Alexander the Great: Empire on Fire

Alexander the Great's mother, Olympias, is often portrayed as a wicked witch. She roasts babies alive, poisons her son's rivals, and has sex with snakes. She hates her husband, Philip II, turned Alexander against him, and probably had a hand in his untimely death... But what if all of this is wrong?!
What if Olympias was actually the ideal wife? What if she was just giving a respectful burial to a dead royal Macedonian baby? What if she was just trying to cure a young boy of illness in her family circle? What if she was engaging in perfectly legitimate religious rites of the day that involved sacred healing snakes? ...as Alexander did after her.
Has Olympias been misunderstood? Find out the answer to all these questions and more in episode 2.2: Olympias - The Making of a Monster.

Alexander is dead! Or so the Thebans think. It’s 335 BCE, and the ancient superpower of Thebes seizes its chance to cast off Macedonian rule after hearing Alexander has been killed in battle. There’s just one problem. He isn’t dead. Find out what happens in Dr Fay Edwards' telling of one of the darkest moments of Alexander's early reign.

Show notes & transcript: www.alexanderthegreatpodcast.com

Royal succession in the kingdom of ancient Macedon was anything but straightforward. This episode reveals how 7 rival claimants to the throne who existed on Philip II's death, gave way to Alexander's accession. From Olympias' alleged murders through to the claims of cousins, infants and half-brothers, you'll discover why becoming king required far more than being the eldest son. A gripping introduction to the ruthless politics that launched Alexander's extraordinary reign.

Was Alexander the Great's father killed by an ex-lover with a personal grudge? ...Or was there a conspiracy to murder the king using the ex-lover as a pawn?
That's the question of this episode.
And Professor Ian Worthington's answer is clear: Yes, there was a conspiracy. And who were the conspirators? Alexander and his mother Olympias.
Why does he think this? Listen to the episode to find out!
Want to let me know your thoughts? You can find me on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube @alexanderthegreatpodcast or visit the website www.alexanderthegreatpodcast.com

In episode 1, we heard that King Philip II was killed by his male lover... so what were the norms surrounding same sex relationships in the ancient world? Is it right to call Philip gay or bi-sexual? And were there any famous same sex couples in ancient Greece?
Find out the answers to these questions and many more in this fascinating discussion with expert, Dr Andrew Lear.