Fantastic work as always. As with the discussions on Alexander's sexuality, I anticipate the Indian campaign will be a politically motivated bloodbath in the comments as it usually is i've found. I'm hoping you'll explain how satrapies worked in the ancient world as a lot of confusion among certain nationalists and conspiracy theorists seems to stem from Alexander 'giving' his hard won territory to Porus to administer. Also the Indian King Taxiles seems to play a huge role in the Indian campaign and seems to be neglected by a lot of videos I've noticed.
Alexander: "Yeah, we have drinked too much. I better go to sleep, and talk again about it tomorrow." Cleitus: *barging into the room* "And one las thing...!" Alexander: "THAT DOES IT!"
Honestly I find it hilarious that the thing that cheered him up with 'but you're the biggest king and sin of a god, so laws don't apply' Kind of paints a picture of how Alexander thought of himself. Consoling him over killing a friend doesn't help much,but the idea it doesn't matter because he's so great is able to get him out of it
The splitting of his army to achieve different objectives and to combat guerrilla warfare is a really interesting point and he seems to do it more often in India as well. Again, Alexander demonstrates a tactical flexibility that was crucial to his success.
@@GR-bn3xj He obviously had very talented generals who he trusted like Hephaistion, Craterus, Ptolemy, Coenus, Seleucus, Eumenes etc. Extremely competent men.
@@BOSIE321 100% agree. Being able to trust part of your army to a general is an advantage that many forget he had. It was quite a crew. He had his core group plus Phillip's old generals. An incredible gathering of talent
Alongside Jaxartes, one of Alexander's most underrated victories. His building of a bridge over a ravine to reach Aornus to place his siege engines showcased brilliant improvisation.
For Greeks bowing to a man was something inconceivable, when they saw the barbarians bowing before Alexander they used to burst in laughter. This was a great source of conflict in the Macedonian court.
@@allstarlord9110 "Persian soyness" lol you have no idea what you're talking about. Greeks can also be called boylovers and femboys but I will not fight ignorance with ignorance. Anyways, Alexander's empire crumbled after his death, the Persian Empire returned first as the Parthian Empire and then as the formidable Sassanid Persia.
@@johnsnow5286 Half? Um, no. Say, 40.000 Greeks with no more than 5000 thousand from elsewhere. Meanwhile, the other side have had Greeks as well, but even while they were elites, they weren't trusted in front lines to fight against fellow Greeks. Messy affairs.
There should definitely be a separate episode after the end of the series that discusses the sources of the entire campaign and the views of modern historians on their reliability and accuracy
I agree He conquered Persia , Anatolia and Egypt and established Alexanderia everywhere but his record in central Asia and Indian subcontinent can be "ambiguous " It's full possibility he lost some minor battle in central Asia or india and had to bribe someone to get away but contemporary historian just "forgot" to mention it
The amount of detail and perspective this series give us for Alexander's conquests is insane. I can say that it is the best material on that subject in RUclips. Also, this was a great episode. Traps, losses, guerilla warfare, some dark aspects of Alexander's personality and his first marriage. It even surpassed a game of thrones episode 😆
@bastiat I am not an expert, but I have a great interest on the ancient Macedonians and so I consume high amounts of related content. Of course, I did not pretend to know more things than someone else, I just stated my opinion. I just haven't watched something better than this yet. Since this is just my personal view and not an actual fact, you can disagree and criticize it. I do not see the reason for being rude and offensive though..
Ignore him, he clearly has presented himself as salty, narrow, and of the utmost pessimistic. There is a difference between being an expert and being an enthusiast. Both however are knowledgeable and understand what subject or subjects they research, the only difference would be who that person is who "thinks" they're an expert, and those who "know" they are. Furthermore, I've seen some "experts" say incorrect, no longer credible stuff, and what not on youtube for example, so the term expert shouldn't be expected for everyone unless they've made themselves clearly and correctly to being such. I've researched Roman and other histories for years and watched much content on history, science, technology, etc etc, but I would not say I'm an expert, rather a knowledgeable enthusiast or a buff, or rather a polymath if you love studying multiple subjects like I and others ;). Some people like this need to relax and not take the smallest things like this so seriously. I get it if you're annoyed, but emotions tend to distort or redirect us from what we should see. Sorry for the long rant/comment lol. Take care and I'm sure you know this, but things like this happen with us all, but yea, definitely ignore him.
Game of Thrones? Well, I did not see any ( . Y . ) Oh, and that guy makes mistakes as well. I heard he once say it was Friday, but most of the time that is not correct.... I even heard he later said it was monday, so he is not even consistent
Speaking of sexual, I am number 69 Liked. 😁👍 Completely agree with OP. The writing, details, voice, and graphics only get better and better with K&G. This Alexander series is perfection for me. 😎
Imagine a Game of Thrones/House of the Dragon style "Alexander" show made by HBO. Sticking as close to the sources as possible, only adding things to foreshadow events or flesh out characters. I could just imagine each campaign being the start of a new season, and we get introduced to a new set of recurring characters from the region who will be swept up in the events or try to oppose the Macedonians like Craterus, Spitamenes, Roxana, etc. in this episode. This imaginary HBO show is what I've been imagining all while watching this series. It would convert to that medium so well.
It’s quick unbelievable how Alexander made it so far, he was undoubtedly the greatest general of his time, and influenced other great generals like Hannibal, Caesar and Napoleon
Back then it only took one defeat to stop a kingdom or even end a kingdom. To run the table pretty much as he did was maybe the greatest military thing ever done. The fact that he was outnumbered in so many battles is another factor that separated him form other great leaders. He gets the nod as #1 in my book, with Caesar as #2
Another treat from my favorite channel. Kings and Generals! Thank you for giving us non stop videos about our favorite historical figure. It is not just for us who loves history who's benefiting from your videos, you're also helping the students in the future generations with your amazing contents! Keep it up and we love you guys who's making these gems of a content!
