Podcast Summary: This Guy Sucked – Alcibiades with Dr. Roel Konijnendijk
Podcast Information:
- Title: This Guy Sucked
- Host: Dr. Claire Aubin
- Guest: Dr. Roel Konijnendijk, Darby Fellow in Ancient History at Oxford
- Episode: Alcibiades
- Release Date: June 12, 2025
Introduction
In the episode titled "Alcibiades," host Dr. Claire Aubin delves into the tumultuous life of one of ancient Athens' most controversial figures, Alcibiades. Joined by Dr. Roel Konijnendijk, an expert on classical Greek warfare, the duo explores why Alcibiades is deemed one of history's most flawed leaders. The conversation navigates through Alcibiades' rise to power, his strategic maneuvers during the Peloponnesian War, and his ultimate downfall.
Early Life and Rise to Prominence
Alcibiades hailed from an affluent Athenian family, granting him immense privilege and opportunities from a young age. Dr. Konijnendijk explains that Alcibiades' father, Kleinias, was a military general whose death in the First Peloponnesian War led to Alcibiades being adopted by Pericles, Athens' leading statesman. This connection solidified Alcibiades' position within Athenian society.
Notable Quote:
- Dr. Claire Aubin [05:32]: "His father Kleinias, a military figure, is killed when Alcibiades is just a toddler, leading to his adoption by Pericles."
Alcibiades was celebrated for his beauty, charm, and oratory skills. His portrayal in Plato’s "Symposium" as the "gorgeous Alcibiades" underscores his charismatic allure, which played a significant role in his political and military rise.
Sicilian Expedition and Catastrophic Failure
One of Alcibiades' most infamous decisions was his advocacy for the Sicilian Expedition (415-413 BCE), an ambitious military campaign aimed at conquering Syracuse. Dr. Konijnendijk highlights that this expedition resulted in disastrous losses for Athens, including the loss of approximately half of its fleet and tens of thousands of lives.
Notable Quote:
- Dr. Roel Konijnendijk [05:43]: "He’s the one who more or less, as far as we’re told from the sources, out of a desire to be a general, reignites this conflict."
Despite the failure, historical accounts often credit Alcibiades with strategic brilliance, suggesting that had he remained in command, the expedition might have succeeded. However, his subsequent actions revealed a pattern of self-serving behavior that undermined his earlier successes.
Betrayals and Defections
Facing trial for alleged sacrilegious acts—specifically the vandalism of religious statues in Athens—Alcibiades defected to Sparta, the very adversaries whose side his father had fought against. This act of betrayal exemplifies his disloyalty and opportunistic nature.
Notable Quote:
- Dr. Claire Aubin [32:57]: "He defects to Sparta, who by the way, are the people who killed his father. ... We already can see that a level of loyalty just is non existent here."
In Sparta, Alcibiades continued his manipulative tactics by advising them to fortify key Athenian territories and support the Sicilian campaign, further destabilizing Athens. His ability to switch allegiances and exploit opportunities for personal gain showcases his unscrupulous character.
Notable Quote:
- Dr. Roel Konijnendijk [40:26]: "He's willing to sacrifice the people that he's just spent his whole life being admired by and having power over."
Return to Athens and Final Downfall
Alcibiades' return to Athens was marked by further political maneuvering. His appointment as Strategos Autocrato (supreme general) granted him unprecedented power, but it also led to mismanagement and additional military failures. His inability to effectively lead and his continuous pursuit of personal glory ultimately resulted in the annihilation of the Athenian fleet.
As Athens suffered repeated defeats, Alcibiades' credibility waned. His attempts to broker peace with Persia were seen as manipulative, aiming to maintain his influence rather than genuinely seeking the city's welfare. This period culminated in his assassination in 404 BCE, at the age of 46, symbolizing the end of his turbulent career.
Notable Quote:
- Dr. Claire Aubin [75:21]: "He is brutally assassinated... with his house set on fire, he runs outside with his mistress over one arm and a sword in the other."
Conclusion: Why Alcibiades Sucked
Throughout the episode, Dr. Aubin and Dr. Konijnendijk outline several reasons why Alcibiades is considered one of history’s worst figures:
- Recklessness: His impulsive decisions, such as the Sicilian Expedition, led to catastrophic losses.
- Opportunism: Frequent betrayals and shifting allegiances highlighted his self-serving nature.
- Disloyalty: Defecting to Athens' enemies showcased a complete lack of loyalty.
- Manipulation: He consistently exploited situations and people to maintain his power and influence.
- Philandering: Personal indiscretions, including affairs with influential women, further tarnished his reputation.
- Obsession with Personal Glory: His relentless pursuit of fame and power often overshadowed the collective good.
Notable Quote:
- Dr. Claire Aubin [77:07]: "Reckless, opportunistic, disloyal, incredibly manipulative, philandering, mostly cared about personal glory... he's a fucker. Approved."
The episode concludes by emphasizing that Alcibiades' actions not only led to his personal downfall but also caused immense suffering for Athens and its citizens. His legacy serves as a cautionary tale of how personal ambition can undermine collective welfare.
Final Thoughts: "This Guy Sucked" provides a comprehensive and critical examination of Alcibiades, challenging traditional narratives that might romanticize his military prowess. By highlighting his numerous flaws and the detrimental impact of his actions, the podcast offers a refreshing perspective on a complex historical figure.
Links and Credits:
- Guest: Dr. Roel Konijnendijk can be found on Blueskyorl Koninen and is active on Reddit’s r/AskHistorians.
- Support the Show: Access all episodes ad-free by subscribing at patreon.com/thisguysucked.