[instrumental music] [narrator] Alexander the Great,
the shining light of ancient Greece. The Prince from remote Macedonia would become the greatest conqueror
of all times. [yelling]
[groaning] [rumbles] [in German] No one would have thought
that someone would try to conquer the whole world and that he would almost succeed. [narrator] He was the first European
to establish an empire that stretched from the Mediterranean
to the end of the known world. [adventure music] Fame on the battlefield
was dearer to him than his own life. He turned his war into a holy mission. [commotion] He entered the stage as a liberator. And he dreamed of an empire
where the peoples lived together in peace with him being at the top. [in German] Only very few people had as much influence on history
as Alexander the Great. [music stops] [narrator] Alexander's story
starts with a legend. [woman moaning] It is said that the Gods announced
his birth with natural phenomena. It must have been the night
of 20 July 356 BC when Olympias went into labor. The royal family was hoping for a son. They needed an heir to the throne. [Olympias gasps] [baby crying] [narrator]
Alexander was only the second-born but it was clear from the start that Olympias' son was destined
to lead Macedonia into a bright future. [instrumental, solemn music] Alexander, live up to your purpose. [deep rumble] [narrator] In the 4th century BC,
Greece was undergoing radical change. While some still believed
in myths and divine providence, others were already seeking
scientific reasoning. The big cities facilitated
these new trends. Above all Athens,
which had established democracy. There, the citizens
determined the politics. Alexander's home was far away
from the modern centers, north of Mount Olympus in a rural area. Macedonia had long been
a simple peasant state. A kingdom that had long been
economically irrelevant and politically in dire straits. Only Alexander's father, King Philip II, showed what he and his country
were capable of. He reorganized his forces, developed new weapons
and turned the cavalry into his strongest attack formation. He extended his sphere of power
in several battles and he forged alliances. However, the four biggest cities
turned against the victorious leader. [dramatic string music] They claimed that Macedonia was barbarian, although the kingdom did everything to modernize itself
according to Greek standards. Philip promoted progress, especially in the Macedonian capital,
Pella. The king turned the humble settlement
into a stately seat of government. This was where Alexander grew up. In a time of great upheaval, the heir to the throne
enjoyed an elite education. On a daily basis he practiced close combat
and the handling of weapons. His education prepared him
for a tough reality. Whoever wanted to rule,
had to be able to fight. [boys grumbling] His father Philip lived by it. [crowd screams] He was mostly at war, while Olympias took care
of their son's upbringing. [boys grumbling] Come on, Alexander!
Earn your companions' respect! [boys grumbling] [suspenseful music] [Philip] You can't even defend yourself! -[Olympias] Come here.
-[Alexander] Leave me alone! -[Philip] What's going on, Son?
-I'm sorry, Father. [Alexander] I... I have... [Philip] Never show your weakness. -You have to be the best, always.
-[Olympias] Stop it. He's still a child. That's not your business. Macedonia needs warriors. And what do I get? My first son is a moron
and the second one a loser. You ridicule me. [man] Alexander,
show him what you have learned. [Philip] I've seen enough for today. [in German] To understand the relationship
between Philip and Alexander it is important to take into account that although Philip
was married to seven women, he only had two sons from these marriages. And his second son, Philip Aridaius, didn't live up to his expectations. He might have had a physical impairment. Sometimes he's even
characterized as moronic. Hence, Alexander was the only son that Philip could present to the world. [string music] [narrator] Alexander not only
had to live up to his father, but also to his divine descent. A mosaic from Pella shows him with a lion. He looks like Heracles, a son of Zeus. The lion symbolizes
Alexander's royal descent and Heracles symbolizes
his godlike status. He was born into it. Alexander's parents also believed
in their divine descent. This form of fictional pedigree wasn't uncommon in ancient times. Many royal families
justified their claim to power with it. The belief in gods was taken seriously
in Macedonia. No one doubted
that the heir to the throne, Alexander, had inherent superhuman skills. But it was Olympias' religious beliefs that influenced Alexander. She engaged in religious rituals and kept telling the boy
that he wasn't of this world. [Olympias] Come to me, my darling. Don't listen to your father. His heart is made of stone. [Alexander] I do as he wishes. Why is he always disappointed in me? Come on. No. He is not disappointed, he is jealous. Because your blood is more royal than his. Mother, please.
You don't really believe that. I'll tell you a secret. The night you were conceived I heard thunder and I felt that lightning struck my body. But you are unharmed. Don't you understand? Zeus made you. Zeus is your father. Philip knows it and is jealous. [in German]
That Zeus was Alexander's father is another spectacular story. These stories are usually told when it comes
to the circumstances of conception of famous people from ancient times. Their mothers suddenly
have spectacular dreams. Gods appear in the form of animals and father these children,
in a dream or in reality, who then have an inherent heroic aura. [narrator] The heroes of Greek mythology
were Alexander's role models. Like them, he wanted to be the best
and exceed them all. His biggest hero was Achilles
from the myth about the Battle of Troy. Achilles is the main figure. He is invulnerable
and the bravest warrior. Patroclus, his loyal friend,
fights by his side. Both die in combat. But their deeds make them immortal. [screaming indistinctly] [narrator] Aristotle,
one of Greece's biggest thinkers, has a transcript
of the story made for Alexander. The King's son was only 13 when Aristotle agreed
to educate the prince in Pella. He taught Alexander
everything about Greek culture: drama, geography, sciences, as well as literature and philosophy. But most importantly,
he studied Homer's Iliad. The story was compulsory reading. Every Greek knew it. [Aristotle] Can you remember
what Achilles' father told his son? He should always be the best
and outdo everyone. My father could have said this. Your father might be wiser
than many think. Did Achilles manage? Achilles' ambition
is unlike normal people's ambition. He was driven by holy wrath. Because he took revenge for Patroclus and had his murderer dragged
through mud for days? That's right.
