Alexander is dead! Or so the Thebans think. It’s 335 BCE, and the ancient superpower of Thebes seizes its chance to cast off Macedonian rule after hearing Alexander has been killed in battle. There’s just one problem. He isn’t dead. Find out what happens in Dr Fay Edwards' telling of one of the darkest moments of Alexander's early reign.

Show notes & transcript: www.alexanderthegreatpodcast.com

Royal succession in the kingdom of ancient Macedon was anything but straightforward. This episode reveals how 7 rival claimants to the throne who existed on Philip II's death, gave way to Alexander's accession. From Olympias' alleged murders through to the claims of cousins, infants and half-brothers, you'll discover why becoming king required far more than being the eldest son. A gripping introduction to the ruthless politics that launched Alexander's extraordinary reign.

Was Alexander the Great's father killed by an ex-lover with a personal grudge? ...Or was there a conspiracy to murder the king using the ex-lover as a pawn?

That's the question of this episode.

And Professor Ian Worthington's answer is clear: Yes, there was a conspiracy. And who were the conspirators? Alexander and his mother Olympias.

Why does he think this? Listen to the episode to find out!

Want to let me know your thoughts? You can find me on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube @alexanderthegreatpodcast or visit the website www.alexanderthegreatpodcast.com

In episode 1, we heard that King Philip II was killed by his male lover... so what were the norms surrounding same sex relationships in the ancient world? Is it right to call Philip gay or bi-sexual? And were there any famous same sex couples in ancient Greece?

Find out the answers to these questions and many more in this fascinating discussion with expert, Dr Andrew Lear.

Alexander the Great's father is murdered... at his daughter's wedding... by his ex male lover. Welcome to the soap opera that is Alexander's life and reign.

FREE download: The 5 Most Infamous Murders of Alexander the Great.

Confused?! Get oriented with: Alexander the Great: Ultimate Starter Pack.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we explore the dramatic assassination of King Philip II of Macedon in 336 BCE - one of the most pivotal moments in ancient history, which sets the stage for the rise of his son, Alexander the Great.

Drawing on ancient sources, including Plutarch, Diodorus, and Justin, we examine the motives of Pausanias, who kills Philip at the wedding of his own daughter, Cleopatra (not that Cleopatra), to her uncle, Alexander I of Epirus.

We look at simmering tensions in Philip’s court, including his decision to take a fully Macedonian 7th wife, her uncle Attalus’ inflammatory remarks about a ‘legitimate heir,’ and the fall-out between Philip and Alexander after the ‘Pixodarus affair.’

Question is: Was this a personal act of revenge or part of a wider conspiracy against Philip? Did Alexander have anything to do with it?

Sound credits:

Peaceful Harp Loop by Joanne_pang Attribution Non-Commercial 0

Fanfare announcement by zagi2 Attribution Non-Commercial 0

Dagger sound by Artninja Attribution 4

Male Death Cry by F.M.Audio Attribution 4