with and different types of cavalry with different sorts of background. Knights different sorts of background. Knights different sorts of background. Knights did it differently than Macedonian did it differently than Macedonian did it differently than Macedonian companion cavalry. And of course that companion cavalry. And of course that companion cavalry. And of course that just seems so obvious now. But if you just seems so obvious now. But if you just seems so obvious now. But if you think about Alexander and his front rank think about Alexander and his front rank think about Alexander and his front rank of cavalry stopping at this mass of of cavalry stopping at this mass of of cavalry stopping at this mass of fighters that are already getting into fighters that are already getting into fighters that are already getting into it in front of him, what happens to the it in front of him, what happens to the it in front of him, what happens to the thousand horsemen behind him? So, I thousand horsemen behind him? So, I thousand horsemen behind him? So, I can't picture how this is shaping up in can't picture how this is shaping up in can't picture how this is shaping up in my head. I have to be honest with you.

my head. I have to be honest with you. my head. I have to be honest with you. And just to make it more confusing for And just to make it more confusing for And just to make it more confusing for me, the moment of contact, if you want me, the moment of contact, if you want me, the moment of contact, if you want to call it that, between Alexander to call it that, between Alexander to call it that, between Alexander charging into the force that was charging into the force that was charging into the force that was fighting and what happens next is sort fighting and what happens next is sort fighting and what happens next is sort of glossed over by both our sources, of glossed over by both our sources, of glossed over by both our sources, Aryan and Diodoris. Diodoris has Aryan and Diodoris. Diodoris has Aryan and Diodoris. Diodoris has Alexander charging and then the next Alexander charging and then the next Alexander charging and then the next thing you know uh he's saying that once thing you know uh he's saying that once thing you know uh he's saying that once he was among them he began to wreak he was among them he began to wreak he was among them he began to wreak havoc which is a great line but it havoc which is a great line but it havoc which is a great line but it doesn't tell us you know about the doesn't tell us you know about the doesn't tell us you know about the moment of contact moment of contact moment of contact and then in Aryan he has well my Aubry and then in Aryan he has well my Aubry and then in Aryan he has well my Aubry Delling translation picks it up from Delling translation picks it up from Delling translation picks it up from when it says Alexander's leading the when it says Alexander's leading the when it says Alexander's leading the right wing um and he says quote a moment right wing um and he says quote a moment right wing um and he says quote a moment later he was in the thick of it charging later he was in the thick of it charging later he was in the thick of it charging at the head of his men straight for the at the head of his men straight for the at the head of his men straight for the spot where the Persian commanders stood spot where the Persian commanders stood spot where the Persian commanders stood and the seried ranks of enemy horse were and the seried ranks of enemy horse were and the seried ranks of enemy horse were thickest. Round him a violent struggle thickest. Round him a violent struggle thickest. Round him a violent struggle developed while all the time, company by developed while all the time, company by developed while all the time, company by company, the Macedonians were making company, the Macedonians were making company, the Macedonians were making their way over the river more easily now their way over the river more easily now their way over the river more easily now than before." End quote.

than before." End quote. than before." End quote. What we've done here essentially is go What we've done here essentially is go What we've done here essentially is go from the big wide establishing shot in from the big wide establishing shot in from the big wide establishing shot in our movie and Aryan's done it too. It our movie and Aryan's done it too. It our movie and Aryan's done it too. It shows you how long these sorts of shows you how long these sorts of shows you how long these sorts of techniques have been in play, right? You techniques have been in play, right? You techniques have been in play, right? You give an overall sort of view of the lay give an overall sort of view of the lay give an overall sort of view of the lay of the land and then when the, you know, of the land and then when the, you know, of the land and then when the, you know, main character charges in for his main character charges in for his main character charges in for his moment, we zoom down and basically show moment, we zoom down and basically show moment, we zoom down and basically show what he's seeing and experiencing. what he's seeing and experiencing. what he's seeing and experiencing. There's a line I want to say was it was There's a line I want to say was it was There's a line I want to say was it was it a Wellington line where he was it a Wellington line where he was it a Wellington line where he was describing uh the idea that a battle in describing uh the idea that a battle in describing uh the idea that a battle in terms of having participants tell you terms of having participants tell you terms of having participants tell you what it was like was like describing you what it was like was like describing you what it was like was like describing you know going to a ball right a dance an know going to a ball right a dance an know going to a ball right a dance an old royal dance because he says if you old royal dance because he says if you old royal dance because he says if you talk to the people who all go to the talk to the people who all go to the talk to the people who all go to the ball they're all going to have ball they're all going to have ball they're all going to have experienced it differently because of experienced it differently because of experienced it differently because of what happened to them while they were what happened to them while they were what happened to them while they were there and that's kind of what a battle's there and that's kind of what a battle's there and that's kind of what a battle's like too like too like too but of course this movie is about but of course this movie is about but of course this movie is about Alexander so we zoom zoom into what's Alexander so we zoom zoom into what's Alexander so we zoom zoom into what's happening with him. happening with him. happening with him. And he clearly is And he clearly is And he clearly is athletically and militarily gifted.

athletically and militarily gifted. athletically and militarily gifted. And as we told you earlier, it's And as we told you earlier, it's And as we told you earlier, it's interesting that enough people knew this interesting that enough people knew this interesting that enough people knew this guy that the story about what he was guy that the story about what he was guy that the story about what he was like physically and whatnot was not like physically and whatnot was not like physically and whatnot was not exaggerated because if you didn't know exaggerated because if you didn't know exaggerated because if you didn't know uh what the descriptions of him were uh what the descriptions of him were uh what the descriptions of him were like, you're going to assume he's 7 foot like, you're going to assume he's 7 foot like, you're going to assume he's 7 foot tall and 300 lb and he's not. He's below tall and 300 lb and he's not. He's below tall and 300 lb and he's not. He's below average height, whatever that means. And average height, whatever that means. And average height, whatever that means. And you can drive yourself crazy trying to you can drive yourself crazy trying to you can drive yourself crazy trying to do that math, right? What what was the do that math, right? What what was the do that math, right? What what was the average height in Macedonia? average height in Macedonia? average height in Macedonia? Somehow he's he's a little less Somehow he's he's a little less Somehow he's he's a little less imposing. Not massively less, a little imposing. Not massively less, a little imposing. Not massively less, a little less imposing than your average peer, less imposing than your average peer, less imposing than your average peer, but he was very fast. He used to win, as but he was very fast. He used to win, as but he was very fast. He used to win, as we said earlier, the running races and we said earlier, the running races and we said earlier, the running races and everything. And he has a driving everything. And he has a driving everything. And he has a driving ambition to be the best. He's clearly ambition to be the best. He's clearly ambition to be the best. He's clearly highly trained and you can see it in the highly trained and you can see it in the highly trained and you can see it in the fighting. This is a person who will fight his This is a person who will fight his entire life. He will fight as if it's entire life. He will fight as if it's entire life. He will fight as if it's the most important thing to him and not the most important thing to him and not the most important thing to him and not because he likes to kill people but because he likes to kill people but because he likes to kill people but because he wants the other people, you because he wants the other people, you because he wants the other people, you know, that are part of the people he know, that are part of the people he know, that are part of the people he cares about. And and by the way, we make cares about. And and by the way, we make cares about. And and by the way, we make up part of that group, too. He wants us up part of that group, too. He wants us up part of that group, too. He wants us all for the rest of history to know that all for the rest of history to know that all for the rest of history to know that he never sherked a challenge, that he he never sherked a challenge, that he he never sherked a challenge, that he went in there and took on all comers, went in there and took on all comers, went in there and took on all comers, that he was the first person, you know, that he was the first person, you know, that he was the first person, you know, over the walls. I mean, he was that guy, over the walls. I mean, he was that guy, over the walls. I mean, he was that guy, but physically he didn't match the movie

