The Great Courses: Alexander the Great and the Macedonian Empire

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. These 36 spellbinding lectures by noted historian Professor Kenneth Harl of Tulane University 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. 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 his 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 world still bears the marks of this legendary conqueror.