About this video

• Video Title: The Greatest General in History? Alexander the Great (All Parts)
• Channel: Epic History
• Speakers: N/A
• Duration: 53:13

Overview

This video chronicles the life and military campaigns of Alexander the Great, from his youth in Macedonia to his conquest of the Persian Empire and his push into India. It details his key battles, strategies, the composition of his army, and his lasting impact on history.

Key takeaways

• Alexander the Great, at 20 years old, inherited his father Philip II's plan to invade the Persian Empire, embarking on a 10-year campaign that created one of the largest empires in history.
• The video details the structure and effectiveness of the Macedonian army, including the phalanx with its sarissa pikes, the elite hypaspists, and the Companion Cavalry.
• Major battles such as Granicus, Issus, and Gaugamela are recounted, highlighting Alexander's tactical brilliance and daring leadership in overcoming numerically superior Persian forces.
• Alexander's campaigns extended beyond Persia into Egypt, where he was crowned Pharaoh, and further east into Bactria, Sogdia, and India, facing numerous challenges and rebellions.
• Despite his military genius, Alexander's adoption of Persian customs and his pursuit of conquest led to dissent among his Macedonian troops and internal conflicts, culminating in his untimely death at age 32, leaving his vast empire to be divided among his generals.