but physically he didn't match the movie but physically he didn't match the movie stereotype of that guy. stereotype of that guy. stereotype of that guy. And somehow to me, that makes him even And somehow to me, that makes him even And somehow to me, that makes him even more compelling. more compelling. more compelling. And once he gets into the Persian ranks, And once he gets into the Persian ranks, And once he gets into the Persian ranks, he starts looking for people to kill. he starts looking for people to kill. he starts looking for people to kill. And I keep trying once again. There's an And I keep trying once again. There's an And I keep trying once again. There's an explanation for this, but how they know explanation for this, but how they know explanation for this, but how they know who kills whom in this encounter. It who kills whom in this encounter. It who kills whom in this encounter. It must have I mean after the battle they must have I mean after the battle they must have I mean after the battle they must have had like Persian captives that must have had like Persian captives that must have had like Persian captives that they you know took by the dead and say they you know took by the dead and say they you know took by the dead and say Alexander killed this guy and this guy. Alexander killed this guy and this guy. Alexander killed this guy and this guy. Who is he? What's his background? Who is he? What's his background? Who is he? What's his background? Because it's come down to us in history Because it's come down to us in history Because it's come down to us in history too. And what'll drive you crazy here too. And what'll drive you crazy here too. And what'll drive you crazy here too is the Persian name situation too is the Persian name situation too is the Persian name situation because there's an original Persian name because there's an original Persian name because there's an original Persian name which always sounds very Persian if the which always sounds very Persian if the which always sounds very Persian if the his history books you're reading are his history books you're reading are his history books you're reading are giving you the real Persian names. Then giving you the real Persian names. Then giving you the real Persian names. Then you have what the Greeks have done to you have what the Greeks have done to you have what the Greeks have done to the Persian names which was convert them the Persian names which was convert them the Persian names which was convert them into some Greek version that sometimes into some Greek version that sometimes into some Greek version that sometimes doesn't sound anything like the Persian doesn't sound anything like the Persian doesn't sound anything like the Persian name. And then of course we've converted name. And then of course we've converted name. And then of course we've converted that ancient Greek sound into a modern that ancient Greek sound into a modern that ancient Greek sound into a modern one where we've taken their hard K's one where we've taken their hard K's one where we've taken their hard K's turned them into soft C's and we turn a turned them into soft C's and we turn a turned them into soft C's and we turn a guy whose name is something like guy whose name is something like guy whose name is something like Ravaduca Ravaduca Ravaduca into Roskis into Roskis into Roskis into Rosises I mean and he's going to be into Rosises I mean and he's going to be into Rosises I mean and he's going to be one of the guys that's going to you know one of the guys that's going to you know one of the guys that's going to you know feel the wrath of Alexander feel the wrath of Alexander feel the wrath of Alexander who as Diodoris says gets in amongst who as Diodoris says gets in amongst who as Diodoris says gets in amongst these Persians and creates havoc.

these Persians and creates havoc. these Persians and creates havoc. From my From my From my Martin Hammond translation of Aryan Martin Hammond translation of Aryan Martin Hammond translation of Aryan quote, "The fighting was from horseback, quote, "The fighting was from horseback, quote, "The fighting was from horseback, but in some respects it was more like an but in some respects it was more like an but in some respects it was more like an infantry battle, a tangled mass of horse infantry battle, a tangled mass of horse infantry battle, a tangled mass of horse against horse and man against man, as against horse and man against man, as against horse and man against man, as each side struggled to achieve its aim. each side struggled to achieve its aim. each side struggled to achieve its aim. the Macedonians to drive the Persians the Macedonians to drive the Persians the Macedonians to drive the Persians once and for all away from the bank and once and for all away from the bank and once and for all away from the bank and force them onto open ground and the force them onto open ground and the force them onto open ground and the Persians to block their exit and push Persians to block their exit and push Persians to block their exit and push them back into the river. From this them back into the river. From this them back into the river. From this point on, the advantage lay with point on, the advantage lay with point on, the advantage lay with Alexander and his troops. It was not Alexander and his troops. It was not Alexander and his troops. It was not only their strength and experience, but only their strength and experience, but only their strength and experience, but also the fact that they were fighting also the fact that they were fighting also the fact that they were fighting with Cornell wood lances against light with Cornell wood lances against light with Cornell wood lances against light javelins. End quote. javelins. End quote. javelins. End quote. So, here we have a weapons comment, and So, here we have a weapons comment, and So, here we have a weapons comment, and this always intrigues me, as you can this always intrigues me, as you can this always intrigues me, as you can imagine, because I'm trying to figure imagine, because I'm trying to figure imagine, because I'm trying to figure out, you know, what's going on here. out, you know, what's going on here. out, you know, what's going on here. Now, they're making it sound like it is Now, they're making it sound like it is Now, they're making it sound like it is a congested battle, but we know that a congested battle, but we know that a congested battle, but we know that initially infantry went over with the initially infantry went over with the initially infantry went over with the pawn sacrifice force, and we know that pawn sacrifice force, and we know that pawn sacrifice force, and we know that there are light troops um with, you there are light troops um with, you there are light troops um with, you know, Alexander from behind. I mean, the know, Alexander from behind. I mean, the know, Alexander from behind. I mean, the Ukrainians are either here or on the Ukrainians are either here or on the Ukrainians are either here or on the way. we're going to have infantry mixed way. we're going to have infantry mixed way. we're going to have infantry mixed up with this cavalry. And this is up with this cavalry. And this is up with this cavalry. And this is another thing that in wargaming, uh, you another thing that in wargaming, uh, you another thing that in wargaming, uh, you get the wrong idea about what this get the wrong idea about what this get the wrong idea about what this warfare was like, cuz that's a difficult warfare was like, cuz that's a difficult warfare was like, cuz that's a difficult thing to model, too. And most people thing to model, too. And most people thing to model, too. And most people don't go to the treble. And so, you don't go to the treble. And so, you don't go to the treble. And so, you don't pay enough attention to the fact don't pay enough attention to the fact don't pay enough attention to the fact that this is something that everyone in that this is something that everyone in that this is something that everyone in the past clearly knew was a force the past clearly knew was a force the past clearly knew was a force multiplier. The ancient Germans

multiplier. The ancient Germans multiplier. The ancient Germans famously, the Romans said, used famously, the Romans said, used famously, the Romans said, used infantry, light infantry mixed up with infantry, light infantry mixed up with infantry, light infantry mixed up with their cavalry, and they would have them, their cavalry, and they would have them, their cavalry, and they would have them, you know, double up on horses and stuff you know, double up on horses and stuff you know, double up on horses and stuff like this. Well, Alexander's got the like this. Well, Alexander's got the like this. Well, Alexander's got the same thing going. And the Persians might same thing going. And the Persians might same thing going. And the Persians might too, where you've got infantry here. I too, where you've got infantry here. I too, where you've got infantry here. I just can't imagine if you're on just can't imagine if you're on just can't imagine if you're on horseback there trying to deal with horseback there trying to deal with horseback there trying to deal with Alexander and these companions once they Alexander and these companions once they Alexander and these companions once they get in your ranks, but you have to worry get in your ranks, but you have to worry get in your ranks, but you have to worry about a couple of guys darting around about a couple of guys darting around about a couple of guys darting around between horses, maybe, you know, shoving between horses, maybe, you know, shoving between horses, maybe, you know, shoving their swords into the hor's bellies. their swords into the hor's bellies. their swords into the hor's bellies. There's a lot going on is what I'm There's a lot going on is what I'm There's a lot going on is what I'm saying. Um, and this sort of chaos is saying. Um, and this sort of chaos is saying. Um, and this sort of chaos is reflected in the moment because reflected in the moment because reflected in the moment because Alexander is, as we said, fully visible Alexander is, as we said, fully visible Alexander is, as we said, fully visible and very elaborate in the way he looks, and very elaborate in the way he looks, and very elaborate in the way he looks, but he's not the only one. People of but he's not the only one. People of but he's not the only one. People of distinction in the uh well, all distinction in the uh well, all distinction in the uh well, all pregunpowder battles. I mean, they they pregunpowder battles. I mean, they they pregunpowder battles. I mean, they they like to show who they were, and it was like to show who they were, and it was like to show who they were, and it was good to show who you were. You knew you good to show who you were. You knew you good to show who you were. You knew you had prominent people nearby, leaders and had prominent people nearby, leaders and had prominent people nearby, leaders and whatnot. So, maybe that helps Alexander whatnot. So, maybe that helps Alexander whatnot. So, maybe that helps Alexander pick out the important dudes on the pick out the important dudes on the pick out the important dudes on the Persian side. But that's what he's going Persian side. But that's what he's going Persian side. But that's what he's going to do because like I said, we're going to do because like I said, we're going to do because like I said, we're going to know the names of the people he to know the names of the people he to know the names of the people he kills.