But he also showed benevolence in having him buried in dignity. Achilles had a choice between a long life
that would sink into oblivion or a short life and eternal glory. -I will never achieve that.
-Why not? My father won't leave anything to me. Before I can prove myself,
he'll have conquered all of Greece. Come here, I'll show you something. Come on. Let him have Greece. You've got the whole world left. From the Persian Empire, all the way to India. Hundred years ago,
their king attacked Greece. He destroyed our cities
and burned the Acropolis of Athens. What happened then? The Greek united
and drove the Persians out. What is left for me then? The Persians are still a constant threat. Their soldiers are stationed
across the Hellespont. They are right at our doorstep. Even Achilles' grave
is in the hands of these barbarians. Do you want eternal glory? Unite the Greeks
and lead them against the Persians. That would indeed be a heroic act. [in German] Aristotle was a polymath who knew his way around all topics,
he was the son of a doctor. He taught Alexander medicine, science and, of course, Homer. Alexander was hungry for knowledge. His education was important
in his later life, as an explorer and admirer of Homer. There is this famous quote of his: "Philip gave me my life
but Aristotle gave me the good life." [narrator] Aristotle's school was located
in a remote nymph sanctuary. An ideal place to devote oneself
to the search for wisdom and insight. [eagle screeching] Nature's got many secrets, but you will not be able
to unlock them purely by thinking. You have to observe the world. You have to feel it, taste it, smell it
and discover it with your senses. Come on, try it. Observe it and understand it. [tranquil music] [Hephaestion] Look, there's a feather! There's the nest. [Alexander] Hey, let's fetch an egg. We'll never get one,
the bird will attack us. You scare him away and I'll get the egg. That's far too dangerous. Achilles and Patroclus weren't afraid. Come on. [narrator]
Alexander's courage was proverbial. [narrator] He took on every challenge. [Alexander gasps] [tense music] [stones hitting rock]
[Alexander gasps] [narrator] And he had
Hephaestion, his friend. He was always by his side. Alexander, the bird is coming back.
Come down quickly. [eagle screeching] [tense music] [Alexander] Hey. [gasps] [eagle screeching] [Alexander gasps] [eagle screeching] Bravo! [all cheering] Bravo! [claps] There is a fine line
between courage and foolishness. Every venture has to be considered, only then it will be rewarded. Remember that. The egg proves that I wasn't foolish,
but courageous. Your words are wiser
than your actions, Alexander. But if you just follow your passion,
you act without sense. That's the end of the lesson. [narrator] After three years,
Alexander was ready for being a sovereign. Most of his preparation
came from Aristotle. They didn't always agree, but the scholar remained
one of his closest advisors. The best known legend
from Alexander's childhood is the taming of Bucephalus. What's your father doing here? [horse whinnying] [Alexander] He's looking for horses
for the Royal Guards. I can't wait for us
to fight by the King's side. Maybe, but I don't think my father
wants to have me by his side. [Philip] What have you got today? A horse befitting only a king. This is Bucephalus, my best horse. [Bucephalus whinnying] [Philip] But Bucephalus means "ox head." [chuckle] Some think
it's because of his branding, others think it's because he is stubborn, like an ox. [laughs] A proud horse. What does it cost? Thirteen talents. That's a high price. Let me have a look at him. [narrator] According to the sources,
many tried, but nobody could ride the stallion. [Bucephalus whinnying] Only Alexander understood
why the horse was in a panic. [Bucephalus whinnying] I know why Bucephalus is nervous. [boy] Why? -Wait.
-[Philip] I've got enough wild mares. I don't need a stubborn stallion. [Alexander] Father. -I can ride him.
-[Philip] Don't be too sure. If a grown man can't do it,
why should you? Let me try it, please. If I can't tame him, I'll pay you back. Okay. I'm offering... six talents. [gasps] I don't want my son
to be heavily indebted so young. Don't be afraid. You are afraid of your own shadow, right? Turn around. Calm down. Look at him. That's my son. Look for a suitable kingdom, my son.
