Podcast Summary: "This Guy Sucked" - Episode on Alexander the Great with Dr. Patrick Wyman

Introduction

In this episode of "This Guy Sucked," host Dr. Claire Aubin delves into the life and legacy of Alexander the Great with guest Dr. Patrick Wyman. Contrary to popular admiration, they argue that Alexander deserves criticism for his ruthless conquests and the lasting negative impacts of his actions. The discussion challenges the glorified image of Alexander, presenting a more nuanced and critical perspective.

Background: Alexander the Great’s Rise

Alexander III of Macedon, commonly known as Alexander the Great, lived from 356 BCE to 323 BCE, dying at the young age of 32. Despite his brief lifespan, Alexander's military campaigns reshaped the ancient world, leading to the establishment of the Hellenistic Era. Dr. Wyman emphasizes, “Alexander is one of the most consequential historical figures of all time,” noting his unparalleled conquests from Greece to the Indus Valley (07:01).

Alexander’s War Addiction

A central theme of the episode is Alexander's insatiable desire for warfare. Dr. Wyman draws parallels between Alexander and modern depictions of war addicts, likening him to the protagonist in The Hurt Locker. He states, “Alexander is first and foremost a war junkie. He loves fighting, he loves getting stuck in” (12:13). This addiction drove him to continuously seek larger battles, often disregarding the immense loss of life his campaigns caused.

Consequences of Alexander’s Conquests

The duo discusses the devastating human cost of Alexander’s expansion. They estimate that Alexander’s campaigns resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands, if not over a million people, particularly in regions like Central Asia and South Asia (25:20). Dr. Wyman highlights the systematic plunder and slaughter, such as the massacre at Thebes in 335 BCE, where 6,000 people were killed and 30,000 enslaved to fund further military endeavors (39:19).

Critique of Popular Historiography

A significant portion of the conversation critiques the hagiographic portrayal of Alexander in historical sources. Dr. Aubin points out that ancient historians like Arrian and Plutarch romantize Alexander, often ignoring his brutality (51:03). Dr. Wyman adds, “These sources are written by people who benefited from Alexander's conquests, ensuring a biased and glorified narrative” (51:10). This biased historiography has perpetuated a sanitized and heroic image of Alexander, overshadowing his more destructive actions.

Legacy: Inspiring Future Conquerors

Alexander’s influence extended beyond his lifetime, inspiring future military leaders to emulate his conquests. Dr. Wyman discusses how figures like Pyrrhus of Epirus and later Hellenistic kings modeled their aggressive expansions after Alexander, perpetuating cycles of violence and imperial ambition (54:04). This legacy, according to Dr. Aubin, contributes to the ongoing romanticization of Alexander as a "great man," ignoring the systemic forces and sheer brutality behind his reign (55:50).

Systemic Forces and the Macedonian Military Machine

The episode underscores that Alexander was a product of his environment, trained from a young age in a militaristic culture. Dr. Wyman emphasizes, “The Macedonian aristocracy is basically a bunch of hard-drinking, hard-fighting bros” (20:49). Alexander’s capabilities were not solely his own but were enabled by the robust military infrastructure established by his father, Philip II. This systemic support facilitated his extensive and destructive campaigns.

Conclusion: Reassessing Alexander the Great

Dr. Claire Aubin and Dr. Patrick Wyman conclude that Alexander the Great, often hailed as a military genius and cultural icon, should be critically reassessed for his role in widespread violence and imperial excesses. They argue that recognizing his flaws provides a more balanced understanding of his impact on history and cautions against the uncritical glorification of historical figures.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Patrick Wyman [07:01]: “Without him, I think it is extremely hard to imagine any Greek or Macedonian king conquering that much of Asia... someone who fundamentally remade the world that he found. But he sucked.”

• Dr. Patrick Wyman [12:13]: “Alexander is first and foremost a war junkie. He loves fighting, he loves getting stuck in. He wants to be there at the point where the sword meets the shield.”

• Dr. Claire Aubin [29:09]: “This is their reasoning. When you look at Alexander, that is not there. There is no sense that like, well if we don't go into Central Asia... It’s purely in service of his own desires.”

• Dr. Patrick Wyman [51:10]: “A lot of these sources were written by people who had benefited from Alexander's conquest. So Ptolemy, who writes this history... he is not going to lend a critical gloss to anything Alexander did because it undermines his own position.”

• Dr. Patrick Wyman [54:04]: “He inspired generations of future [conquerors] to be just as bad as he was. And that to me is the ultimate why this guy sucked.”

Final Thoughts

"This Guy Sucked" presents a provocative examination of Alexander the Great, challenging listeners to rethink the glorified narratives often associated with him. By highlighting his destructive tendencies and the biased historical accounts that have shaped his legacy, the episode encourages a more critical and comprehensive understanding of one of history's most renowned figures.