102. Alexander the Great: The Conquest of Persia

This episode explores the fall of the Persian Empire from the perspective of both Alexander the Great and Darius III. Against the backdrop of the 320s BCE, the podcast delves into the contrasting views of Alexander as a hero (in the West) versus a destroyer (in Persia). More significantly, the discussion examines the relatively unknown Persian sources and challenges the predominantly Greco-Roman narratives surrounding Alexander's conquests. For instance, the podcast highlights Darius III's military prowess and the Persian Empire's strength, contrasting with the common portrayal of Darius as weak. As the discussion pivoted to Alexander's campaign, the hosts detailed his military strategies and the symbolic significance of his actions, such as capturing Darius's family and issuing his own coins. The episode concludes by examining the Battle of Issus and the subsequent events, including Alexander's visit to the Oracle of Siwa, highlighting the complexities and ambiguities of this pivotal historical period.