Macedonia is too small for you. [people cheering] [inspiring music] [narrator] With this story,
Alexander's conquests became providential, and his horse became
the most famous animal of ancient times. The connection between the stallion
and the prince was unique. No one but him was ever able
to ride Bucephalus, they say. [music fades] [in German] These stories are an attempt to explain something very special. They are told so that we can understand a special historical event
or an outstanding historical figure. There is this young boy who seems to be a horse whisperer. He tames the horse using psychology, so that the horse obeys on its own accord. This story essentially describes Alexander the Great's
captivating charisma. [narrator] However, Alexander's childhood
ended abruptly when he was 16. The crown prince had to face a big task. King Philip's aggressive expansionism
resulted in a new conflict. Bloody clashes were imminent. Philip went to war. In his absence Alexander
was supposed to rule the empire. I entrust my empire to your care. From now on you are my co-regent. [narrator] An attack at the Dardanelles
caused the crisis. Philip captured a shipload of grain
that was meant to go to Athens. The powerful state was furious and remembered an outrage
from the distant past. When the Persians burned the temple
of the city 150 years earlier, the Macedonians
were allies of the Persians. The reconstruction of the temple was a symbol of Athens' triumph
over the Persians. Eventually they managed
to fight off the enemy. [triumphant music] At peak times, eighty thousand people lived
at the foot of the entrenched upper city. Athens has had a long history
of democracy. The citizens decided on important matters. Sovereigns, like those in Macedonia
or Persia, had long been abolished. Demosthenes was Philip's main adversary. With a passionate speech,
the politician encouraged the council to put Macedonia into its place by military means. [Demosthenes] Not with words,
but with deeds, our predecessors
turned us into free Greeks. With their blood, they saved us from Persian tyranny. But now Athens' freedom
is threatened again by Philip, King of Macedonia. But it was the Persians
who destroyed our city back then, not the Macedonians. We should regard them as friends,
not as a threat. We should form an alliance with them
to destroy the Persians. The Macedonians
are not Greeks but barbarians. Like the Persians,
they are full of malice. An alliance with them means
having the enemy in our own home. [narrator] The situation escalated
into a war about Delphi. The temple wasn't only
the Greeks' most sacred place, it played an important political role too. Those who reigned Delphi
held the power in the heartland. Athens guarded the sacred place, but other Greek cities
also wanted to control Delphi. The Macedonians saved
the sacred temple from the invasion. Athens felt humiliated when the barbarians
were made custodians of Delphi. In all of Greece they looked for allies who would fight against
the hated King Philip. The battle took place near Chaeronea. This time, Alexander and his companions
were also present. For most of them, it was
their first big battle in the royal army. Only the best men fought
alongside the Macedonian prince: Cleitus, for instance,
who was said to be experienced. Parmenion, an old general. He had a son, Philotas. He and Ptolemy were
Alexander's childhood friends. Just like is closest confidant,
Hephaestion. [solemn music] The Macedonians knew that the victors
of the Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BC would decide the future
of the Aegean world. With 34,000 soldiers each,
both armies were equally strong. Alexander led the cavalry. It was to be decisive. It was about glory and honor,
life and death. All or nothing. Didn't you say your father
wouldn't leave any glory to us? I was mistaken. Get ready. At my command. [all exclaiming] [narrator] Alexander and his men
faced a fierce challenge. The cavalry was supposed
to lead the attack. [all cheering] Just like Achilles and Patroclus. [inspiring music] [cheering] [narrator] Under Alexander's command,
the cavalry defeated the Thebes, the dreaded elite troop. [all screaming and exclaiming] The Athenian foot soldiers
were lured into a trap. They ran into a wall of deadly spears. [screams] [screams] [narrator] The battle was won. Macedonia was
the new military superpower in Greece. And Alexander was the hero of Chaeronea. [screams] [in German]
Being the commander of the cavalry, it was Alexander
who made victory possible. It strengthened his standing
with the Macedonians and to a degree also with the Greeks. It made him credible as a future king. [narrator] After the battle, Philip summoned
all the cities' delegates to Corinth. Sparta refused. But they still formed an alliance that forbade the Greeks
to fight each other. Macedonia suggested
attacking Persia together. Philip visited the Oracle of Delphi
on his way back. The sovereign wants to know his chances
against this mighty opponent. The royal inquiry to the God Apollo
cost him a golden laurel wreath. [tense music] The oracle spoke through a priestess. The Pythia went into a trance in order to enter the world
and wisdom of the gods. That's what the ancient Greeks believed. Poor people would only get
a short answer, "yes" or "no." Rich men like Philip
got exclusive prophecies. She says, "The bull is limited,
he will come to an end for the one who makes a sacrifice." She talks about a sacrificial bull. A sign of the king's death. But which king is she referring to? The Persian King? Or Philip? [narrator] As always,
Pythia's prophecies were cryptic. The priests decided
upon their interpretation. They held the true power in Delphi. You wanted to know
whether you'd defeat the Persians. The oracle said the king will die. [narrator] Philip is in no doubt.
The signs point to a victory. [Hephaestion] What's the matter?
We'll fight the Persians. [Alexander] No, not us. Father has decided, Parmenion will go as an advance guard. -Without us.
-[Hephaestion] What? Without us? Has he forgotten
who won the Battle of Chaeronea? I think he fears that I'm better than him. [indistinct chatter] [Olympias]
You should worry less about Philip and more about his new wife. [Alexander] He's always had many women.
Why would this one be... different? [Olympia] Don't be stupid. -Your father will let you down.
-Mother, please. His new bride is dearer to him
than I could ever be. Not because of her beauty, but because she is a true Macedonian. If she gives the king a son, he will ascend the throne. [tense music] A toast! -[man] Let us drink to the royal couple.
-To their health! May they provide us with a crown prince
of pure Macedonian blood. -[rumble]
-See? -What do you mean?
-[man] Alexander! -He is drunk. Don't bother.
-I am the heir to the throne. [groaning] [Philip] Apologize, Alexander. Mathalos is my guest. I apologize. If you pay me the necessary respect. [Philip] I am still the king. [rumbles]
[Philip groans] I'm still the king
and it's still me who decides. And you have to obey me. -Obey!
-[Alexander] Obey you? Look at you! You want to fight the Persians?
