What an extraordinarily epic book. I am stunned. This was an excellent read. Not only did I learn about Alexander the Great but through his voyage I learnt about geography—specifically of the Middle East—and things about people's perspective of Earth long ago. I would like to say that I used Oxford's University Press edition, which includes maps and notes on the text—which are immensely useful.
I loved learning about Alexander's bisexuality, and of his relationship with Hephaestion. I loved the fact that Hephaestion was taller than Alexander. I also loved learning about the Persian Empire. At school I loved my History lessons but, understandably, there were so many things I did not learn there. So I just read Arrian's books with the same enthusiasm I had back at school. I imagine children at school in Europe being taught about Alexander the Great. I learnt about the Olmecs, the Mayans, and the Aztecs instead.
I was also surprised to learn that since antiquity people have always had a negative opinion about immigrants. The people back then also feared having their ways and culture replaced by foreign homologues. Back then, just like nowadays, people thought their society was somehow better (more free, more civilised, more egalitarian) than those of other continents.
Was Alexander great? Yes he was. But he was great in the most human way. He made mistakes, he had temper tantrums, he was at times extremely selfish. But he was also generous, courageous, adaptable, and most of all he faced life with full energy. He listened, and learnt from his mistakes. That is such a hard thing to do.
I am so grateful I read this book.
I loved learning about Alexander's bisexuality, and of his relationship with Hephaestion. I loved the fact that Hephaestion was taller than Alexander. I also loved learning about the Persian Empire. At school I loved my History lessons but, understandably, there were so many things I did not learn there. So I just read Arrian's books with the same enthusiasm I had back at school. I imagine children at school in Europe being taught about Alexander the Great. I learnt about the Olmecs, the Mayans, and the Aztecs instead.
I was also surprised to learn that since antiquity people have always had a negative opinion about immigrants. The people back then also feared having their ways and culture replaced by foreign homologues. Back then, just like nowadays, people thought their society was somehow better (more free, more civilised, more egalitarian) than those of other continents.
Was Alexander great? Yes he was. But he was great in the most human way. He made mistakes, he had temper tantrums, he was at times extremely selfish. But he was also generous, courageous, adaptable, and most of all he faced life with full energy. He listened, and learnt from his mistakes. That is such a hard thing to do.
I am so grateful I read this book.
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