I don't want to be anachronistic, I realize hospitality meant something different to their culture than it does to us. But if Cleitus the Black's wife was Alexander's Governess as a child, he presumably knew the man his whole life. That has to have figured into his being upset about killing him, even if the sources chose to focus on more Kingly emotions.
No you are right about that. Cleitus was a friend, ally and big brother figure to Alexander. The Fact that he killed him on a drunken fit of rage was inexcusable and his remorse was mainly from that. But the fact of the matter is that in Greece, all guests whom you have admitted to your house and have given food and water are sacred guests protected under the sacred rules of hospitality and under the protection of Zeus himself. No other crime could be considered more sacrilegious than harming honored guests after you have given them the protection of your roof. Alexander had been proclaimed and given the idea by his mother and the oracle at Siwa that he was the son of Zeus. A Demigod. What he did here was in direct opposition to what his supposed father ordained. He killed a guest. Those two facts together was the reason for his almost mental breakdown.
Alexander was extremely religious and superstitious. Whatever picture the above statement paints in your mind, multiply it by 100. E.g. At some point, Alexander hired elephant hunters to protect him while he slept because Alexander believed that Indian Elephants were mystical creatures that could magically appear in his tent and silently kill him in his sleep. At the river Hyphasis, Ptolemy used a trick on Alexander's weakness to force him to submit to the army's desire to turn back. Alexander was being as stubborn as always...his will like an unstoppable force. Ptolemy convinced Alexander to have a priest read an omen on whether to cross the river or not. The omen was bad, Alexander very reluctantly respected the omen. Alexander wanted to get rid of the old guard. Cleitus was to become Satrap of Bactria (a no man's land akin to Siberia where political prisoners were sent). Cleitus was mostly unhappy because he understood what was happening and he was offended for being sent to remain in this no-man's land that had been used for 300 years to send Greeks to live in, by the Persians. Plus, Cleitus was not from the same generation as him...they didn't grow up as similarly aged friends. Cleitus was on campaign with Phillip while Alexander was growing up with others his age.
@@tylerdurden3722 ok, but unless you actually believe he was a god, then he was human and had human emotions, and realizing that he had murdered someone who had been like an uncle to him his whole life would have affected him the same way it would have pretty much anyone else. I feel like the video, and I presume the sources, gave short shrift to that normal human emotion.
Hey all, I was the historian and scriptwriter for this episode! Hope you guys enjoyed it! If you have any feedback or questions, please do leave them below and I'll do my best to get around to them all!
“Your ancestors came to Macedonia and the rest of Hellas [Greece] and did us great harm, though we had done them no prior injury. I have been appointed leader of the Greeks, and wanting to punish the Persians I have come to Asia, which I took from you.” - Alexander's letter to Persian king Darius III of Persia in response to a truce plea, as quoted in Anabasis Alexandri by Arrian; translated as Anabasis of Alexander by P. A. Brunt, for the "Loeb Edition" Book II 14, 4 ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΣ the GOAT
@@Based.Afghan ur country was america's dog for 20 years and then you cowards all fled to the west as refugees im 100% sure you're not living in afghanistan
@@smefour not as much as you’d think modern north Macedonians as they are called are a south Slavic people who moved into the Balkans in the 6th and 7th century…..Phillip and Alexander’s borders only encompassed the southern 10% to 15% of what’s now north Macedonia
About court historian Callisthenes, it's worth pointing out that none of his works have survived, but that folk retellings of his work were the source for the Alexander Romance, a higly imaginative and phantastic version of Alexander's story, that has 0 historical value but is very entertaining, and is the source of most medieval legends about Alexander. Worth a read.
Alexander was a master of adoring to different situations and challenges and still managing to win in the end. Also this battle was where he met his favorite wife as well.
At this point I feel like Alexandra wasn't human, the sheer intelligence and wisdom of this young man is just unreal😲 He is also an inspiring to all youths in the world 🤗 To keep striving for better ❤Love for Ghana🇬🇭❤
Hello tajik here 🤚. We are one of the direct descendants of Sogdians and yes It's true that we had some fights with our Indo-European Greek brothers but what makes us more sad today is that most of our land is occupied by turko-mongols.
I love how your content varies, telling histories of the many cultures and religions around the world and not mostly focused on the western cultures like many other history channels
When the Renaissance historians relearned of Alexander the Great and his generals, I wonder what they thought of Cleitus' death. A fool who dared to question his King? The victim of the Alexander's pettiness? Or both?
@@liamjm9278 Well most of the peoples, even in the royal courts, barely know him in the Middle Ages in Europe. But during the Renaissance, at least most of those from the high societies across Europe know about him.
This is where the "theoretical peltast reforms" takes shape. If you looked up closely in the battles where the phalanxes of Alexander fought, they weren't against the massed disciplined formations of the Greeks and Persians. They were against incredibly mobile troops that relied hit-and-run tactics, and with devastating effect. Now you wouldn't use a phalanx armed 15-18 foot pike against those kinds of enemies. And in my research I found out that the heaviest part of a Macedonian pikeman was his sarissa. His shield would be way too small for an arrow barrage. So in that kind of battle, a slow phalanx of the Macedonians would've been massacred to a man. Using a dory spear would be good solution however the length provided would not be enough to repel the charge of Scythian cataphracts. So you have to use spears that are light but long enough to repel a cavalry charge and the Iphicratean spears (the length of which would be the Asclepiodotian 12ft) would've been the solution for that kind of problem. And in addition, in order for them to be able counter their enemies at range, javelins do their part. (You would've noticed that in my previous comments regarding the references) Another problem is the shields, the 60cm peltai shields that the Macedonians use are way too small to cover the soldier for a missle barrage. Aspis shields can provide that kind of protection however they would've been way too heavy for a march on the double and would restrict the left arm to use in order to hold the short pike. And luckily enough, the shields of the Macedonian Royal Infantry Guard are peltai, lighter than an Aspis but large enough to withstand a hail of arrows. Armed with such weapons, the Macedonian phalanx not only been a mobile force but a lethal one at that.