kills. kills. And that's why there's for a long time And that's why there's for a long time And that's why there's for a long time been another school of thought about why been another school of thought about why been another school of thought about why this battle develops the way it does. this battle develops the way it does. this battle develops the way it does. And and they'll say, well, the Persians And and they'll say, well, the Persians And and they'll say, well, the Persians are basically knights and they didn't are basically knights and they didn't are basically knights and they didn't want to fight with anyone who wasn't want to fight with anyone who wasn't want to fight with anyone who wasn't their equal. And so people like their equal. And so people like their equal. And so people like Alexander and these Persian noblemen Alexander and these Persian noblemen Alexander and these Persian noblemen would seek each other out and sort of would seek each other out and sort of would seek each other out and sort of duel. A lot of theories on a lot of time duel. A lot of theories on a lot of time duel. A lot of theories on a lot of time for theories to develop on all this for theories to develop on all this for theories to develop on all this stuff obviously. Uh but in my Pamela stuff obviously. Uh but in my Pamela stuff obviously. Uh but in my Pamela Mench translation from the landmark Mench translation from the landmark Mench translation from the landmark Aryan, uh she describes this zoom-in Aryan, uh she describes this zoom-in Aryan, uh she describes this zoom-in moment now where we're in Alexander's moment now where we're in Alexander's moment now where we're in Alexander's little claustrophobic world. He's the little claustrophobic world. He's the little claustrophobic world. He's the quarterback, you know, and the chaos is quarterback, you know, and the chaos is quarterback, you know, and the chaos is erupting and the two lines are crashing erupting and the two lines are crashing erupting and the two lines are crashing together and who knows how much space together and who knows how much space together and who knows how much space there is, but apparently there's there is, but apparently there's there is, but apparently there's charging going on and Alexander can see charging going on and Alexander can see charging going on and Alexander can see Persian noblemen leading wedges of Persian noblemen leading wedges of Persian noblemen leading wedges of Persian cavalry from a distance and Persian cavalry from a distance and Persian cavalry from a distance and single them out. And well, you know, at single them out. And well, you know, at single them out. And well, you know, at the battle of Kunaka, the one rebel king the battle of Kunaka, the one rebel king the battle of Kunaka, the one rebel king saw the major king and said, "I see the saw the major king and said, "I see the saw the major king and said, "I see the man on the battlefield, so who knows?"

man on the battlefield, so who knows?" man on the battlefield, so who knows?" And Pamela Mench has Aryan saying, And Pamela Mench has Aryan saying, And Pamela Mench has Aryan saying, "Quote." "Quote." "Quote." At a certain point in the fighting, At a certain point in the fighting, At a certain point in the fighting, Alexander's spear was shattered. He Alexander's spear was shattered. He Alexander's spear was shattered. He asked Eritus, a royal groom, for asked Eritus, a royal groom, for asked Eritus, a royal groom, for another. But as Eritus' spear had also another. But as Eritus' spear had also another. But as Eritus' spear had also been shattered, he was fighting been shattered, he was fighting been shattered, he was fighting valiantly with the remaining half of his valiantly with the remaining half of his valiantly with the remaining half of his broken spear. He showed it to Alexander broken spear. He showed it to Alexander broken spear. He showed it to Alexander and urged him to ask someone else. and urged him to ask someone else. and urged him to ask someone else. Demeritus the Corinthian, one of the Demeritus the Corinthian, one of the Demeritus the Corinthian, one of the companions, gave Alexander his spear. companions, gave Alexander his spear. companions, gave Alexander his spear. taking it up and catching sight of taking it up and catching sight of taking it up and catching sight of Mithrates Das's son-in-law, riding far Mithrates Das's son-in-law, riding far Mithrates Das's son-in-law, riding far out in front and leading a wedge out in front and leading a wedge out in front and leading a wedge formation of cavalry. Alexander also formation of cavalry. Alexander also formation of cavalry. Alexander also rode out ahead of the line, struck rode out ahead of the line, struck rode out ahead of the line, struck Mithrates in the face with his spear and Mithrates in the face with his spear and Mithrates in the face with his spear and hurled him down. At that moment, hurled him down. At that moment, hurled him down. At that moment, Rosakis, again, one of these Persiany Rosakis, again, one of these Persiany Rosakis, again, one of these Persiany Greek translations of names, Rosakis Greek translations of names, Rosakis Greek translations of names, Rosakis rode at Alexander and struck him on the rode at Alexander and struck him on the rode at Alexander and struck him on the head with a scimitar. Alexander's head with a scimitar. Alexander's head with a scimitar. Alexander's helmet, though partially broken, checked helmet, though partially broken, checked helmet, though partially broken, checked the blow. Alexander hurled this man to the blow. Alexander hurled this man to the blow. Alexander hurled this man to the ground, too, striking with his spear the ground, too, striking with his spear the ground, too, striking with his spear through the man's breastplate and into through the man's breastplate and into through the man's breastplate and into his chest. Spithrdes then raised his his chest. Spithrdes then raised his his chest. Spithrdes then raised his scimitar against Alexander from behind.

scimitar against Alexander from behind. scimitar against Alexander from behind. But before he could use it, Cletus, son But before he could use it, Cletus, son But before he could use it, Cletus, son of Dropes, struck him on the shoulder, of Dropes, struck him on the shoulder, of Dropes, struck him on the shoulder, cutting his arm off with the scimitar cutting his arm off with the scimitar cutting his arm off with the scimitar still in its grasp. In the meantime, still in its grasp. In the meantime, still in its grasp. In the meantime, more and more cavalry found themselves more and more cavalry found themselves more and more cavalry found themselves able to cross the river, and these able to cross the river, and these able to cross the river, and these joined up with Alexander's forces." End joined up with Alexander's forces." End joined up with Alexander's forces." End quote. quote. quote. Plutarch says that Alexander took a Plutarch says that Alexander took a Plutarch says that Alexander took a javelin uh in a in a space where the javelin uh in a in a space where the javelin uh in a in a space where the shoulder joint of the armor was shoulder joint of the armor was shoulder joint of the armor was connected, but he doesn't seem like he connected, but he doesn't seem like he connected, but he doesn't seem like he was badly hurt. But that head wound was badly hurt. But that head wound was badly hurt. But that head wound might have been a little something. And might have been a little something. And might have been a little something. And when we have conversations about whether when we have conversations about whether when we have conversations about whether or not a guy like Alexander has PTSD, or not a guy like Alexander has PTSD, or not a guy like Alexander has PTSD, uh, getting smacked on the helmet, uh, uh, getting smacked on the helmet, uh, uh, getting smacked on the helmet, uh, Plutarch says it's an axe, um, a battle Plutarch says it's an axe, um, a battle Plutarch says it's an axe, um, a battle axe. Aryan has it being a a scimitar, axe. Aryan has it being a a scimitar, axe. Aryan has it being a a scimitar, but being injured like that right away but being injured like that right away but being injured like that right away conjures up ideas about like CTE and the conjures up ideas about like CTE and the conjures up ideas about like CTE and the kind of thing that people who get head kind of thing that people who get head kind of thing that people who get head injuries in sports get. You add the PTSD injuries in sports get. You add the PTSD injuries in sports get. You add the PTSD to it later.

to it later. to it later. But he's clearly a killing machine here. And what he's doing is allowing all of And what he's doing is allowing all of the troops from across the river on his the troops from across the river on his the troops from across the river on his side to find a way up the river bank and side to find a way up the river bank and side to find a way up the river bank and to engage the other side. And this is to engage the other side. And this is to engage the other side. And this is where we get the spectre of, you know, where we get the spectre of, you know, where we get the spectre of, you know, the animals again. And and if you're a the animals again. And and if you're a the animals again. And and if you're a cavalry line and all of a sudden all cavalry line and all of a sudden all cavalry line and all of a sudden all this infantry is crossing the river and this infantry is crossing the river and this infantry is crossing the river and able to get across now with their long able to get across now with their long able to get across now with their long pikes and, you know, the the elite pikes and, you know, the the elite pikes and, you know, the the elite hypospipists have long spears like hypospipists have long spears like hypospipists have long spears like hoplights. I mean that's going to be in hoplights. I mean that's going to be in hoplights. I mean that's going to be in the face of the animals and in the face the face of the animals and in the face the face of the animals and in the face of the Persian riders. And that's of the Persian riders. And that's of the Persian riders. And that's exactly what Aryan brings up. And my Ary exactly what Aryan brings up. And my Ary exactly what Aryan brings up. And my Ary Delenor translation says, quote, "The Delenor translation says, quote, "The Delenor translation says, quote, "The Persians were now in a bad way. There Persians were now in a bad way. There Persians were now in a bad way. There was no escape for horse or rider from was no escape for horse or rider from was no escape for horse or rider from the thrust of the Macedonian spears. the thrust of the Macedonian spears. the thrust of the Macedonian spears. They were being forced back from their They were being forced back from their They were being forced back from their position. And in addition to the weight position. And in addition to the weight position. And in addition to the weight of the main attack, they were suffering of the main attack, they were suffering of the main attack, they were suffering considerable damage from the lightly considerable damage from the lightly considerable damage from the lightly armed troops who had forced their way in armed troops who had forced their way in armed troops who had forced their way in amongst the cavalry, they began to break amongst the cavalry, they began to break amongst the cavalry, they began to break just at the point where Alexander in just at the point where Alexander in just at the point where Alexander in person was bearing the brunt of things.

