Overview

Course No. 3390

Explore the remarkable story of Alexander the Great and his empire in this captivating course led by Professor Kenneth Harl. Examine the historical context, military strategies, and cultural achievements that define Alexander as one of history’s most innovative military leaders.

Course Outline

• Alexander the Great: Conqueror or Tyrant? (32 min)
  • Investigate the life of Alexander and the differing perceptions of his legacy through ancient sources and modern scholarship.

• Greece in the Age of Hegemonies (30 min)
  • Explore the early Greek city-states and the historical context that set the stage for Alexander’s rise to power.

• Achaemenid Persia (30 min)
  • Examine the Persian Empire and how its political and administrative structures posed a challenge to Alexander’s ambitions.

• The World of Early Macedon (30 min)
  • Learn about Macedon’s cultural identity and its relationship with classical Greece.

• Philip II and the Macedonian Way of War (30 min)
  • Analyze the military innovations of Philip II that laid the groundwork for Alexander’s success.

• The Third Sacred War (30 min)
  • Study this critical conflict in Greek politics that led to Philip’s control over Greece.

• The Macedonian Conquest of Greece (30 min)
  • Discover how Philip of Macedon unified Greece, particularly through his victory at the Battle of Charonea.

• The League of Corinth (31 min)
  • Understand Philip’s diplomatic strategies in governing conquered territories through the League of Corinth.

• Alexander, Heir Apparent (32 min)
  • Examine Alexander’s formative years and the influences of his parents on his character and ambitions.

• Securing the Inheritance, 336-335 B.C. (30 min)
  • Explore how Alexander consolidated power following Philip’s assassination.

• The Invasion of Asia (31 min)
  • Delve into Alexander’s military campaign into Asia, detailing the forces and strategies he employed.

• The Battle of the Granicus (31 min)
  • Analyze Alexander’s first significant battle against the Persian forces and the strategies that led to his victory.

• The Turning Point – Issus and Tyre (31 min)
  • Follow Alexander’s pivotal victories which gave him control over the western Persian Empire.

• Alexander, Pharaoh of Egypt (30 min)
  • Discover how Alexander’s conquests in Egypt shaped his identity and the establishment of Alexandria.

• Heroes, Oracles, and the Gods (31 min)
  • Investigate Alexander’s association with divinity and historical heroes in shaping his image.

16. The Campaign of Gaugamela (30 min)
    • Examine the strategies behind Alexander’s decisive victory over Darius at Gaugamela.

• The Conquest of Iran (30 min)
  • Trace Alexander’s campaigns in Persia and the establishment of his rule.

• Alexander on the Rim of the World (31 min)
  • Explore his military campaigns into Central Asia and their significance.

19. Governing and Taxing the Empire (31 min)
    • Investigate how Alexander managed his vast empire and the policies he enacted.

• Alexander and the Macedonian Opposition (32 min)
  • Learn about the opposition Alexander faced from his own troops and how he addressed it.

• The Invasion of India (30 min)
  • Explore Alexander’s eastward campaign into India and the challenges he encountered.

• The Battle of the Hydaspes (30 min)
  • Analyze Alexander’s remarkable victory against Indian forces led by King Porus.

23. Mutiny and Withdrawal (29 min)
    • Examine the factors leading to the withdrawal of Macedonian troops after their campaigns.

• The Gedrosian Desert and Voyage of Nearchus (30 min)
  • Follow the arduous journey of Alexander’s forces through the Gedrosian Desert and the naval expedition led by Nearchus.

25. Deification and Succession (30 min)
    • Explore the administrative challenges Alexander faced after returning to Macedon following his campaigns.

26. Alexander and the Macedonians – Opis (31 min)
    • Analyze Alexander’s interactions with Macedonian soldiers and the challenges of leadership.

27. Alexander and the Greeks – The Lamian War (31 min)
    • Understand the tensions between Alexander and his Greek subjects following his campaigns.

• The Diadochoi, 323-316 B.C. (31 min)
  • Meet the key figures vying for control of Alexander’s empire after his death.

• The Partition of the Empire, 316-301 B.C. (32 min)
  • Explore the conflicts that arose as Alexander’s empire was divided among his generals.

30. The Hellenistic Concert of Powers (31 min)
    • Discuss how the legacy of Alexander impacted subsequent Hellenistic kingdoms.

• Macedonian Courts in the Near East (31 min)
  • Analyze how the successors of Alexander emulated his practices in their own courts.

32. The Hellenization of the Near East (31 min)
    • Investigate how Alexander’s campaigns spread Hellenistic culture throughout his empire.

• The Monetization of the Near East (30 min)
  • Examine the economic transformations initiated by Alexander’s conquests.

34. Hellenization and the Gods (31 min)
    • Understand how Alexander’s campaigns affected religious worship in his empire.

35. The Limits of Hellenization (30 min)
    • Reflect on the challenges and failures of Alexander’s policies in his conquered territories.

• Alexander the Great and the Shadow of Rome (30 min)
  • Conclude with an exploration of Alexander’s lasting influence on subsequent civilizations, including Rome.