This is exactly why I think if Alexander surived into his 60s, he would have been fighting the Romans, after of course taking Carthage, Numidia, Sicily, southern Italy, and Illyria. Rome would be on the verge of evelopment but to their credit it would have bled Alexander's armies more than any other foe. The only way I see him taking Rome is if he's able to show a shrewd diplomatic ear by playing Syracuse and Carthage against each other, then taking southern Italy and instead of immediately engaging the Samnites/Romans, letting them wear each other down first. But I feel like Alexander would rather seige Carthage, seige Syracuse, fighting everywhere in precise but long campaigns to capture everything Pyrrus tried to plus North Africa then taking on central Italy in his 50s. Still Rome had the best reserve base outside of China at the time, they could have rallied the Samnites and others they'd fought to oppose Alexander. It would have taken hundreds of thousands mobilized from every nation he'd conquered to force all of Italy to submit.
Although it seems counterintuitive, the many lances of the Phalanx was an effective way of blocking ranged missiles. Of course it wasn't as protective as the Roman curved shields but they weren't as weak as you imagined.
@@MrEnric98 Who said they were weak? I only said they were really heavy. One, I have yet to see a demonstration of pikes being able to repulse an arrow barrage. Through reenactment of course. Every account and commentary in regards to the subject of pikes vs. arrow barrage, I have read has been rather speculative. Which is why I'm keeping my doubts about it. Two those pikes are way too heavy, like I said it's the heaviest part of the Macedonian arsenal. They can be managed but in a battle against horse archers. Yeah, good luck with that. And three, the weight long pikes prevents the weapon-switching of javelins to a long pike. (Check out Rufus' account on the Duel of Coragus and Dioxippus and Arrian's battle of the Hydaspes for their account of pikemen with javelins)
@@geordiejones5618 That would've depended in the stabilization of the Eastern provinces. Particularly Bactria, Sogdiana and the neighbouring Scythians. They have always been a major problem. Loyal Eastern army and a loyal satrap would've been greatly needed. Any false news and rumor of Alexander's death would've immediately invited revolt.
@@nikosmihalo4706 and the most savage one kinda sad that u call him the biggest greek after all those philosophers someone extremally brutal childish and selfish just like how mongols pray before changiz khan at least he wasnt childish
@@sohrab4371 alexander is not like mongolian.... created citys , theater showed Greek culture in east created library and did the campaign for danger of persian
The men of the town were killed while the women and children were added to the army's spoils. The next day he moved to the second city and took it in similar fashion, then went on to seize the third the following day. He sent a large cavalry force on to the fourth and fifth cities to take them before they had time to organize an effective resistance, so that within a week the king had recaptured five of the seven frontier forts and enslaved thousands of Sogdian women and children.
I’m hoping that soon we can get the next after Caesar civil war vids and possibly videos on Antiochus the great I feel like his campaigns would be a cool series.
Ur comparing very different times, If American soldiers would slaughter all millitary age men in just 1 region at Afghanistan, Believe me nobody would dare talking any bad shit, Let alone hold a weapon in insurgency. Thats why Alenxader and Genghis were so effective in campaigns, Fear is a strong factor when occupying.
Cleatus should have left well enough alone the first time. Kudos to the guards trying to step in and disarming Alexander when they did. There is definitely a sense of camaraderie in Alexander's army.
9:30 Phillip of Macedon was a genius who became king, but Alexander was a genius born to be king. He went from being called a half-bastard to the mender of a fracturing kingdom at the age of 20. There have been many mature, rightful heirs with an established dynasty who failed to do just that.
Thank you so much for coverage of this theater of Alexander's conquests. Greeks in Central Asia have always fascinated me, but it's so rare to get good info on them. Out of curiosity, is this an early release, or will there still be a video on Sunday?
Give the man a break ! If I was him , after a few drinks , when someone insults everything I did in my life bringing family into the mix , I think I would have reacted exactly the same !
Interesting. Really interesting. I believe that his difficulty in these Parthian lands were already showing a preparation of stage for later confrontations with ppl from these regions, naemly, the Parthians!
Hi! I am from Russia, but I run an independent and honest channel in English, I produce videos related to history and politics. I would like to get your assessment of my latest video. I think you will be interested to see. Thank you ☺️
Hi! I am from Russia, but I run an independent and honest channel in English, I produce videos related to history and politics. I would like to get your assessment of my latest video. I think you will be interested to see. Thank you ☺️
"If you think I'm not greater than my father, I'll send you home immediately" "Great, let's do that" "With rations for five days" "Wait, no way that's enough! It'll take months!" "Used to be enough under my father"
III, 6: Fall 328, a Mace. camp in Sogdiana: Alexander allows his men to “celebrate,” eating and drinking and carousing with Sogdian women. The occasion is a going-away party for Cleitus, cocommander of the Companions cavalry.
“The revolt would present Alexander with his greatest challenge.” He marched an infantry army around the Mediterranean, across the Middle East, into India and back, without a professional logistical organisation, or even maps. He defeated the most powerful empire in the ancient world. He besieged and took Tyre. Dealing with the revolt is maybe in his top five.
Not professional by our modern standards but for their age it absolutely was. Philip put alot of time into developing a cutting edge logistical system that allowed the Macedonian armies to operate far further and far longer than any other hellenic army ever could/had. The Persians also had an even more advanced system that allowed them to project power over their vast territories and sustain conflicts both militarily and economically better than anyone else at the time. They were able to fight on after losing three seperate major battles (and a full half of their territory), any one of which would have crippled any other nation instantly. Alexander utilised both of these systems to their fullest. Being able to regularly resupply and receive reinforcements from as far away as Macedonia while actively on campaign.
@khushal Singh Maurya I can see the butthurt Indian nationalist in you. If Alexander the Great were defeated, he would be imprisoned by Porus and there won't subsequent campaigns against the Mallians. There wont be any attempt to reconcile Taxiles with Porus. And Alexander wont be able to order him around to fetch for reinforcement to Beas River. And there won't be a mutiny as Alexander's men were likely to wind up prisoner or dead in a losing battle with Porus.
you guys know that Pakistan was partitioned from what was originally India right? That whole area was ‘India’. It was partitioned into Bangladesh and Pakistan following the hindu/muslim divide in the later 1940’s after the British handed back control. So yes, alexander did enter India. Its just not considered India in the current day.