person was bearing the brunt of things. person was bearing the brunt of things. End quote. End quote. End quote. Aryan says that the route starts here Aryan says that the route starts here Aryan says that the route starts here like fire spreading, fobos stalking the like fire spreading, fobos stalking the like fire spreading, fobos stalking the battlefield. As we said, once people battlefield. As we said, once people battlefield. As we said, once people start to run away, that sort of panic start to run away, that sort of panic start to run away, that sort of panic becomes contagious. Everybody knows, by becomes contagious. Everybody knows, by becomes contagious. Everybody knows, by the way, that the people who get killed the way, that the people who get killed the way, that the people who get killed first during any route are the ones who first during any route are the ones who first during any route are the ones who retreat last. So, the incentives are all retreat last. So, the incentives are all retreat last. So, the incentives are all there once somebody starts running to there once somebody starts running to there once somebody starts running to run yourself. run yourself. run yourself. If we think about what's going on here If we think about what's going on here If we think about what's going on here too psychologically too psychologically too psychologically and you get into all these arguments and you get into all these arguments and you get into all these arguments whether ancient human beings in in for whether ancient human beings in in for whether ancient human beings in in for example this situation would react example this situation would react example this situation would react anything like we'd react in the same anything like we'd react in the same anything like we'd react in the same situation. It's an unanswerable question situation. It's an unanswerable question situation. It's an unanswerable question although there are certain things that although there are certain things that although there are certain things that one can assume are human being questions one can assume are human being questions one can assume are human being questions in any era. I mean this the sensory in any era. I mean this the sensory in any era. I mean this the sensory overload that must go on at battles like overload that must go on at battles like overload that must go on at battles like this. Uh Adrien Goulsworthy reminded me this. Uh Adrien Goulsworthy reminded me this. Uh Adrien Goulsworthy reminded me when I was reading his book of an when I was reading his book of an when I was reading his book of an eyewitness account from the battle of eyewitness account from the battle of eyewitness account from the battle of Waterlue talking about the sound of all Waterlue talking about the sound of all Waterlue talking about the sound of all of the swords during the sword fighting of the swords during the sword fighting of the swords during the sword fighting between two sides of cavalry and it was between two sides of cavalry and it was between two sides of cavalry and it was described as a thousand copper smiths described as a thousand copper smiths described as a thousand copper smiths all at work at the same time. So you try all at work at the same time. So you try all at work at the same time. So you try to I I remember reading it was a long to I I remember reading it was a long to I I remember reading it was a long time ago but somebody tried to uh come time ago but somebody tried to uh come time ago but somebody tried to uh come up with what the sound at the battle of up with what the sound at the battle of up with what the sound at the battle of Kenya must have been like and it was Kenya must have been like and it was Kenya must have been like and it was like airplane engine type levels of like airplane engine type levels of like airplane engine type levels of sound and one can imagine that the sound and one can imagine that the sound and one can imagine that the people at a battle like this because

people at a battle like this because people at a battle like this because even Alexander's veterans are not going even Alexander's veterans are not going even Alexander's veterans are not going to be at a lot of battles like this it's to be at a lot of battles like this it's to be at a lot of battles like this it's a very large battle that it's going to a very large battle that it's going to a very large battle that it's going to be somewhat overwhelming be somewhat overwhelming be somewhat overwhelming and we forget about the smells uh in and we forget about the smells uh in and we forget about the smells uh in addition to the sounds and We also addition to the sounds and We also addition to the sounds and We also forget cuz here I am describing all forget cuz here I am describing all forget cuz here I am describing all these human beings packed into this these human beings packed into this these human beings packed into this small space and asking where they're small space and asking where they're small space and asking where they're putting all of them. Well, what about putting all of them. Well, what about putting all of them. Well, what about the 25,000 or more horses? Let's not the 25,000 or more horses? Let's not the 25,000 or more horses? Let's not forget them. So, this is going to be in forget them. So, this is going to be in forget them. So, this is going to be in a sense a lot going on. And then you a sense a lot going on. And then you a sense a lot going on. And then you throw in the almost animal brain, the throw in the almost animal brain, the throw in the almost animal brain, the lizard brain side of our personalities lizard brain side of our personalities lizard brain side of our personalities that happens when you see a bunch of that happens when you see a bunch of that happens when you see a bunch of people with really long spears, you people with really long spears, you people with really long spears, you know, shouldertosh shoulder heading up know, shouldertosh shoulder heading up know, shouldertosh shoulder heading up towards you. And if your lizard brain towards you. And if your lizard brain towards you. And if your lizard brain doesn't do something panicky about that, doesn't do something panicky about that, doesn't do something panicky about that, maybe the lizard brain of the horse maybe the lizard brain of the horse maybe the lizard brain of the horse you're sitting upon might. you're sitting upon might. you're sitting upon might. And even if you feel compelled to stand And even if you feel compelled to stand And even if you feel compelled to stand there and face the wall of spears there and face the wall of spears there and face the wall of spears heading your way, if you see Alexander heading your way, if you see Alexander heading your way, if you see Alexander and his companions cut through your best and his companions cut through your best and his companions cut through your best men, kill multiple of your leaders, and men, kill multiple of your leaders, and men, kill multiple of your leaders, and then gallop up the bank, and begin to then gallop up the bank, and begin to then gallop up the bank, and begin to outflank you, you might begin to think, outflank you, you might begin to think, outflank you, you might begin to think, "What's the point?"

"What's the point?" "What's the point?" And while nobody says how long this And while nobody says how long this And while nobody says how long this battle lasted, you get a sense that it battle lasted, you get a sense that it battle lasted, you get a sense that it was quick and that as soon as Alexander was quick and that as soon as Alexander was quick and that as soon as Alexander and his men break through in their area and his men break through in their area and his men break through in their area and gallop up the bank, um, it's and gallop up the bank, um, it's and gallop up the bank, um, it's academic. academic. academic. AB Bosworth called it ominously rapid AB Bosworth called it ominously rapid AB Bosworth called it ominously rapid and it's a wonderful demonstration of a and it's a wonderful demonstration of a and it's a wonderful demonstration of a battle that is both easy and extremely battle that is both easy and extremely battle that is both easy and extremely dangerous. dangerous. dangerous. easy because if Alexander had been easy because if Alexander had been easy because if Alexander had been acting like most generals throughout acting like most generals throughout acting like most generals throughout most of history and stood behind the most of history and stood behind the most of history and stood behind the lines and sort of directed his troops, lines and sort of directed his troops, lines and sort of directed his troops, this is a nothing battle. You walk right this is a nothing battle. You walk right this is a nothing battle. You walk right across and it's over. But when you make across and it's over. But when you make across and it's over. But when you make yourself the, you know, apex predator on yourself the, you know, apex predator on yourself the, you know, apex predator on this field of battle, seeking out people this field of battle, seeking out people this field of battle, seeking out people to kill, the best and most august people to kill, the best and most august people to kill, the best and most august people on the other side to kill. All that has on the other side to kill. All that has on the other side to kill. All that has to happen is you get killed and it's all to happen is you get killed and it's all to happen is you get killed and it's all over, as we've been saying. over, as we've been saying. over, as we've been saying. And in the Robin Waterfield translation And in the Robin Waterfield translation And in the Robin Waterfield translation of Diodoris, he gives a version of this of Diodoris, he gives a version of this of Diodoris, he gives a version of this battle, as we said, fundamentally battle, as we said, fundamentally battle, as we said, fundamentally different than Aryan in the sense that different than Aryan in the sense that different than Aryan in the sense that Alexander waits till the next day, Alexander waits till the next day, Alexander waits till the next day, crosses unhindered, fights the battle crosses unhindered, fights the battle crosses unhindered, fights the battle beyond the river, and the river plays no beyond the river, and the river plays no beyond the river, and the river plays no part. But Alexander also leads the right part. But Alexander also leads the right part. But Alexander also leads the right wing in the charge and also finds wing in the charge and also finds wing in the charge and also finds himself with his, you know, 10 to 14 ft himself with his, you know, 10 to 14 ft himself with his, you know, 10 to 14 ft spear spear spear with its heavy with its heavy with its heavy spear head and its butt spike spear head and its butt spike spear head and its butt spike counterweight and it's 6 to seven pounds counterweight and it's 6 to seven pounds counterweight and it's 6 to seven pounds and he's going and skewering people and

