In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great

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From 334 to 324, a Macedonian army led by Alexander the Great embarked on a relentless campaign across Asia, marked by bravery, cruelty, endurance, and greed. This historic expedition transformed interactions between Europe and Asia, setting in motion historical forces that continue to resonate today. The narrative follows Alexander's 22,000-mile journey from Greece to India, retracing his actual route as much as possible. Historian Michael Wood traversed 17 countries, exploring the Zagros Mountains to locate the site of Alexander's battle at the Persian Gates, savoring black tea in the Hindu Kush, and crossing the Makran Desert with 23 camels. His travels included encounters with Lebanese traders, Iranian pilgrims, and Afghan guerrillas, taking him through significant 20th-century conflict zones like Beirut and Kurdistan. Wood's account draws on Greek and Roman texts while reexamining the conquest through contemporary lenses of colonialism, orientalism, and racism. The Macedonian conquest, often viewed solely through Greek perspectives, is enriched by medieval travelers' narratives and newly discovered oracles. At the center of this tale is Alexander himself—an enigmatic figure who ascended the throne at 20, conquered vast territories by 30, and died at 32. His complex character embodies both ruthless ambition and profound generosity, leaving a lasting legacy that echoes through time.