Well, the tomb of Vrasidas (a spartan ally of Alexander) has been found. Also, the huge tomb of Amphipolis (kasta tomb) is believed by some archaeologists to be made for Hephaestion. Alexander's father Phillip was buried in Vergina and his tomb was found intact, giving us some stunning artifacts, like his personal armor. Lastly, I have to mention that, there have been tens (maybe even hundreds) of Macedonian tombs discovered, but it is not yet clear who was their owner..
To be fair, yes Alexander was very ruthless and efficient in putting down said rebellion, but these rebels whom had been pardoned and rebelled again several times, so had blotted their copybook and couldn't be dealt with any other way. While in taking those too well defended and situated sogdian fortresses, Alexander yet again showed himself to be a master of the art of siege craft.
Enemy : " fool you can't attack our fortress, you need winged soldier." Alexander : " bet" Enemy : " fool you can't attack our fortress, ravine everywhere and the rock are narrow and steep." Alexander :" bet"
i was eagerly waiting for next episode (Alexander campaign to India) to arrive but now you have finally announced it .I am happy now . You should make complete documentary for Alxendar campaign to India
Alexanders soldiers who fell during the night were told not to scream as that would alert the enemy guards of the plan. So during the darkness Alexander could hear thud sounds as each man fell. Not one screamed even when hitting the sides or bottom or the rock. Total studs to the last .
This video not only about great warlord of his time and also corage and heroic rivalry of ancient central asian people againist macedoonian invaders it is a great history
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Fantastic work as always. As with the discussions on Alexander's sexuality, I anticipate the Indian campaign will be a politically motivated bloodbath in the comments as it usually is i've found. I'm hoping you'll explain how satrapies worked in the ancient world as a lot of confusion among certain nationalists and conspiracy theorists seems to stem from Alexander 'giving' his hard won territory to Porus to administer. Also the Indian King Taxiles seems to play a huge role in the Indian campaign and seems to be neglected by a lot of videos I've noticed.
Can't wait without Indian history ...... ????
Can't wait for your next video in this series.
@@moutsatsosa---That's one of the reasons why Alexander the Great was so awesome as a military commander.
I adore you Kings and Generals !!!!
Macedonian soldier's: it's finally over now we can go home
Alexander: okay now it's time for the DLC expansion
Macedonian soldier's: THE WHAT
Alexander: "Yeah, we have drinked too much. I better go to sleep, and talk again about it tomorrow."
Cleitus: *barging into the room* "And one las thing...!"
Alexander: "THAT DOES IT!"
*throws knife at closest friend and ally*
History should always be thaught like this xD
Yeah but it's just funny to think about.
None of us were there, so all we have is speculation. 😁
Cleitus: *barging into the room* "YOUR MOM --"
Honestly I find it hilarious that the thing that cheered him up with 'but you're the biggest king and sin of a god, so laws don't apply'
Kind of paints a picture of how Alexander thought of himself.
Consoling him over killing a friend doesn't help much,but the idea it doesn't matter because he's so great is able to get him out of it
The splitting of his army to achieve different objectives and to combat guerrilla warfare is a really interesting point and he seems to do it more often in India as well. Again, Alexander demonstrates a tactical flexibility that was crucial to his success.
It takes some guts to do that, esp back then. Robert E Lee was also good at it. It's got to be hard to do especially if you are already outnumbered.
@@GR-bn3xj He obviously had very talented generals who he trusted like Hephaistion, Craterus, Ptolemy, Coenus, Seleucus, Eumenes etc. Extremely competent men.
@@BOSIE321 Those guys would be the equivalent of Davout, Massena, Soult, Lannes, Suchet.
@@BOSIE321 100% agree. Being able to trust part of your army to a general is an advantage that many forget he had. It was quite a crew. He had his core group plus Phillip's old generals. An incredible gathering of talent
@@GR-bn3xj yeah a great general is complimented by good generals under his command.
Alongside Jaxartes, one of Alexander's most underrated victories. His building of a bridge over a ravine to reach Aornus to place his siege engines showcased brilliant improvisation.
For Greeks bowing to a man was something inconceivable, when they saw the barbarians bowing before Alexander they used to burst in laughter. This was a great source of conflict in the Macedonian court.
Culture shock eh.
@@allstarlord9110 "Persian soyness" lol you have no idea what you're talking about. Greeks can also be called boylovers and femboys but I will not fight ignorance with ignorance. Anyways, Alexander's empire crumbled after his death, the Persian Empire returned first as the Parthian Empire and then as the formidable Sassanid Persia.
@@zippyparakeet1074 What did he say?
@@zippyparakeet1074Thats not how Alexander's empire ended
I get chills on my arms hearing the story of Cleatus the black. How Alochol ruins the best of things and makes you regret permanent decisions
They should have smoked cannabis instead, at least then they would have upheld the hospitality during this sacred feast, that Zeus would have wanted.
Macedonian soldiers: “We want to go home!”
Alexander: “Okay then, I’ll hire non-Hellenic soldiers.”
Macedonian soldiers: “Wait, no!”
my guy drunk himself to death, so he had serious issues.
half of his army was non hellenic
@@johnsnow5286 Half? Um, no. Say, 40.000 Greeks with no more than 5000 thousand from elsewhere. Meanwhile, the other side have had Greeks as well, but even while they were elites, they weren't trusted in front lines to fight against fellow Greeks. Messy affairs.
@@hermespsychopompos4615 yeah sure 😂 first of all many of those barbarian soldiers were hellenized long before macedonia became a powerful kingdom
There should definitely be a separate episode after the end of the series that discusses the sources of the entire campaign and the views of modern historians on their reliability and accuracy
Agree!
