Alexander the Great and the Macedonian Empire

By: Kenneth W. Harl, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Kenneth W. Harl

Length: 18 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

Alexander the Great - one of the most renowned figures in antiquity - has inspired everything from medieval romances to blockbuster movies, and military leaders from Julius Caesar to Napoleon to the U.S. general Norman Schwarzkopf. But who was this great king of Macedon? And why is he so legendary?

Go beyond the myth and learn about the man who changed the face of the ancient world and laid the foundation for the great traditions of the Roman Empire - all in fewer than 12 years. These 36 spellbinding lectures take you deep inside the world of Alexander to witness the astonishing feats of military genius that made his name renowned for millennia after his death.

Through this detailed portrait, you'll go beyond the legends and the myths to truly understand what made Alexander great. Along the way, several Alexanders emerge: the military general, Macedonian king, Persian emperor, Egyptian pharaoh, and leader of the Hellenic League. You learn about the many aspects of this extraordinary individual - his passions, extraordinary talents, and the training that helped mold his character. You'll learn how battles were fought and won in the ancient world and examine Alexander's great martial achievements within this larger military history. You'll also head onto the battlefield to analyze some of Alexander's greatest triumphs, including the Battle of the Granicus River and the Battle of the Hydaspes River.

Alexander's empire did not survive beyond his lifetime, but his legacy has cast a long shadow on the history of the West. Join Professor Harl for this journey into the world of Alexander and see how the Western world - and, indeed, our world - still bear the marks of this legendary conqueror.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2010 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2010 The Great Courses

Excellent Course

What did you love best about Alexander the Great and the Macedonian Empire?

Professor Harl presents the story of Alexander from a variety of viewpoints and is historically solid in analysis and his compelling storytelling.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Antigens the One Eye because of his name.

What does Professor Kenneth W. Harl bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Humor.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I had never realized Alexander reached India and had an impact on that civilization.

Any additional comments?

Professor Harl pronounces "ally" and "allies" a little strangely, but it adds to his charm.

phenomenal!

The orator has an excellent understanding of the people, events and their impact on the world to this day. This was so much better than I was expecting.

Excellent overview of Alexander

Professor Harl gives a no non-sense straight-forward timeline & review of the life/accomplishments of Alexander the Great.

Incredible!

Incredibly informative, absolutely captivating. The ending was a drop the mic moment! I'm glad I listen to it. I am about to go down the rabbit hole of pan Hellenism

Enthusiastic presenter

The lecturer is very interesting, and often speaks with such enthusiasm that you would think the events he speaks of unfold before him right then.

Great Course - Enthusiastic Professor

What made the experience of listening to Alexander the Great and the Macedonian Empire the most enjoyable?

The Professor was obviously very knowledgeable and passionate on the subject. He kept the course moving at a nice pace.

Have you listened to any of Professor Kenneth W. Harl’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, this is the First.

Any additional comments?

The only detractor was the sound effects during the chapter breaks. I could do without the applause and music.

Best conclusion ever,, very holistic, very engagin

Concise, masterfully delivered in 30 minute segments. Best description of the era of the struggles within the Macedonian venture.

All I wanted to know, and then some!

its not just history and narration of Alexander's life. its a full discussion of the effects of Alexander in history, philosophy, religion, military, politics, and art that is still affecting our world today.

The Professor is an Alexander apologist for sure, but his knowledge of the era is impressive.

Very educational, but his closing comment that without Alexander, we wouldn't have Christ, was a huge stretch.

As good as it gets...

As a Yale graduate, this course is as good as it gets in terms of granular detail, objective balancing of the historical records, and the synthesis of the macro and micro elements of saga.

Written in an engaging and stimulating manner, it is a more scholarly approach but supremely worth the effort.