In The Footsteps of Alexander the Great (1998)
In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great is a captivating BBC documentary television series that first aired in 1998. Written and presented by the esteemed historian and broadcaster Michael Wood, the series embarks on a remarkable journey, retracing the epic travels of Alexander the Great across sixteen countries.
Here’s a detailed synopsis of the series:
- Episode 1: Son of God
- The series commences with a glimpse into the life of a 21-year-old Alexander as he leads his Greek army on a momentous quest to invade Asia and overthrow the mighty Persian Empire.
- Along the way, we delve into Alexander’s early years. His mother, Olympias, was deeply devoted to enigmatic religious cults, while the great philosopher Aristotle tutored the young prince.
- In 336 BC, following the assassination of his father, Alexander ascended to the throne. His inherited kingdom already dominated a Greece exhausted by the war between Athens and Sparta.
- The journey unfolds as Alexander ventures from northern Greece into Turkey, visiting Troy, disbanding his boats, and famously cutting the Gordian Knot. At Issus, he triumphs over Persian leader Darius and marches south through Lebanon.
- Episode 2: Lord of Asia
- Continuing through modern-day Persia, Michael Wood reaches the shores of the Caspian Sea, where Alexander is declared Lord of Asia—poised to invade Afghanistan.
- In Iraq, he retraces the path of Alexander’s decisive victory against Darius, even though the site lies behind a modern military frontline.
- After defeating the Persian army, Alexander invades Persia itself, relentlessly pursuing the fleeing Darius. The trek takes us through the Zagros Mountains and to the ancient city of Susa, where traditional tale-tellers recount Alexander’s saga.
- Episode 3: The Ends of the Earth
- The journey extends to the borders of India, where Alexander’s ambition knows no bounds. From Vergina in Macedonia, where his father Philip II died, to the heart of present-day India, we follow the footsteps of a conqueror.
- The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of diverse landscapes, cultures, and historical sites. Alexander’s legacy reverberates across time and space.
- Episode 4: The Last Journey
- In the final installment, Michael Wood recounts the enigmatic final days of Alexander before his sudden death at the age of 32 in Babylon.
- Trekking through the Khyber Pass and the valleys of Pakistan’s North-West frontier, Michael encounters a retired Pakistani general who once lectured about Alexander at a military college.
In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great weaves together history, adventure, and the indomitable spirit of a legendary figure. Through Michael Wood’s lens, viewers traverse continents, witness ancient ruins, and uncover the essence of an empire-builder whose legacy echoes across millennia.