Second that 😉
I agree
He conquered Persia , Anatolia and Egypt and established Alexanderia everywhere but his record in central Asia and Indian subcontinent can be "ambiguous "
It's full possibility he lost some minor battle in central Asia or india and had to bribe someone to get away but contemporary historian just "forgot" to mention it
100%. A good source for this would be the 'Introduction to Alexander Studies' in Ulrich Wilcken's Alexander biography
I second this
The amount of detail and perspective this series give us for Alexander's conquests is insane. I can say that it is the best material on that subject in RUclips. Also, this was a great episode. Traps, losses, guerilla warfare, some dark aspects of Alexander's personality and his first marriage. It even surpassed a game of thrones episode 😆
@bastiat I am not an expert, but I have a great interest on the ancient Macedonians and so I consume high amounts of related content. Of course, I did not pretend to know more things than someone else, I just stated my opinion. I just haven't watched something better than this yet. Since this is just my personal view and not an actual fact, you can disagree and criticize it. I do not see the reason for being rude and offensive though..
Ignore him, he clearly has presented himself as salty, narrow, and of the utmost pessimistic. There is a difference between being an expert and being an enthusiast. Both however are knowledgeable and understand what subject or subjects they research, the only difference would be who that person is who "thinks" they're an expert, and those who "know" they are. Furthermore, I've seen some "experts" say incorrect, no longer credible stuff, and what not on youtube for example, so the term expert shouldn't be expected for everyone unless they've made themselves clearly and correctly to being such. I've researched Roman and other histories for years and watched much content on history, science, technology, etc etc, but I would not say I'm an expert, rather a knowledgeable enthusiast or a buff, or rather a polymath if you love studying multiple subjects like I and others ;). Some people like this need to relax and not take the smallest things like this so seriously. I get it if you're annoyed, but emotions tend to distort or redirect us from what we should see.
Sorry for the long rant/comment lol.
Take care and I'm sure you know this, but things like this happen with us all, but yea, definitely ignore him.
Game of Thrones? Well, I did not see any ( . Y . )
Oh, and that guy makes mistakes as well. I heard he once say it was Friday, but most of the time that is not correct.... I even heard he later said it was monday, so he is not even consistent
Speaking of sexual, I am number 69 Liked. 😁👍
Completely agree with OP. The writing, details, voice, and graphics only get better and better with K&G.
This Alexander series is perfection for me. 😎
Imagine a Game of Thrones/House of the Dragon style "Alexander" show made by HBO. Sticking as close to the sources as possible, only adding things to foreshadow events or flesh out characters.
I could just imagine each campaign being the start of a new season, and we get introduced to a new set of recurring characters from the region who will be swept up in the events or try to oppose the Macedonians like Craterus, Spitamenes, Roxana, etc. in this episode.
This imaginary HBO show is what I've been imagining all while watching this series. It would convert to that medium so well.
Alexander really shows that the brighter the light, the darker the shadow. What a fascinating individual
It’s quick unbelievable how Alexander made it so far, he was undoubtedly the greatest general of his time, and influenced other great generals like Hannibal, Caesar and Napoleon
Chenghis Khan and Timur probably.
Honestly, if he didn't die at 30 , he wouldn't be remember as the best.
@@Alex-ec4wu If he didn't die he would've taken Italy and Arabia
Back then it only took one defeat to stop a kingdom or even end a kingdom. To run the table pretty much as he did was maybe the greatest military thing ever done. The fact that he was outnumbered in so many battles is another factor that separated him form other great leaders. He gets the nod as #1 in my book, with Caesar as #2
Alexander the Great
Warrior name
You know it kings when you talk about Alexander and the Greeks I’m there 👍
Imagine being so great that your highest inflicted largest military defeat only count as 2300 troops
Mb if my english is bad
Thank you kings and generals for describing history in most entertaining and unbiased way
Another treat from my favorite channel. Kings and Generals!
Thank you for giving us non stop videos about our favorite historical figure. It is not just for us who loves history who's benefiting from your videos, you're also helping the students in the future generations with your amazing contents! Keep it up and we love you guys who's making these gems of a content!
I don't want to be anachronistic, I realize hospitality meant something different to their culture than it does to us. But if Cleitus the Black's wife was Alexander's Governess as a child, he presumably knew the man his whole life. That has to have figured into his being upset about killing him, even if the sources chose to focus on more Kingly emotions.
No you are right about that. Cleitus was a friend, ally and big brother figure to Alexander. The Fact that he killed him on a drunken fit of rage was inexcusable and his remorse was mainly from that. But the fact of the matter is that in Greece, all guests whom you have admitted to your house and have given food and water are sacred guests protected under the sacred rules of hospitality and under the protection of Zeus himself. No other crime could be considered more sacrilegious than harming honored guests after you have given them the protection of your roof.
Alexander had been proclaimed and given the idea by his mother and the oracle at Siwa that he was the son of Zeus. A Demigod. What he did here was in direct opposition to what his supposed father ordained. He killed a guest. Those two facts together was the reason for his almost mental breakdown.
Alexander was extremely religious and superstitious.
Whatever picture the above statement paints in your mind, multiply it by 100.
E.g. At some point, Alexander hired elephant hunters to protect him while he slept because Alexander believed that Indian Elephants were mystical creatures that could magically appear in his tent and silently kill him in his sleep.
At the river Hyphasis, Ptolemy used a trick on Alexander's weakness to force him to submit to the army's desire to turn back. Alexander was being as stubborn as always...his will like an unstoppable force. Ptolemy convinced Alexander to have a priest read an omen on whether to cross the river or not. The omen was bad, Alexander very reluctantly respected the omen.
Alexander wanted to get rid of the old guard. Cleitus was to become Satrap of Bactria (a no man's land akin to Siberia where political prisoners were sent). Cleitus was mostly unhappy because he understood what was happening and he was offended for being sent to remain in this no-man's land that had been used for 300 years to send Greeks to live in, by the Persians.
Plus, Cleitus was not from the same generation as him...they didn't grow up as similarly aged friends. Cleitus was on campaign with Phillip while Alexander was growing up with others his age.
