Was Alexander 'Great'? Part II

What should we make of his 'legacy'?

Dear Classical Wisdom Member,

We have been following one of the most enigmatic and influential persons of all of history. A man who by the age of thirty, had established one of the most impressive empires in recorded history, extending from Macedonia (in northern Greece) to Northwestern India. His impact is unquestionable, but was it for better or for worse?

Indeed, is it possible for someone who achieved so much in so little time, who won the astounding epithet of ‘Great” in only three decades, to have done so without ruthlessness and hubris? 

This week we continue to delve deep into this incredibly fascinating figure to see whether or not he deserves his reputation in part 2 of “Was Alexander ‘Great’?” 

[If you haven’t already, please read part of one of our member’s in-depth article here]

Last we left you, Philip II of Macedon was fatally stabbed in the ribs by one of his personal bodyguards in 336 BCE. When the assassin attempted to escape, he was slain by the guards who pursued him, and so was never interrogated about his motives. Why did he kill the king? Was it simply a personal grudge, or were his wife, Olympias, and his son and future King, Alexander, involved? 

Find out below... 

All the best,
Anya Leonard

Founder and Director

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Was Alexander ‘Great’? Part II

By Mary Naples

The question of what motivated Philip II of Macedon’s assassin has dogged historians throughout the ages. It was mother and son, after all, who had the most to gain from Philip’s demise. The fact that Philip’s assassin was executed by his assailants instead of being taken into custody and questioned has long raised suspicions, particularly since the assailants were Alexander’s friends. 

Plutarch reports that, “it was believed that she (Olympias) encouraged the young man and incited him to take revenge,” adding that, “a certain amount of accusation attaches itself to Alexander also.” Certainly, if Olympias was involved in Philip’s murder, Alexander would have—at the very least—known about it.