and he's going and skewering people and and he's going and skewering people and then pulling out his sword and then pulling out his sword and then pulling out his sword and continuing. and the Diodor's version. continuing. and the Diodor's version. continuing. and the Diodor's version. It's funny because Ian Worthington, the It's funny because Ian Worthington, the It's funny because Ian Worthington, the historian, points out that you can see historian, points out that you can see historian, points out that you can see the Kalistanes and the propaganda here the Kalistanes and the propaganda here the Kalistanes and the propaganda here and the attempt to try to make Alexander and the attempt to try to make Alexander and the attempt to try to make Alexander look like a heroic homeriic figure. And look like a heroic homeriic figure. And look like a heroic homeriic figure. And yet, you can't discount the fact that he yet, you can't discount the fact that he yet, you can't discount the fact that he was clearly doing this stuff, too. So, was clearly doing this stuff, too. So, was clearly doing this stuff, too. So, while we can't say it happened exactly while we can't say it happened exactly while we can't say it happened exactly like Diodoris said, something's going on like Diodoris said, something's going on like Diodoris said, something's going on here and he's right in the thick of it. here and he's right in the thick of it. here and he's right in the thick of it. And you can tell from the Diodoris And you can tell from the Diodoris And you can tell from the Diodoris account just how much of a battering account just how much of a battering account just how much of a battering somebody in the thick of it in one of somebody in the thick of it in one of somebody in the thick of it in one of these ancient battles takes. And as uh I these ancient battles takes. And as uh I these ancient battles takes. And as uh I think I pointed out earlier, I mean, think I pointed out earlier, I mean, think I pointed out earlier, I mean, Alexander is at this point a magnet to Alexander is at this point a magnet to Alexander is at this point a magnet to anyone on the other side that wants to anyone on the other side that wants to anyone on the other side that wants to make a name for himself. He's make a name for himself. He's make a name for himself. He's ostentatiously ostentatiously ostentatiously there. Why not go get him? And at one there. Why not go get him? And at one there. Why not go get him? And at one point in the story story when Diodoris point in the story story when Diodoris point in the story story when Diodoris is is talking about how Spithrdes who he is is talking about how Spithrdes who he is is talking about how Spithrdes who he calls Spithrabates as if we're not calls Spithrabates as if we're not calls Spithrabates as if we're not confused with these names enough um confused with these names enough um confused with these names enough um starts to cut through Alexander's forces starts to cut through Alexander's forces starts to cut through Alexander's forces with his kinsmen. These are his elite uh with his kinsmen. These are his elite uh with his kinsmen. These are his elite uh you know royal family members and you know royal family members and you know royal family members and they're some of the best troops in this they're some of the best troops in this they're some of the best troops in this provincial army. Remember this is not provincial army. Remember this is not provincial army. Remember this is not the king's royal army but they're the the king's royal army but they're the the king's royal army but they're the best troops in Asia Minor. And they best troops in Asia Minor. And they best troops in Asia Minor. And they start cutting through Alexander's troops start cutting through Alexander's troops start cutting through Alexander's troops in the Diodoris version. So Alexander in the Diodoris version. So Alexander in the Diodoris version. So Alexander has to come to the rescue. And Diodoris has to come to the rescue. And Diodoris has to come to the rescue. And Diodoris in the fabulous Robin Waterfield in the fabulous Robin Waterfield in the fabulous Robin Waterfield translation says, quote, translation says, quote, translation says, quote, "But the Persians were no mean fighters.

"But the Persians were no mean fighters. "But the Persians were no mean fighters. For this contest of barbarian fervor For this contest of barbarian fervor For this contest of barbarian fervor against Macedonian caliber, fortune had against Macedonian caliber, fortune had against Macedonian caliber, fortune had gathered together in one place the gathered together in one place the gathered together in one place the bravest men to decide the battle. There bravest men to decide the battle. There bravest men to decide the battle. There was Spithrabades, for example, a man of was Spithrabades, for example, a man of was Spithrabades, for example, a man of exceptional courage, the satrap of exceptional courage, the satrap of exceptional courage, the satrap of Ionia, a Persian by birth, and the Ionia, a Persian by birth, and the Ionia, a Persian by birth, and the son-in-law of King Das. At the head of a son-in-law of King Das. At the head of a son-in-law of King Das. At the head of a large force of cavalry, and with 40 large force of cavalry, and with 40 large force of cavalry, and with 40 kinsmen by his side, all men of kinsmen by his side, all men of kinsmen by his side, all men of outstanding ability, he attacked the outstanding ability, he attacked the outstanding ability, he attacked the Macedonians and began to press hard on Macedonians and began to press hard on Macedonians and began to press hard on his adversaries. Men were falling dead his adversaries. Men were falling dead his adversaries. Men were falling dead or wounded before his forceful or wounded before his forceful or wounded before his forceful onslaught. And since the Macedonians onslaught. And since the Macedonians onslaught. And since the Macedonians were finding it hard to stand up to the were finding it hard to stand up to the were finding it hard to stand up to the pressure, Alexander turned his horse pressure, Alexander turned his horse pressure, Alexander turned his horse toward the Persian sat trap and rode at toward the Persian sat trap and rode at toward the Persian sat trap and rode at him. End quote. Diodoris says that when him. End quote. Diodoris says that when him. End quote. Diodoris says that when the Persian realized that Alexander was the Persian realized that Alexander was the Persian realized that Alexander was coming to him, he saw this as wish coming to him, he saw this as wish coming to him, he saw this as wish fulfillment territory. And Diodoris fulfillment territory. And Diodoris fulfillment territory. And Diodoris says, quote, the Persian regarded this says, quote, the Persian regarded this says, quote, the Persian regarded this opportunity for single combat as a gift opportunity for single combat as a gift opportunity for single combat as a gift from the gods. There was a chance that from the gods. There was a chance that from the gods. There was a chance that through his valor, Asia would be freed through his valor, Asia would be freed through his valor, Asia would be freed from the terrible fears that beset it, from the terrible fears that beset it, from the terrible fears that beset it, and it might be his own hands that would and it might be his own hands that would and it might be his own hands that would bring Alexander's bold enterprise to an bring Alexander's bold enterprise to an bring Alexander's bold enterprise to an end and redeem the glory of the Persians end and redeem the glory of the Persians end and redeem the glory of the Persians from shame. Before Alexander could do from shame. Before Alexander could do from shame. Before Alexander could do anything, Spithrabades hurled his anything, Spithrabades hurled his anything, Spithrabades hurled his javelin at him and then fell on him with javelin at him and then fell on him with javelin at him and then fell on him with such vehements and thrust his spear with such vehements and thrust his spear with such vehements and thrust his spear with such force that he drove it through such force that he drove it through such force that he drove it through Alexander's shield and the right Alexander's shield and the right Alexander's shield and the right shoulder strap and pierced his

shoulder strap and pierced his shoulder strap and pierced his breastplate. The weapon was impeding his breastplate. The weapon was impeding his breastplate. The weapon was impeding his arm. So Alexander shook it off, spurred arm. So Alexander shook it off, spurred arm. So Alexander shook it off, spurred his horse, and with the help of the his horse, and with the help of the his horse, and with the help of the force of his forward motion, he drove force of his forward motion, he drove force of his forward motion, he drove his lance into the middle of the his lance into the middle of the his lance into the middle of the satrap's chest. End quote. satrap's chest. End quote. satrap's chest. End quote. Theodoris may be giving us another clue Theodoris may be giving us another clue Theodoris may be giving us another clue as to what it feels like to be on the as to what it feels like to be on the as to what it feels like to be on the ground, what you could see, what you ground, what you could see, what you ground, what you could see, what you could react to, you know, is it the could react to, you know, is it the could react to, you know, is it the quarterback in a collapsing pocket with quarterback in a collapsing pocket with quarterback in a collapsing pocket with all that chaos, or is it a mass of all that chaos, or is it a mass of all that chaos, or is it a mass of people so close together that they're people so close together that they're people so close together that they're all pressed up against each other like a all pressed up against each other like a all pressed up against each other like a crowd? Diodoris says, "People can see crowd? Diodoris says, "People can see crowd? Diodoris says, "People can see what Alexander just did, and they what Alexander just did, and they what Alexander just did, and they react." Quote, "Seeing the extraordinary react." Quote, "Seeing the extraordinary react." Quote, "Seeing the extraordinary bravery that this feat had entailed, the bravery that this feat had entailed, the bravery that this feat had entailed, the nearby ranks on both sides cried out in nearby ranks on both sides cried out in nearby ranks on both sides cried out in admiration, but in fact, the tip of the admiration, but in fact, the tip of the admiration, but in fact, the tip of the lance broke off on the satrap's lance broke off on the satrap's lance broke off on the satrap's breastplate, and the broken end of the breastplate, and the broken end of the breastplate, and the broken end of the shaft ricocheted off. The Persian then shaft ricocheted off. The Persian then shaft ricocheted off. The Persian then drew his sword and attacked Alexander, drew his sword and attacked Alexander, drew his sword and attacked Alexander, but the king took a firm grip on his but the king took a firm grip on his but the king took a firm grip on his sword, meaning his own sword, and sword, meaning his own sword, and sword, meaning his own sword, and quickly thrust its Bithrobades's face.