@@tylerdurden3722 ok, but unless you actually believe he was a god, then he was human and had human emotions, and realizing that he had murdered someone who had been like an uncle to him his whole life would have affected him the same way it would have pretty much anyone else. I feel like the video, and I presume the sources, gave short shrift to that normal human emotion.
Hey all, I was the historian and scriptwriter for this episode! Hope you guys enjoyed it! If you have any feedback or questions, please do leave them below and I'll do my best to get around to them all!
Absolutely incredible work lad!
Amazing work man, I watch it all together with my family like a spectacle. Do you have an idea on how much more videos will be made on this series?
Thank you for what you do from a fellow lover of history!
Can you guys please make a series about the punic wars? Aka the first, second and even third.
This script is amazing, i remember everything i listened to.
It is absolutely baffling to me just how long ago this was and how records of it survived as well as archeological findings and so on.
His campaign was probably the most documented series of events until the Greeks started writing about Roman history.
I am also surprised how ancient Greek hard drive or flash drive could last so long.
Any video involving Alexander the Great is a must watch for me. Great video.
“Your ancestors came to Macedonia and the rest of Hellas [Greece] and did us great harm, though we had done them no prior injury. I have been appointed leader of the Greeks, and wanting to punish the Persians I have come to Asia, which I took from you.”
- Alexander's letter to Persian king Darius III of Persia in response to a truce plea, as quoted in Anabasis Alexandri by Arrian; translated as Anabasis of Alexander by P. A. Brunt, for the "Loeb Edition" Book II 14, 4
ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΣ the GOAT
Hello from Sogdiana Tajikistan 🇹🇯
The cowards who surrendered 😂
@@Based.Afghan ur country was america's dog for 20 years and then you cowards all fled to the west as refugees im 100% sure you're not living in afghanistan
Thanks!
Alexander's career never gets boring.
This channel really loves the greek history and we love the channel too
Love from greece 🇬🇷❤️
They also love Macedonian history
@@smefour i know thats why i said greek history
@@ArianaraS3 They do share very close history by being neighbours
@@smefour man stop this propaganda especially in history channels, no one Will believe it, ancient Macedonians were greeks get over it
@@smefour not as much as you’d think modern north Macedonians as they are called are a south Slavic people who moved into the Balkans in the 6th and 7th century…..Phillip and Alexander’s borders only encompassed the southern 10% to 15% of what’s now north Macedonia
Very interested the whole video, can't wait for the Next!!!
One of your best series!!! Continue your great work.
About court historian Callisthenes, it's worth pointing out that none of his works have survived, but that folk retellings of his work were the source for the Alexander Romance, a higly imaginative and phantastic version of Alexander's story, that has 0 historical value but is very entertaining, and is the source of most medieval legends about Alexander. Worth a read.
Everything is well in the world when K&G loads a new video for coffee. Excellent. Cheers.
Can never have enough Alexander.
Alexander encouraged his troops to marry Sogdian women . Unions between Macedonians and natives , he said , " is essential to domination of the area .
I just got into the videos about Alexander’s conquests a few days ago and I am happy there is now even more to learn about.
Yo, you're here too?
@@mithridates3152 hello there
This series just gets better and better. Keep it up!
I'm loving this series. Always fantastic work from this channel :)
Alexander was a master of adoring to different situations and challenges and still managing to win in the end.
Also this battle was where he met his favorite wife as well.
Thank you , K&G .
🐺
At this point I feel like Alexandra wasn't human, the sheer intelligence and wisdom of this young man is just unreal😲
He is also an inspiring to all youths in the world 🤗
To keep striving for better
❤Love for Ghana🇬🇭❤
Tbf he felt the same too
Alexandra is the female version of the name, lol. Alexandros was his normal Greek male name and Alexander in English/Latinized form.
Hello tajik here 🤚. We are one of the direct descendants of Sogdians and yes It's true that we had some fights with our Indo-European Greek brothers but what makes us more sad today is that most of our land is occupied by turko-mongols.
you sound like someone who doesn't like Turko-Mongols
Very sad.
Greetings from Greece , stay strong !
@@andrewflare1361 hello i own a greek culture discord server if you wanna join send me your discord account
Racist!
I love how your content varies, telling histories of the many cultures and religions around the world and not mostly focused on the western cultures like many other history channels
When the Renaissance historians relearned of Alexander the Great and his generals, I wonder what they thought of Cleitus' death. A fool who dared to question his King? The victim of the Alexander's pettiness? Or both?
A democrat who realized too late that he was now living in a dictatorship
@bastiat my boy bastiat again in the comments throwing little rages everywhere. I wanna pinch your cheeks saying *gugugu* , stroking your head cutely😭
Relearned? They never forgot about him.
@@liamjm9278 Well most of the peoples, even in the royal courts, barely know him in the Middle Ages in Europe. But during the Renaissance, at least most of those from the high societies across Europe know about him.
@@lerneanlion Bullshit.
This is where the "theoretical peltast reforms" takes shape. If you looked up closely in the battles where the phalanxes of Alexander fought, they weren't against the massed disciplined formations of the Greeks and Persians. They were against incredibly mobile troops that relied hit-and-run tactics, and with devastating effect. Now you wouldn't use a phalanx armed 15-18 foot pike against those kinds of enemies. And in my research I found out that the heaviest part of a Macedonian pikeman was his sarissa. His shield would be way too small for an arrow barrage. So in that kind of battle, a slow phalanx of the Macedonians would've been massacred to a man.
Using a dory spear would be good solution however the length provided would not be enough to repel the charge of Scythian cataphracts. So you have to use spears that are light but long enough to repel a cavalry charge and the Iphicratean spears (the length of which would be the Asclepiodotian 12ft) would've been the solution for that kind of problem.
And in addition, in order for them to be able counter their enemies at range, javelins do their part. (You would've noticed that in my previous comments regarding the references)
Another problem is the shields, the 60cm peltai shields that the Macedonians use are way too small to cover the soldier for a missle barrage. Aspis shields can provide that kind of protection however they would've been way too heavy for a march on the double and would restrict the left arm to use in order to hold the short pike. And luckily enough, the shields of the Macedonian Royal Infantry Guard are peltai, lighter than an Aspis but large enough to withstand a hail of arrows.