You can't even walk straight. -[Demaratus] You fools.
-[Philip groans] [Demaratus] Together,
you united Greece in battle and now you argue amongst yourselves. Come on. We're not welcome anymore. [suspenseful music] Just leave. I don't want to ever see you again. [inspiring music] [narrator] Alexander and his mother
went into exile to Epirus, Olympias' home. Endless months passed without any contact
between father and son. Alexander was shunted. But as he was needed
for the war against Persia, the Macedonian court
eventually sent for him. You've called for me, Mother? -Alexander.
-My old friend. [both laugh] Demaratus was sent by your father who wants to reconcile with you. -Did he say so?
-You know him. An apology is even harder
for him than praise. But he regrets your dispute
and it is his most fervent wish that his son return to him. Hollow words. Hasn't Philip humiliated you enough? Instead of kneeling before him, you should take what is rightfully yours. With a sword in your hand. But he's my father. Zeus is your father. Please, leave us alone. Mother. I've learned to tell courage
from foolishness. The Macedonian nobility is on his side. Then earn their support. Look at you, my son. You are everything that Philip isn't. He is coarse and you are noble. He is a warrior, but you... You are a king. Stop it. I won't fight my own father! He is not your father! It is not his blood
that runs through your veins! We don't owe him anything. [in German] Olympias and Alexander
have got common interests. Olympias can only influence
the situation via her son. Her life could possibly depend
on her son staying in power. [narrator] Almost another year passed
without further events. It was a wedding
between the Macedonian royal dynasty and Olympias' family
that marked a turning point. The dispute caused a stir in Pella. Upon Philip's invitation,
Alexander finally returned. The men demonstrated their unity in the best interests of their kingdom. King Philip didn't suspect
an assassin among his guests. [applause] Behold, father and son reunited. [narrator] Father and son were reunited, but not everyone seemed to approve
of the reconciliation. [both gasping] [Philip groans] Father. [narrator] The king was killed
by his own bodyguard. Father! Someone help him! [narrator]
But it was too late for the sovereign. He died at the age of 46. King Philip is dead. Long live King Alexander! [narrator] The way to the throne was open. Alexander took over without hesitation. [triumphant music] Long live King Alexander! [all] Long live King Alexander! [narrator] Alexander and his mother
were suspected of being instigators. Both had a motive, especially Olympias. She felt humiliated by Philip's new wife. And she desperately wanted
Alexander to be king. Philip's murder was never solved. [music fades] [in German]
If Olympias had given the impression of wanting to keep her place at court
and support her son Alexander then such accusations
were bound to be made. The next logical step for such a woman
was to be unfaithful or to poison her husband,
or instigate murder. [inspiring music] [narrator] Alexander
buried his father in Vergina, according to Macedonian customs. The burial chamber is under a hill. Whether it really is King Philip's tomb
is unclear to this day. The precious grave furnishings
do suggest it. The crown made of oak motives
is made from pure gold. The larnax is also made of gold. The lid is decorated with the Vergina Sun. The 16 rayed solar symbol is the emblem
of Alexander's father Philip. [suspenseful music] [narrator] His legacy was a difficult one
for the new king of Macedonia. Old opponents reappeared. Like his father,
Alexander had to assert his sovereignty. If necessary, by force.
Alexander began from zero. The Athenians used the change in power
to question Macedonia's leading role. Again, Demosthenes was the spokesman. The gods have heard our prayers. They punished that tyrant Philip
with his death. We have to act now. It's time to rebel against Alexander
and take vengeance for Chaeronea. For the freedom of Athens. Take up arms. [narrator]
The tribes in the North rebelled first, followed by the big city-states,
lead by Athens and Thebes. No one wanted to miss out
in the struggle for power. But the battle still had to be fought. Alexander quickly moved
from the battlefields in the North to Thebes. But he tried to be diplomatic at first. He promised to spare them
if they surrendered. And? The Thebans won't give in. They'd rather fight for their freedom
than surrender to a tyrant. Some even believe
you were killed in battle. Then a dead man will teach them fear. [crescendo] [narrator] Alexander acted
like a cold power politician. Without hesitation,
he made an example of Thebes. His troops conquered the city
and flattened it. More than 6,000 people died. Neither friend nor foe
was to be left in any doubt. Alexander was determined
to assert his leading role. The survivors of the massacre
were all made slaves. The measures were approved
by the League of Corinth. He justified it with the claim
that Thebes broke the pact. [music fades] [in German] The destruction
of Thebes was a clear signal to all cities in Greece that opposed the supremacy of Macedonia, embodied by the king of Macedonia, the commander of the League of Corinth. The citizens of Athens wrote to Alexander,
King of Macedonia. The new hegemon of the League of Corinth. "We praise you and congratulate you on the punishment of Thebes. We renew our oath to your father. We will stand by you, as you are
the defender of freedom, always." [uplifting music] [narrator] Resistance was overcome
and peace was secured. Now it was time for Alexander
to focus on foreign affairs. [tranquil music] The coast beyond the Dardanelles in today's Turkey was his next destination in his campaign
against Greece's arch-enemy. Alexander prepared for battle
against the king of kings. The sovereign of the Persian empire. [solemn music] The most powerful empire
in the world at the time reached across three continents and featured
insurmountable mountain ranges. It touched the Indian borders. [triumphant music] [screaming] [narrator] Even Babylon,
the prettiest city of the East, was conquered by the Persians
and made their second capital. Their army was 300,000 men strong and caused fear and terror everywhere. King Darius was a mighty, powerful enemy. Fighting a war against him would be a battle
between David and Goliath. But the Macedonian didn't know fear. Alexander was determined
to imitate Achilles. Just like the mythical hero, he wanted to take revenge
and bring victory to Greece. In the spring of 334 BC, one of the biggest invasions
in history began. Alexander risked everything. [music ends] [narrator] It was spring
when Alexander passed the strait between Europe and today's Turkey. Together with 37,000 soldiers
from all over Greece. The Macedonian had a clear mission. He and his men were to free
the Greek colonies from the Persians. First Alexander went to Troy. At Achilles' grave
he had his weapons blessed. And he brought a sacrifice. [solemn music] Since childhood, The Iliad's hero
had been Alexander's role model. He wanted to live up to Achilles' glory and even exceed his deeds. This war of liberation was his chance but he also needed
protection from the gods. With their blessing his retaliation campaign
became a holy war. But thus far,
no one had managed to bring Persia, the world empire, to its knees. [horse whinnying] In their advance into occupied territory, the Persian army tried to stop them. To no avail. In 334 BC, Alexander won the battle
at the river Granicus. Apparently, the Persian court
had underestimated the Macedonian King. They hadn't sent their imperial army,
but a troop of professional soldiers. King Darius had relied on them. A mistake, as it turned out. Your Majesty,
I'm sorry for the bad news I have to bear. -Alexander won the battle.
