[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]