Armed with such weapons, the Macedonian phalanx not only been a mobile force but a lethal one at that.
This is exactly why I think if Alexander surived into his 60s, he would have been fighting the Romans, after of course taking Carthage, Numidia, Sicily, southern Italy, and Illyria. Rome would be on the verge of evelopment but to their credit it would have bled Alexander's armies more than any other foe. The only way I see him taking Rome is if he's able to show a shrewd diplomatic ear by playing Syracuse and Carthage against each other, then taking southern Italy and instead of immediately engaging the Samnites/Romans, letting them wear each other down first. But I feel like Alexander would rather seige Carthage, seige Syracuse, fighting everywhere in precise but long campaigns to capture everything Pyrrus tried to plus North Africa then taking on central Italy in his 50s. Still Rome had the best reserve base outside of China at the time, they could have rallied the Samnites and others they'd fought to oppose Alexander. It would have taken hundreds of thousands mobilized from every nation he'd conquered to force all of Italy to submit.
Although it seems counterintuitive, the many lances of the Phalanx was an effective way of blocking ranged missiles. Of course it wasn't as protective as the Roman curved shields but they weren't as weak as you imagined.
@@MrEnric98 Who said they were weak? I only said they were really heavy.
One, I have yet to see a demonstration of pikes being able to repulse an arrow barrage. Through reenactment of course. Every account and commentary in regards to the subject of pikes vs. arrow barrage, I have read has been rather speculative. Which is why I'm keeping my doubts about it.
Two those pikes are way too heavy, like I said it's the heaviest part of the Macedonian arsenal. They can be managed but in a battle against horse archers. Yeah, good luck with that.
And three, the weight long pikes prevents the weapon-switching of javelins to a long pike. (Check out Rufus' account on the Duel of Coragus and Dioxippus and Arrian's battle of the Hydaspes for their account of pikemen with javelins)
@@geordiejones5618 That would've depended in the stabilization of the Eastern provinces. Particularly Bactria, Sogdiana and the neighbouring Scythians. They have always been a major problem. Loyal Eastern army and a loyal satrap would've been greatly needed.
Any false news and rumor of Alexander's death would've immediately invited revolt.
Greatest Greek to ever walk the earth.
Well what about socrates, plato, aristotle or zorba?
@@leszekwolkowski9856 alexander is greatest greek
@@nikosmihalo4706 and the most savage one kinda sad that u call him the biggest greek after all those philosophers someone extremally brutal childish and selfish just like how mongols pray before changiz khan at least he wasnt childish
@@sohrab4371 alexander is not like mongolian.... created citys , theater showed Greek culture in east created library and did the campaign for danger of persian
@@nikosmihalo4706 Mongolians gave us yogurt. Alexander didn't even know what yogurt is! Barbarian.
The animation on this episode is masterful.
This man was built differently my word man
Best history channel in RUclips!
I love these Videos about Alexander's conquest. Please don't stop making them!
The men of the town were killed while the women and children were added to the army's spoils. The next day he moved to the second city and took it in similar fashion, then went on to seize the third the following day. He sent a large cavalry force on to the fourth and fifth cities to take them before they had time to organize an effective resistance, so that within a week the king had recaptured five of the seven frontier forts and enslaved thousands of Sogdian women and children.
Based Alexander the Great
Nice bloke then !
@@Vlad.88 entirely based 😎
🤢🤮
@@Vlad.88 based Ottomans who did the same with Europeans 😎
I’m hoping that soon we can get the next after Caesar civil war vids and possibly videos on Antiochus the great I feel like his campaigns would be a cool series.
It would truly take someone of Alexander's talents to do counterinsurgency in Afghanistan successfully
Ur comparing very different times, If American soldiers would slaughter all millitary age men in just 1 region at Afghanistan, Believe me nobody would dare talking any bad shit, Let alone hold a weapon in insurgency.
Thats why Alenxader and Genghis were so effective in campaigns, Fear is a strong factor when occupying.
@@itzikashemtov6045 like Hiroshima Nagasaki
@@itzikashemtov6045 Yes they would.
@@itzikashemtov6045 the enemy are defeats like others
@@itzikashemtov6045 afghan people defeat the enemy
13:55 I love that detail lmao
Cleatus should have left well enough alone the first time. Kudos to the guards trying to step in and disarming Alexander when they did. There is definitely a sense of camaraderie in Alexander's army.
17:47 Roxana is my favorite historical figure!
Dear Kings and Generals, I love you
9:30
Phillip of Macedon was a genius who became king, but Alexander was a genius born to be king.
He went from being called a half-bastard to the mender of a fracturing kingdom at the age of 20.
There have been many mature, rightful heirs with an established dynasty who failed to do just that.
Thank you so much for coverage of this theater of Alexander's conquests. Greeks in Central Asia have always fascinated me, but it's so rare to get good info on them. Out of curiosity, is this an early release, or will there still be a video on Sunday?
thank you!
The amount of Hellenic content for the past few months is out of control NGL...
Alexander videos are my favourite
13:53 please represent more historical conversations and messages with emojis😂😂
Haha indeed, I thought this was a nice touch too 🤣
excellent video thanks 😊
brilliant graphics 👏 👌
Magnífico trabajo...qué buenos los mapas y los gráficos. Enhorabuena desde España
Great video, thank you!
Still not over Alexander getting absolutely bodied by Cleitus’ “god-born as you are” comment. Sheesssh, still feel that burn 2,000 years later
excellent as always
This is excellent history instruction.
Fantastic video! I can't wait for the next one.⚔😎🙏
Give the man a break ! If I was him , after a few drinks , when someone insults everything I did in my life bringing family into the mix , I think I would have reacted exactly the same !
Arimazes: "it's over, Alexander. I have the high ground."
Alexander: "I missed the part where that's my problem."
Highly recommend the novel "The Afghan Campaign" by Steven Pressfield, for a remarkable fictionalised account of this phase of Alexander's conquests.