-How is that possible? Alexander has got fewer soldiers, but his tactics are clever,
not only on the battlefield. Explain. He promises a democratic constitution
modeled after Athens for those cities that surrender
without a fight. And he promises everyone
they don't have to pay you tribute. Is that true? [gasps] I heard that he rules
like a king in Macedonia. The governance of the people is nonsense. What does he really want? [soldier] The Greek want to take revenge
for the destruction of Athens and the occupation of Anatolia. But Alexander wants more. What does he want? Power. -He wants my throne.
-[soldier] That's right. The defense of your country
shouldn't be left to vassals. Who could lead our army better than you? He will regret that he ever left his mother's lap. [suspenseful music] Gather our troops and tell them
their king will go to war. [narrator] The Persian empire reached
from the Greek borders and Egypt all the way to the East
over the Hindu Kush to India, the end of the known world. The empire stretched across
three continents. And at its heart was Persepolis in the south of what is Iran today. [tranquil music] Persepolis was also
the religious center of Persia. Even 2,000 years later the palaces and temples
still convey the empire's power. Reliefs show the many nationalities
of the giant empire. Twenty eight peoples in total. Among them Syrians, Egyptians, Babylonians, Greeks, Indians and Arabs. They all gathered to offer presents
to the king on New Year's Day. The Persians were role models. They implemented a political order that allowed peaceful coexistence
of the nations. But there was also resistance from the Greek colonies. Almost all of them saw Alexander
as a liberator. [inspiring music] The Macedonian conquered
the big coastal cities within a few months. And he had large parts of Turkey
under his control when he chose Gordion
to be his winter quarters. In the temple, he discovered
Phrygian King Gordias' famous cart. And this is supposed
to be a cart for a king? It belonged to Gordias, King of Phrygia. [man] When the Phrygians
looked for a king, the oracle told them to choose
the first man they saw on a cart. [gasps] [Alexander]
And by chance that was Gordias? Is that how quickly
you can become a king here? [chuckles] Yes, but that's not the whole story. Do you see this knot? [Alexander] What about it? It says whoever can untie this knot will reign the Persian empire. The knot doesn't seem
to have a beginning or an end. [narrator] The story of the Gordian Knot
is just a legend and it was clever propaganda. [in German]
To cut the knot with a sword says Alexander does things his own way. Everyone failed,
and he showed them how to do it. [narrator] But liberating
the Greek colonies wasn't the end. Alexander wanted
to knock Darius off his throne. Darius gathered his army in the borderland
between Turkey and Syria. Alexander also moved his troops. But the two armies passed each other
without noticing. [tense music] Suddenly the Persians were behind them
and blocked the exit route. The land battle took place at Issus. The Macedonian King against Darius,
the most powerful man in the world. And against more than 70,000 warriors. The enemy stands between us and our home. We will triumph or die. Retreat is impossible. Don't be blinded by the glamour
and size of our enemy. I see what you see. But none of you can see it with my eyes. [indistinct chatter] [Alexander] The Great King
underestimates us. Be brave, because this is not the first time we have faced superior numbers and it will not be the last time we will triumph. [cheering] [adventure music intensifies] [narrator] King Darius believed
it would be an easy victory. He relied on the superior numbers
of his army. [deep rumble] The Macedonian leader was brave and relied on his cavalry. [music stops] The Battle of Issus, 333 BC. The battle is depicted
on the famous Alexander sarcophagus. The Macedonian King
is the hero in this scene. The Persians who were superior
in numbers dominated at first, but then Alexander managed
to push through enemy lines. [commotion] Darius' life was in danger as Alexander attacked
the elite troops around the king. [screams] In the end, Darius could only flee. This sealed the Persian defeat. [in German] Alexander's success
is partly due to the fact that he acted unexpectedly. It's almost like in football. The team that doesn't play
with a predictable strategy scores more goals. And Alexander's strategy was very risky
from a military point of view. Seemingly headless, he attacked the enemy
at their strongest points. But the war wasn't won yet. Darius was still free. He escaped into the desert. [adventure music] The Macedonians rushed to the South. The inhabitants of Tyre went to war. But like everyone
who rose against Alexander, they faced grave consequences. [screams] But most of Persia's allies
celebrated Alexander as a liberator. The Egyptians greeted him with open arms. Their feud with the empire
had lasted for too long. [music fades] Like all Greeks,
Alexander admired high culture. Rule over pharaonic Egypt
would be highly regarded back home. After taking power,
he offered sacrifices to the gods and consulted the oracle. He got what he had hoped for. Alexander was made a god-like pharaoh. [tense music] His portrait was even carved into stone
as an acknowledgement that he was the rightful son
of the highest god Amun-Re. Shortly after, the new Pharaoh set a sign. He founded Alexandria,
modeled on Greek cities. It was a symbol of his passion for establishing his own culture