quickly thrust its Bithrobades's face. quickly thrust its Bithrobades's face. He drove the blow home and the Persian He drove the blow home and the Persian He drove the blow home and the Persian fell. But just then, Rosakis, or Rosses, fell. But just then, Rosakis, or Rosses, fell. But just then, Rosakis, or Rosses, if we're going to use the soft sea, his if we're going to use the soft sea, his if we're going to use the soft sea, his brother, rode up and slashed his sword brother, rode up and slashed his sword brother, rode up and slashed his sword down on Alexander's head. The blow came down on Alexander's head. The blow came down on Alexander's head. The blow came very close to taking Alexander's life. very close to taking Alexander's life. very close to taking Alexander's life. It split open his helmet and lightly It split open his helmet and lightly It split open his helmet and lightly grazed his skin. Rosikis aimed another grazed his skin. Rosikis aimed another grazed his skin. Rosikis aimed another blow at the same gash, but Cletus the blow at the same gash, but Cletus the blow at the same gash, but Cletus the Black rode up and sliced off the Black rode up and sliced off the Black rode up and sliced off the Persian's arm. End quote. Persian's arm. End quote. Persian's arm. End quote. But then you get a chance to see just But then you get a chance to see just But then you get a chance to see just how much, you know, if this were a how much, you know, if this were a how much, you know, if this were a modern battle, you would talk about how modern battle, you would talk about how modern battle, you would talk about how much lead was flying through the air, much lead was flying through the air, much lead was flying through the air, but instead it's how many missiles are but instead it's how many missiles are but instead it's how many missiles are just all over the place and how many just all over the place and how many just all over the place and how many people are aiming for the guy with the people are aiming for the guy with the people are aiming for the guy with the ostentatious, you know, armor and ostentatious, you know, armor and ostentatious, you know, armor and helmet. Diodoris continues, quote, "The helmet. Diodoris continues, quote, "The helmet. Diodoris continues, quote, "The kinsmen crowded around the two fallen kinsmen crowded around the two fallen kinsmen crowded around the two fallen men and at first tried to pick off men and at first tried to pick off men and at first tried to pick off Alexander with their javelins, but then Alexander with their javelins, but then Alexander with their javelins, but then they closed and risked being killed in they closed and risked being killed in they closed and risked being killed in their efforts to kill him. Despite the their efforts to kill him. Despite the their efforts to kill him. Despite the difficulty and terrible danger of his difficulty and terrible danger of his difficulty and terrible danger of his situation, Alexander refused to succumb situation, Alexander refused to succumb situation, Alexander refused to succumb to the enemy for all their numbers. He to the enemy for all their numbers. He to the enemy for all their numbers. He was struck twice on his breastplate, was struck twice on his breastplate, was struck twice on his breastplate, once on his helmet, and three times on once on his helmet, and three times on once on his helmet, and three times on the shield that he had found hanging in the shield that he had found hanging in the shield that he had found hanging in the temple of Athena. But still he did the temple of Athena. But still he did the temple of Athena. But still he did not give in. Energized by his not give in. Energized by his not give in. Energized by his self-confidence, he rose to every self-confidence, he rose to every self-confidence, he rose to every challenge. And then several more of the challenge. And then several more of the challenge. And then several more of the senior Persian officers also fell around senior Persian officers also fell around senior Persian officers also fell around him. End quote.

him. End quote. him. End quote. And then Diodoris basically says at this And then Diodoris basically says at this And then Diodoris basically says at this point the Persians had had enough. point the Persians had had enough. point the Persians had had enough. Now, normally it would be Alexander's Now, normally it would be Alexander's Now, normally it would be Alexander's custom to pursue any routing forces custom to pursue any routing forces custom to pursue any routing forces closely, spear them as they run away, closely, spear them as they run away, closely, spear them as they run away, really finish the victory. That's where really finish the victory. That's where really finish the victory. That's where most of the casualties are inflicted. most of the casualties are inflicted. most of the casualties are inflicted. But he's got other things on his mind. But he's got other things on his mind. But he's got other things on his mind. And because of that, only about a And because of that, only about a And because of that, only about a thousand of the Persian cavalry, thousand of the Persian cavalry, thousand of the Persian cavalry, according to Aryan, die here. Could have according to Aryan, die here. Could have according to Aryan, die here. Could have been a lot worse. been a lot worse. been a lot worse. But Alexander's still got stuff to deal But Alexander's still got stuff to deal But Alexander's still got stuff to deal with in this battle. He's got all those with in this battle. He's got all those with in this battle. He's got all those mercenary infantry men who are facing mercenary infantry men who are facing mercenary infantry men who are facing him, you know, on that hill that rise in him, you know, on that hill that rise in him, you know, on that hill that rise in the distance, the ones who are too far the distance, the ones who are too far the distance, the ones who are too far away to actually influence this battle. away to actually influence this battle. away to actually influence this battle. And AB Bosworth points out in Conquest And AB Bosworth points out in Conquest And AB Bosworth points out in Conquest and Empire probably didn't even have a and Empire probably didn't even have a and Empire probably didn't even have a clear idea what was going on. Saw a clear idea what was going on. Saw a clear idea what was going on. Saw a bunch of dust going on in the distance bunch of dust going on in the distance bunch of dust going on in the distance and trying to figure out what they were and trying to figure out what they were and trying to figure out what they were seeing. And by the time they, you know, seeing. And by the time they, you know, seeing. And by the time they, you know, saw anything that they could really saw anything that they could really saw anything that they could really identify, it was their own side's identify, it was their own side's identify, it was their own side's cavalry running away as fast as they cavalry running away as fast as they cavalry running away as fast as they could go. and Alexander's troops could go. and Alexander's troops could go. and Alexander's troops scurrying up the bank and beginning to scurrying up the bank and beginning to scurrying up the bank and beginning to reform their ranks on the side of the reform their ranks on the side of the reform their ranks on the side of the river that these mercenaries themselves river that these mercenaries themselves river that these mercenaries themselves were stationed on.

were stationed on. were stationed on. And this gets to a logical question that And this gets to a logical question that And this gets to a logical question that we've asked already, but how many of we've asked already, but how many of we've asked already, but how many of these mercenaries are there? these mercenaries are there? these mercenaries are there? Because, you know, you have a low number Because, you know, you have a low number Because, you know, you have a low number here of 5,000. And if it's 5,000, here of 5,000. And if it's 5,000, here of 5,000. And if it's 5,000, they're probably all hoplights. But they're probably all hoplights. But they're probably all hoplights. But Aryan says it was just under 20,000. He Aryan says it was just under 20,000. He Aryan says it was just under 20,000. He insinuates they're all Greek hoplights. insinuates they're all Greek hoplights. insinuates they're all Greek hoplights. Uh the people who say that there's only Uh the people who say that there's only Uh the people who say that there's only 5,000 Greek hoplights sometimes say that 5,000 Greek hoplights sometimes say that 5,000 Greek hoplights sometimes say that these ranks can be filled out by locals these ranks can be filled out by locals these ranks can be filled out by locals who are not fighting like that. Whatever who are not fighting like that. Whatever who are not fighting like that. Whatever it is, they're sitting on this hill it is, they're sitting on this hill it is, they're sitting on this hill without cavalry support. And here comes without cavalry support. And here comes without cavalry support. And here comes Alexander with a combined arms army and Alexander with a combined arms army and Alexander with a combined arms army and he's coming straight for them. he's coming straight for them. he's coming straight for them. Bosworth says they were probably hoping Bosworth says they were probably hoping Bosworth says they were probably hoping to get an armistice or some sort of deal to get an armistice or some sort of deal to get an armistice or some sort of deal where they could surrender, but where they could surrender, but where they could surrender, but Alexander is in no mood for that. Uh the Alexander is in no mood for that. Uh the Alexander is in no mood for that. Uh the justification for what he's about to do justification for what he's about to do justification for what he's about to do is the League of Corinth, right? The is the League of Corinth, right? The is the League of Corinth, right? The League of the Helens that have made him League of the Helens that have made him League of the Helens that have made him captain general and he's cast this captain general and he's cast this captain general and he's cast this entire war as a war of revenge against entire war as a war of revenge against entire war as a war of revenge against the terrible Persians who 150 years ago the terrible Persians who 150 years ago the terrible Persians who 150 years ago came to Greece, killed all those Greeks came to Greece, killed all those Greeks came to Greece, killed all those Greeks and you know all that kind of stuff. So and you know all that kind of stuff. So and you know all that kind of stuff. So the penalty he's going to inflict upon the penalty he's going to inflict upon the penalty he's going to inflict upon these people, these Greeks fighting these people, these Greeks fighting these people, these Greeks fighting against other Greeks is he's going to against other Greeks is he's going to against other Greeks is he's going to kill them.