No, events taking part in modern Uzbekistan. Sogdia was in modern Uzbekistan, not Afghanistan.
Fantastic documentary
Great video, but from where do you take your visuals for the videos?
Can't wait can't wait can't wait
Great stuff bros
Pharnuces was no military commander, and he knew it. Still, he was given his orders and he obeyed them regardless. Poor bastard.
Oh Kings and Generals, you do spoil me so☺️
Interesting. Really interesting. I believe that his difficulty in these Parthian lands were already showing a preparation of stage for later confrontations with ppl from these regions, naemly, the Parthians!
Maybe a new series on the whole history of the successors during the Hellenistic period
Not only Roxana was beautiful. The Sogdian language sounds pretty good too. Check out I love languages for a sample text. 👍
Hi! I am from Russia, but I run an independent and honest channel in English, I produce videos related to history and politics.
I would like to get your assessment of my latest video. I think you will be interested to see. Thank you ☺️
There are many Sogdian words in tajik dialect
@@suikzaxa9593 sogdians and Bactrians are Tajiks 🇦🇫🇹🇯
Kings and Generals needs to come up with a soundtrack for the music they use.
Hi! I am from Russia, but I run an independent and honest channel in English, I produce videos related to history and politics.
I would like to get your assessment of my latest video. I think you will be interested to see. Thank you ☺️
Great work! Thanks!!
Thanks for making videos of Alexander's battles in Bacteria. It's a gift to see this Champaign brought to life graphically.
Ah yes, Bacteria! Lol
"If you think I'm not greater than my father, I'll send you home immediately"
"Great, let's do that"
"With rations for five days"
"Wait, no way that's enough! It'll take months!"
"Used to be enough under my father"
This reminds me of the scene in Alexander with Colin Farrell. The fight with Cleitus the Black.
I just remembered that movie. Its accurate but meh.
III, 6: Fall 328, a Mace. camp in Sogdiana: Alexander allows his men to “celebrate,” eating and drinking and carousing with Sogdian women. The occasion is a going-away party for Cleitus, cocommander of the Companions cavalry.
Great content guys love it all.
“The revolt would present Alexander with his greatest challenge.” He marched an infantry army around the Mediterranean, across the Middle East, into India and back, without a professional logistical organisation, or even maps. He defeated the most powerful empire in the ancient world. He besieged and took Tyre. Dealing with the revolt is maybe in his top five.
Not professional by our modern standards but for their age it absolutely was. Philip put alot of time into developing a cutting edge logistical system that allowed the Macedonian armies to operate far further and far longer than any other hellenic army ever could/had. The Persians also had an even more advanced system that allowed them to project power over their vast territories and sustain conflicts both militarily and economically better than anyone else at the time. They were able to fight on after losing three seperate major battles (and a full half of their territory), any one of which would have crippled any other nation instantly. Alexander utilised both of these systems to their fullest. Being able to regularly resupply and receive reinforcements from as far away as Macedonia while actively on campaign.
@Alexios I Komnenos He didn’t make it to the Deccan plate but definitely dipped his toes into the India subcontinent.
@khushal Singh Maurya I can see the butthurt Indian nationalist in you. If Alexander the Great were defeated, he would be imprisoned by Porus and there won't subsequent campaigns against the Mallians. There wont be any attempt to reconcile Taxiles with Porus. And Alexander wont be able to order him around to fetch for reinforcement to Beas River. And there won't be a mutiny as Alexander's men were likely to wind up prisoner or dead in a losing battle with Porus.
@khushal Singh Maurya >no proof
you guys know that Pakistan was partitioned from what was originally India right? That whole area was ‘India’. It was partitioned into Bangladesh and Pakistan following the hindu/muslim divide in the later 1940’s after the British handed back control. So yes, alexander did enter India. Its just not considered India in the current day.
Kings and generals is making Alexander's life become a movie series .The death of Cletus and Parmenion was rather dramatic to me.😳
Please upload next Alexander conquest early
Fantastic video keep it up your doing amazing job
Excellent Episode.,,.. Curious if any of the graves of Alexander.s men ever turn up in Modern Archeology?🤔
Well, the tomb of Vrasidas (a spartan ally of Alexander) has been found. Also, the huge tomb of Amphipolis (kasta tomb) is believed by some archaeologists to be made for Hephaestion. Alexander's father Phillip was buried in Vergina and his tomb was found intact, giving us some stunning artifacts, like his personal armor. Lastly, I have to mention that, there have been tens (maybe even hundreds) of Macedonian tombs discovered, but it is not yet clear who was their owner..
To be fair, yes Alexander was very ruthless and efficient in putting down said rebellion, but these rebels whom had been pardoned and rebelled again several times, so had blotted their copybook and couldn't be dealt with any other way. While in taking those too well defended and situated sogdian fortresses, Alexander yet again showed himself to be a master of the art of siege craft.
Michael Wood describes this battle well in his documentary "In The Footsteps of Alexander".
Doesn’t he mention the later seige of aornis / pir sar ) on it not this one? Similar situation with the seige engines and causeway though.
@@danwillett5657 He mentions both of them actually.
@@mpaulm fair enough, I need to rewatch it anyway, great programme lol
i love this channel
There are gods, there are us and there is Alexander
Enemy : " fool you can't attack our fortress, you need winged soldier."
Alexander : " bet"
Enemy : " fool you can't attack our fortress, ravine everywhere and the rock are narrow and steep."
Alexander :" bet"
i was eagerly waiting for next episode (Alexander campaign to India) to arrive but now you have finally announced it .I am happy now . You should make complete documentary for Alxendar campaign to India
great work guys
Alexanders soldiers who fell during the night were told not to scream as that would alert the enemy guards of the plan. So during the darkness Alexander could hear thud sounds as each man fell. Not one screamed even when hitting the sides or bottom or the rock. Total studs to the last .
This video not only about great warlord of his time and also corage and heroic rivalry of ancient central asian people againist macedoonian invaders it is a great history
Against greek invaders*
I swear Alexander has to be a time traveler.
???