in the conquered territories. All in all, Alexander founded
at least ten cities with his name. But the metropolis by the Mediterranean
was the most important one. [in German]
The fact that Alexander founded cities has special meaning because it shows that he didn't only want
to conquer territories, but he wanted
to establish lasting sovereignty. We can see that very clearly
with the foundation of Alexandria. He had the vast resources in mind that Egypt and the Middle East offered. Economic resources. He planned a big seaport... that would connect Egypt with the Mediterranean like a hub. [inspiring music] [narrator] In the spring of 331 BC, the Macedonians moved
to the Euphrates in today's Iraq. Alexander couldn't be stopped
in his advance. He didn't want to agree
on a peace pact with the Persians. [crescendo] Alexander's army crossed the Euphrates. So... he didn't take up my offer. How many soldiers does he have? We estimate about forty thousand. Forty thousand... We are by far superior in numbers. We've got more than twice as many. [narrator] In September, Alexander's troops
crossed the Tigris as well. Darius awaited him at Gaugamela. The Persian King had carefully
chosen the battleground. There were wide plains
on which his army could march. The Persian army exceeded anything
Alexander had ever seen. They were over 100,000 men. Why didn't you make peace with Darius? What did he offer you? All territories west of Euphrates
and 10,000 talents. No more than we had already
taken ourselves. It's easy to offer something
you don't own. [Parmenion] I would have taken him up
on his offer, instead of risking everything now. If I'd been you, Parmenion,
I might have done so. But there are no two suns in the sky and there can't be
two kings ruling Persia. [Philotas gasping] And I thought we
took revenge for their attacks on Greece. But it is not about that anymore. You want to surpass your late father. You want to surpass everyone. And even if. So far we've only liberated territories
the Persians had conquered. Now we are on their territory
and we will conquer them. Let's surprise them
and start the attack tonight. That would be cowardly. I don't want to steal the victory. I want to fight honorably. -[Alexander] Eye for an eye at dawn.
-[Hephaestion] You've heard it. Set up camp. We will face a challenge. [deep rumble] [narrator] Darius' super army
extended across five kilometers. A frontal attack
would have been pointless. Alexander started a diversionary maneuver. [cheering] [screams] At first he moved parallel
to the Persian front. Simultaneously,
his infantry attacked the center. [tense music] The Persians thought
he would attack the wings. But he made them follow him
until their front broke apart. Then he suddenly
turned his cavalry around. He pressed into the gap in the center in order to attack
the Persian King directly. He applied the strategy
he used at Issus again. [screams] Tirelessly, he attacked the troops
around the Persian King. [screams] Alexander wanted a final decision
in a fight of man against man. Darius! [yelling] Move. [narrator] Darius abandoned his troops. They fought to the bitter end. Alexander, we need you at the left flank or the Persians will storm our camp. I don't believe it. The old fool. Darius! [narrator] Darius' escape
sealed the Persians' second big defeat. [screams] It was the last chapter of his reign. Still on the battlefield,
Alexander proclaimed himself the new king. His reputation as bearer of peace went before him. [suspenseful music] [in German] His victory at Gaugamela
showed the Persian people that Persian military power
wasn't reliable anymore. Alexander didn't have
to conquer a big city. Babylon, Sousa, Ecbatana.
They all opened their gates. "Come in, have our treasures." [triumphant music] [narrator] Alexander entered Babylon
as a world ruler. His arrival turned
into a triumphal procession. Babylon had been in Persian hands
for 200 years. They had made the biggest
and most beautiful oriental city their second seat of government. [music stops] [Alexander] Unbelievable. Even Athens would pale
in comparison to Babylon. [narrator] Its size, splendor and luxury
were not of this world, claims the legend of Babylon's foundation. Not kings but the gods themselves
had built it. The Macedonians had only known
this legendary city from stories told by Aristotle. He didn't hold it in high regard. But Alexander was impressed. He wanted to make it even more glamorous. And he wanted to reside in Babylon
like his predecessor Darius. The King of ostracized Macedonia
had made his dreams come true. He avenged Greece and achieved victory. He achieved sovereignty
over the biggest empire in the world. Aristotle called
the Babylonians barbarians? Probably because he never saw their city. If barbarians can perform such miracles... I'm happy to be their king. [solemn music] [narrator] Soon after,
Alexander moved via Sousa to Persepolis. The Persian capital held the treasury
that he desperately needed. The war chest was almost empty
and the soldiers had to be paid. Most of them thought Persepolis
would be their last stop. The retaliation campaign
was supposed to end here. [laughs] We took revenge on the battlefield! Let's complete our work with a torch! [all cheering] [Parmenion] Alexander... [cheering] ...what are you doing? You are King of Persia now. Why would you want to burn
your own palace down? Maybe he is right. [Philotas] What kind of men are you? We are not allowed to abuse their women and now we are being denied a bonfire. Is that what your revenge looks like? [Parmenion] Let it be.