kill them. kill them. And Aryan makes it clear that because And Aryan makes it clear that because And Aryan makes it clear that because they had no cavalry support, they were they had no cavalry support, they were they had no cavalry support, they were going to try to sell their lives dear, going to try to sell their lives dear, going to try to sell their lives dear, but Alexander attacked them frontally but Alexander attacked them frontally but Alexander attacked them frontally with the failanks. Had the cavalry with the failanks. Had the cavalry with the failanks. Had the cavalry attack from the other directions. And attack from the other directions. And attack from the other directions. And there's all sorts of interesting there's all sorts of interesting there's all sorts of interesting scholarly discussion over the eras about scholarly discussion over the eras about scholarly discussion over the eras about how much of a fight they could have put how much of a fight they could have put how much of a fight they could have put up with some suggesting that they up with some suggesting that they up with some suggesting that they probably would have broken immediately probably would have broken immediately probably would have broken immediately and run in which case then they're and run in which case then they're and run in which case then they're really all dead. Others that they sold really all dead. Others that they sold really all dead. Others that they sold their lives dearly in a sort of a Davy their lives dearly in a sort of a Davy their lives dearly in a sort of a Davy Crockett, you know, last stand at the Crockett, you know, last stand at the Crockett, you know, last stand at the Alamo times a hundred or something in Alamo times a hundred or something in Alamo times a hundred or something in terms of numbers. terms of numbers. terms of numbers. But Aryan says only 2,000 survive to be But Aryan says only 2,000 survive to be But Aryan says only 2,000 survive to be sold into slavery. So depending on how sold into slavery. So depending on how sold into slavery. So depending on how many were there in the first place, you many were there in the first place, you many were there in the first place, you can start to calculate how many, you can start to calculate how many, you can start to calculate how many, you know, Greeks Alexander killed. If it was know, Greeks Alexander killed. If it was know, Greeks Alexander killed. If it was only 5,000 there, well, he killed 3,000. only 5,000 there, well, he killed 3,000. only 5,000 there, well, he killed 3,000. If it was 20,000, well, he just killed If it was 20,000, well, he just killed If it was 20,000, well, he just killed 18 times more Greeks at the Battle of 18 times more Greeks at the Battle of 18 times more Greeks at the Battle of the Granicus than he killed Persians.

the Granicus than he killed Persians. the Granicus than he killed Persians. And we had quoted earlier from an AB And we had quoted earlier from an AB And we had quoted earlier from an AB Bosworth book review that historian Bosworth book review that historian Bosworth book review that historian Victor Davis Hansen had penned for Victor Davis Hansen had penned for Victor Davis Hansen had penned for military history quarterly. Uh and he military history quarterly. Uh and he military history quarterly. Uh and he was firmly in the camp of the Alexander was firmly in the camp of the Alexander was firmly in the camp of the Alexander as Butcher School of History, but really as Butcher School of History, but really as Butcher School of History, but really wanted to point out the atrocity of the wanted to point out the atrocity of the wanted to point out the atrocity of the Granicus because it flies in the face of Granicus because it flies in the face of Granicus because it flies in the face of all of the propaganda that Alexander is all of the propaganda that Alexander is all of the propaganda that Alexander is using. Although one can easily see, you using. Although one can easily see, you using. Although one can easily see, you know, the real politique Machavevelian know, the real politique Machavevelian know, the real politique Machavevelian reasons on Alexander's side for doing reasons on Alexander's side for doing reasons on Alexander's side for doing this, Hansen along with Bosworth and this, Hansen along with Bosworth and this, Hansen along with Bosworth and others just wants you to keep track of others just wants you to keep track of others just wants you to keep track of the body count. And he writes, quote, the body count. And he writes, quote, the body count. And he writes, quote, "At the Battle of the Granicus, May 334 "At the Battle of the Granicus, May 334 "At the Battle of the Granicus, May 334 BC, Alexander destroyed the Persian army BC, Alexander destroyed the Persian army BC, Alexander destroyed the Persian army outright, surrounded trapped Greek outright, surrounded trapped Greek outright, surrounded trapped Greek mercenaries, and massacred them all, mercenaries, and massacred them all, mercenaries, and massacred them all, except 2,000 whom he sent back in chains except 2,000 whom he sent back in chains except 2,000 whom he sent back in chains to Macedon as a warning to other to Macedon as a warning to other to Macedon as a warning to other recalcitrant Greeks." Sources, he recalcitrant Greeks." Sources, he recalcitrant Greeks." Sources, he writes, disagree over the precise writes, disagree over the precise writes, disagree over the precise casualty figures, but Alexander may have casualty figures, but Alexander may have casualty figures, but Alexander may have exterminated between 15,000 and 18,000 exterminated between 15,000 and 18,000 exterminated between 15,000 and 18,000 Greeks after the battle was essentially Greeks after the battle was essentially Greeks after the battle was essentially won, killing more Helines in a single won, killing more Helines in a single won, killing more Helines in a single day than the entire number that had day than the entire number that had day than the entire number that had fallen to the Persians at Marathon, fallen to the Persians at Marathon, fallen to the Persians at Marathon, Thermopoly, Salamus, and Platea Thermopoly, Salamus, and Platea Thermopoly, Salamus, and Platea combined. Those are the major battles of combined. Those are the major battles of combined. Those are the major battles of the Greek and Persian wars that this the Greek and Persian wars that this the Greek and Persian wars that this whole endeavor is being sold as revenge whole endeavor is being sold as revenge whole endeavor is being sold as revenge for.

for. for. Hansen continues, quote, "In his first Hansen continues, quote, "In his first Hansen continues, quote, "In his first battle to liberate the Greeks, it turned battle to liberate the Greeks, it turned battle to liberate the Greeks, it turned out that Alexander had killed more of out that Alexander had killed more of out that Alexander had killed more of them than all the Persian kings combined them than all the Persian kings combined them than all the Persian kings combined in over a century and a half of in over a century and a half of in over a century and a half of transagian campaigning, perhaps as many transagian campaigning, perhaps as many transagian campaigning, perhaps as many as 20,000 Persians fell as well at the as 20,000 Persians fell as well at the as 20,000 Persians fell as well at the Granicus. Casualty figures themselves Granicus. Casualty figures themselves Granicus. Casualty figures themselves far higher than in any single hoplight far higher than in any single hoplight far higher than in any single hoplight battle in two centuries of warfare on battle in two centuries of warfare on battle in two centuries of warfare on the mainland." End quote. the mainland." End quote. the mainland." End quote. In terms of Macedonian losses, they are In terms of Macedonian losses, they are In terms of Macedonian losses, they are suspiciously low. And there's all sorts suspiciously low. And there's all sorts suspiciously low. And there's all sorts of rationes for why that might be, of rationes for why that might be, of rationes for why that might be, including the fact that maybe the amount including the fact that maybe the amount including the fact that maybe the amount of people who die on the winning side in of people who die on the winning side in of people who die on the winning side in these battles, especially if they're these battles, especially if they're these battles, especially if they're relatively quick, can be very small relatively quick, can be very small relatively quick, can be very small indeed, and that the proportion of indeed, and that the proportion of indeed, and that the proportion of wounded may be much, much higher wounded may be much, much higher wounded may be much, much higher instead. But Arian says that there were instead. But Arian says that there were instead. But Arian says that there were rather more than 60 cavalry not counting rather more than 60 cavalry not counting rather more than 60 cavalry not counting 25 25 25 companions the ones who were killed as companions the ones who were killed as companions the ones who were killed as part of the pawn sacrifice. Alexander part of the pawn sacrifice. Alexander part of the pawn sacrifice. Alexander had a special statues made of them by had a special statues made of them by had a special statues made of them by his favorite his favorite his favorite artist Lysipus and all 25 of them were artist Lysipus and all 25 of them were artist Lysipus and all 25 of them were you know in the statue and you could you know in the statue and you could you know in the statue and you could tell who they were. I mean, that's what tell who they were. I mean, that's what tell who they were. I mean, that's what you get to be, you know, if you're part you get to be, you know, if you're part you get to be, you know, if you're part of the forlorn hope or the lost of the forlorn hope or the lost of the forlorn hope or the lost children, you get the special accolades.