We have completed our mission. We should finally return to Greece. [Alexander] Never. Not before Darius kneels in front of me
in the dust. All this is worth nothing
as long as he is free. [narrator] The feast ended in catastrophe. The palace burned down almost entirely. What the flames spared
the soldiers carried away. There has been much speculation over it. Until today it's unclear
whether Alexander only acted on impulse. [in German] There is one possible reason, often missed in literature. Alexander wanted to make Babylon
the capital, not Persepolis. A second center bore the danger
of growing opposition. He wanted to make Babylon the center,
and that's why he destroyed Persepolis. [suspenseful music] [narrator] A little later the day came, he sent home large parts of his troops. First of all,
the soldiers of the Greek allies. He was left with Macedonians
and Greek mercenaries. He went looking for Darius with them. But the pursuit of the Persian King
took an unexpected turn. [soldier] We have found him. [narrator] After Alexander's victory,
Darius not only lost his empire but also his support. He was betrayed, ambushed and killed by his own men. [ominous music] He is dead. Now you've got what you wanted. Time to return. A king needs to die
at the hands of a king. His assassins question my authority also. -They have to be punished.
-[Philotas] Enough, Alexander. You are the King of Persia.
What else do you want? If you and your father
had been braver at Gaugamela I could have killed Darius. You wouldn't have made it that far. If you don't stop,
you'll end up like Darius in the dust. Are you threatening me? Shut up or I'll forget myself! Enough! No one questions me. Neither friend nor foe. It is not the first time
Philotas is against me. -Philotas--
-This time he went too far. Philotas is hot-headed. He didn't even tell me
that my soldiers are against me. And now I know why. He is the instigator of this conspiracy. But it won't help him. -I will preempt him.
-Alexander. We're childhood friends.
We have to stick together. Do you want me to wait until he kills me? He's threatened to kill me. That's treason. [intensified suspenseful music] Punishable by death. [narrator] Alexander didn't hesitate. He had his general and friend
tortured and executed. As a warning. Whether they were soldiers or confidants, this message got across. The Macedonian could only stay in power if he was cold and calculating. That's why he ordered a second execution. [suspenseful music stops] [in German]
Then Alexander sent his death squad to Ecbatana
to kill his friend's father also. These were the rules of the time. Alexander knew that revenge
was paramount in this case. The father would've had to take revenge
for his son, and with the possibilities
he had in the western part of the empire, it's easy to see what would've happened. [narrator] Following Alexander's wishes,
Darius was buried honorably. He was entombed
in the Persian royal burying ground. His murderer, however, had to be executed. When Alexander set off
to today's Afghanistan, his army was over 50,000 men strong. Among them many tribes
from the Persian empire. The Macedonian needed them
to crush the pockets of resistance in the remote areas of his empire. [upbeat music] But there was no end
to the bloody battles. Time and again Alexander
had to deal with defeat. But then a young princess
fell into the general's hands and he captured her. It is said that Alexander
immediately fell in love with her. Her name was Roxana, little star. Alexander officially made her his wife. But this marriage was also about politics. It served to establish peace
and a Persian-Greek dynasty. [in German] Of course marriages
between Greeks and Persians had existed before. But not among royals. It was extraordinary that Alexander
didn't choose a Greek to be his wife, which he could have done and was expected to. His father married a Greek
in his second marriage. He made a statement
in marrying a Persian princess, so that everyone could see
he was the new Persian King. [narrator] Alexander adopted
Persian culture without hesitation. He also expected genuflection
and hand-kissing. Even from his own people. But it wasn't delusion of grandeur, it was the calculus of a ruler. The Persians would have despised him if he had not adopted the rituals
of the people he ruled. [suspenseful music] For his friends, however,
they were an imposition. They were used to different behavior. Cleitus, who saved
Alexander's life before, refused this gesture of submission. Don't you want to pay respect to me? I do, but I only kneel before the gods. I am of divine descent. My deeds are greater
than those of Heracles and Achilles. And even if they were. You are just human like we all are. We fought side by side
and succeeded together. And now you ask us
to kneel in front of you? I am the Great King. I demand the respect I am entitled to. You treat us like Persian barbarians. You forget who your friends are. I gave you more fame and wealth
than you could have dreamed of. Fame? [chuckles] The fame that we've all earned
should be only yours now? Quiet. And your gold... is not enough to buy back
the respect you've lost. Quiet! I said, be quiet! No! [both grumbling and gasping] [ominous music] [narrator] A crime of passion. It happened at one of the Macedonians'
infamous drinking bouts. In a dispute about rank and honor Alexander and Cleitus
went for each other's throats. They were probably drunk. [Hans-Joachim] I actually believe
that the murder of Cleitus was an emotional act. They were close friends. Cleitus was one of his best friends. And I think Alexander
killed Cleitus in a rage. Which he later, once sobered up,
deeply regretted. But the man was dead. [narrator] Just a few weeks later,
this seemed to be forgotten. Soon after, the emperor
went onto a scouting expedition. He heard about an old mountain pass,
often used by merchants. Alexander planned to extend
his empire to the East. The route was supposed
to lead across Afghan borders. He demanded that his people
would follow him to the end of the world. To a place where no Greek had ever been. [suspenseful music] The route led along the Hindu Kush
at a height of 1,000 meters. Beyond lay a land
that had never been conquered. Do you remember what Aristotle
once told us about these mountains? No, I can't remember. [gasps] He called them
"peaks no eagle could pass." And beyond them is the end of the world. No Greek has ever seen it. [gasps] I will give the order
to leave at dawn. [gasps] At about midday we should
have conquered the first pass. [narrator] After many bloody battles
and enormous hardship Alexander tempted fate again. [in German]
After having conquered the Persian empire, one could say
that Greece had got its revenge. But it is interesting that Alexander didn't stop
and return at this point. His contemporaries couldn't understand it. They thought it was "pothos,"
a longing, that drove Alexander forward. [narrator] At that time,
the end of the then known world was believed to be in India. The exotic country was said
to border the world ocean that surrounded the globe. But the earth is larger
than ancient scholars suspected. Allegedly,
135,000 volunteer soldiers dared to make the journey across
the dangerous Khyber Pass to India. The core army was more than twice as large as it was at the beginning
of the conquest. [music stops] In the spring of 326 BC, they reached the Indus Valley
in today's Pakistan. The army fought heat and humidity. The fauna was exotic
and full of mosquitos. The monsoon had turned the soil
into impassable marshland. But nature wasn't the only challenge. [trumpeting] [narrator] At the river Hydaspes
the Indian King Poros attacked Alexander with an equally strong army
and with war elephants. It was a bloody battle,
evenly balanced for long periods. But in the end the conquerors
from the West succeeded. It was the last big battle they fought. [screams] Alexander's army was
at the end of its forces. And it is said that he faced
the greatest loss of his life. Bucephalus, his beloved horse,
died from exhaustion. His death allegedly
broke Alexander's heart. But despite the setbacks
he wanted to move on. After eight years
and 18,000 kilometers, however, his men were tired of war. They became mutinous
and wanted to return to Greece. [Alexander] And? Have you made a decision? We've almost reached our destination. We will be able to see
the end of the world. It's a heroic act
that no one will ever outdo. Our names will be immortal. I understand you, Alexander. And you know I was a loyal companion. But I can only tell you that you won't convince your men
to carry on. They will oppose you if you coerce them. They would rather die here, at your hands, than follow you to the end of the world. Do you remember Achilles and Patroclus? We wanted to be like them. We were like them. We even surpassed them. They died in battle. It was their fate. And they'd asked for it. And us? What awaits us? A life at royal court. Surrounded by flatterers and bootlickers. In the lap of beautiful women. And on boring hunting excursions. That's what awaits us back home.
Do you really want that? Alexander. You conquered a world empire
from the back of your horse, but you can't rule it
from the back of your horse. If you want to be at war forever your empire will not last. [narrator]
So close to the fulfillment of his dream, Alexander felt let down. But eventually he gave the order
to return home. [in German] After 70 days of rain
you don't want to walk any further. Alexander then had the ingenious idea of locking himself in his tent. He was sulking and went into a sit-in. But as the people wouldn't give in,
he consulted the gods. The gods were consulted by the priests. And the priests knew what they wanted and said,
"We're really sorry, but the gods oppose." And Alexander said,
"If the gods oppose, I have to return." But he returned on a different route. He sailed with a fleet down the Indus
to the Indian Ocean. So he reached the end
of the world after all. Then he split his forces. The ships explored
the sea route to Persia. And Alexander went overland
with his troops. [rumble] The soldiers had to cross one
of the most forbidding places on Earth. The march through the Gedrosian Desert
became a death march. When Alexander finally arrived in Babylon, he had lost more men than in any battle. [tranquil music] And the setbacks didn't stop. Hephaestion, his closest friend,
fell severely ill. It was probably malaria. [Alexander]
You can't leave me alone just now. We've still got so much to do. [gasps] I am Patroclus. [gasps] And you are... Achilles. I have to die before you, my friend. [sobbing] [gasping] It is written in The Iliad. [narrator] But unlike the poem,
Hephaestion didn't die on the battlefield. Their shared dream of fame
through heroic death didn't come true. Alexander mourned his friend
on an overwhelming scale. For three days he held
funeral games in Babylon. Just like Achilles did it for Patroclus. [ominous music] Just half a year later,
Alexander also fell ill. During the preparations
for a new campaign to Arabia. Some say, there was poison involved. But he probably had malaria as well. The emperor was closer to death than life. The court worried
about the future of the empire. Roxana was pregnant with his son, but Alexander didn't name a successor. Alexander. Who is supposed to rule your empire? The most powerful one of you. Alexander the Great
died on 10 June, 323 BC. In Greece a bitter fight
about his succession started. The empire he founded broke apart
within just a few decades. But he spread Greek culture over three continents
all the way to India. And he was
the first European world ruler in history. He was buried in Alexandria. In the city that carried his name. The exact location fell into oblivion. He formed the image
of Alexander the heroic conqueror. But the honorary title "the Great"
was given to him only by the Romans. Others continued to tell his legend across generations and borders. What remains is the fascination with a man who changed the world. [music ends]