children, you get the special accolades. children, you get the special accolades. And that statue just curiously enough And that statue just curiously enough And that statue just curiously enough was taken back to Rome in the 140s B.CE. was taken back to Rome in the 140s B.CE. was taken back to Rome in the 140s B.CE. just almost almost 200 years after this just almost almost 200 years after this just almost almost 200 years after this time by another conquering group of time by another conquering group of time by another conquering group of people, the Romans as spoil. people, the Romans as spoil. people, the Romans as spoil. In addition to those 25 companions and In addition to those 25 companions and In addition to those 25 companions and the rather more than 60 to use Aryan's the rather more than 60 to use Aryan's the rather more than 60 to use Aryan's words, cavalry, about 30 infantrymen words, cavalry, about 30 infantrymen words, cavalry, about 30 infantrymen died. That's a small number of people. died. That's a small number of people. died. That's a small number of people. Could be a lie. Could be indicative of Could be a lie. Could be indicative of Could be a lie. Could be indicative of how quick, short, and sharp the battle how quick, short, and sharp the battle how quick, short, and sharp the battle was. Could be a sign of how, you know, was. Could be a sign of how, you know, was. Could be a sign of how, you know, casualties in ancient battle work. casualties in ancient battle work. casualties in ancient battle work. There's a lot of things you could draw There's a lot of things you could draw There's a lot of things you could draw from those numbers, if they're even from those numbers, if they're even from those numbers, if they're even real. real. real. Theodoris's casualty numbers are sort of Theodoris's casualty numbers are sort of Theodoris's casualty numbers are sort of as crazy as his actual battle numbers as crazy as his actual battle numbers as crazy as his actual battle numbers and army size numbers. and army size numbers. and army size numbers. The bottom line though is the Persians The bottom line though is the Persians The bottom line though is the Persians will lose at least eight named leaders. will lose at least eight named leaders. will lose at least eight named leaders. You know, these are going to be high You know, these are going to be high You know, these are going to be high ranking people who ran satropies in ranking people who ran satropies in ranking people who ran satropies in other areas. The overall commander, the other areas. The overall commander, the other areas. The overall commander, the guy who thought to be the overall guy who thought to be the overall guy who thought to be the overall commander, goes back home to his satropy commander, goes back home to his satropy commander, goes back home to his satropy probably to put his affairs in order probably to put his affairs in order probably to put his affairs in order because he commits suicide soon because he commits suicide soon because he commits suicide soon afterwards.

afterwards. afterwards. as the story goes is the way that Aryan as the story goes is the way that Aryan as the story goes is the way that Aryan qualifies that statement by the way. So qualifies that statement by the way. So qualifies that statement by the way. So we have to take all these people with a we have to take all these people with a we have to take all these people with a grain of salt as we've said over and grain of salt as we've said over and grain of salt as we've said over and over again. over again. over again. It's always useful when you can deduce It's always useful when you can deduce It's always useful when you can deduce certain things though. And one of the certain things though. And one of the certain things though. And one of the things historians point out all the time things historians point out all the time things historians point out all the time is that when you kill this many august is that when you kill this many august is that when you kill this many august and important Persian leaders uh from and important Persian leaders uh from and important Persian leaders uh from this local, right, the the modern-day this local, right, the the modern-day this local, right, the the modern-day Turkey area, you're going to leave a Turkey area, you're going to leave a Turkey area, you're going to leave a leadership vacuum. So, that's a big loss leadership vacuum. So, that's a big loss leadership vacuum. So, that's a big loss to the Persian king. And you'll read to the Persian king. And you'll read to the Persian king. And you'll read different versions of how the empire is different versions of how the empire is different versions of how the empire is reacting to all this. Some versions will reacting to all this. Some versions will reacting to all this. Some versions will suggest that they didn't take Alexander suggest that they didn't take Alexander suggest that they didn't take Alexander seriously up until now. Now this shows, seriously up until now. Now this shows, seriously up until now. Now this shows, okay, we have a real threat on our okay, we have a real threat on our okay, we have a real threat on our hands. Others that he was always taken hands. Others that he was always taken hands. Others that he was always taken seriously and it just takes forever for seriously and it just takes forever for seriously and it just takes forever for the king to get the royal army together. the king to get the royal army together. the king to get the royal army together. So in the meantime, these were the only So in the meantime, these were the only So in the meantime, these were the only people available to try to stop people available to try to stop people available to try to stop Alexander. a lot of ways of looking at Alexander. a lot of ways of looking at Alexander. a lot of ways of looking at it, but one thing you can say for sure, it, but one thing you can say for sure, it, but one thing you can say for sure, all of a sudden, all of the hopes that all of a sudden, all of the hopes that all of a sudden, all of the hopes that have been placed in logistical problems, have been placed in logistical problems, have been placed in logistical problems, right? Alexander's doing the equivalent right? Alexander's doing the equivalent right? Alexander's doing the equivalent of the Germans or Napoleon invading of the Germans or Napoleon invading of the Germans or Napoleon invading Russia, well, by this victory over the Russia, well, by this victory over the Russia, well, by this victory over the Persians at the Granicus, cities start Persians at the Granicus, cities start Persians at the Granicus, cities start coming over to him. Treasuries start coming over to him. Treasuries start coming over to him. Treasuries start falling into his hands and the burn rate falling into his hands and the burn rate falling into his hands and the burn rate is no longer a problem. And that right is no longer a problem. And that right is no longer a problem. And that right there is a, you know, full-on red alert there is a, you know, full-on red alert there is a, you know, full-on red alert for the Persian hierarchy. Now, they've for the Persian hierarchy. Now, they've for the Persian hierarchy. Now, they've got a different problem on their hands.

got a different problem on their hands. got a different problem on their hands. supply is not going to solve this for supply is not going to solve this for supply is not going to solve this for you. You're going to have to meet him on you. You're going to have to meet him on you. You're going to have to meet him on the field of battle and beat him. the field of battle and beat him. the field of battle and beat him. Or you're going to have to launch Or you're going to have to launch Or you're going to have to launch attacks with naval forces, you know, attacks with naval forces, you know, attacks with naval forces, you know, back at home behind his flank, encourage back at home behind his flank, encourage back at home behind his flank, encourage uprisings, whatever you need to do. uprisings, whatever you need to do. uprisings, whatever you need to do. Maybe all of these things put together Maybe all of these things put together Maybe all of these things put together needs to be accomplished now at a, you needs to be accomplished now at a, you needs to be accomplished now at a, you know, emergency pace because Alexander's know, emergency pace because Alexander's know, emergency pace because Alexander's here. He's moving. He's not like the here. He's moving. He's not like the here. He's moving. He's not like the great Akeminid empire. He's not like the great Akeminid empire. He's not like the great Akeminid empire. He's not like the Huelet Packard or the IBM or, you know, Huelet Packard or the IBM or, you know, Huelet Packard or the IBM or, you know, one of these giant corporations that's one of these giant corporations that's one of these giant corporations that's very powerful once they get going, but very powerful once they get going, but very powerful once they get going, but it's like turning a giant ocean liner to it's like turning a giant ocean liner to it's like turning a giant ocean liner to change course or get anything moving, change course or get anything moving, change course or get anything moving, right? Alexander's operating, you know, right? Alexander's operating, you know, right? Alexander's operating, you know, Macadonate's got this disruptive Macadonate's got this disruptive Macadonate's got this disruptive technology and they move fast and break technology and they move fast and break technology and they move fast and break things and they just broke the Persian things and they just broke the Persian things and they just broke the Persian army in Asia Minor and now they're on army in Asia Minor and now they're on army in Asia Minor and now they're on the way to break whatever is put in the way to break whatever is put in the way to break whatever is put in front of them for as far as a guy who front of them for as far as a guy who front of them for as far as a guy who seems to have no limits on his ambitions seems to have no limits on his ambitions seems to have no limits on his ambitions as far as he wants to conquer.

as far as he wants to conquer. as far as he wants to conquer. And already by conquering this part of And already by conquering this part of And already by conquering this part of the world, he may have gone as far as the world, he may have gone as far as the world, he may have gone as far as the, you know, his dad had thought he the, you know, his dad had thought he the, you know, his dad had thought he was going to go or king some dude or was going to go or king some dude or was going to go or king some dude or king Tommy boy would have gone. I mean, king Tommy boy would have gone. I mean, king Tommy boy would have gone. I mean, this is an enormous territory that has this is an enormous territory that has this is an enormous territory that has just fallen into his hands. just fallen into his hands. just fallen into his hands. But when you are addicted to glory, But when you are addicted to glory, But when you are addicted to glory, there is never enough. and he's just there is never enough. and he's just there is never enough. and he's just getting started as a young man in his getting started as a young man in his getting started as a young man in his early 20s racking up, you know, his early 20s racking up, you know, his early 20s racking up, you know, his tally of homeriic trophies. tally of homeriic trophies. tally of homeriic trophies. And of course, that's going to come at And of course, that's going to come at And of course, that's going to come at the expense of everyone in his way. A buck a show, it's all we ask. Please A buck a show, it's all we ask. Please go to dancarlin.com for information on go to dancarlin.com for information on go to dancarlin.com for information on how to donate to the show. Support us how to donate to the show. Support us how to donate to the show. Support us with Patreon by going to with Patreon by going to with Patreon by going to patreon.com/dancarlin, >> Wrath of the Cons, Punic Nightmares, >> Wrath of the Cons, Punic Nightmares, Apache Tears, and of course, Ghosts of Apache Tears, and of course, Ghosts of Apache Tears, and of course, Ghosts of the Ostfront. Just a few of the classic the Ostfront. Just a few of the classic the Ostfront. Just a few of the classic hardcore history titles available from hardcore history titles available from hardcore history titles available from dancarlin.com.

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