@@itoibo4208 I understand how you could view it that way, and you're entitled to feel that way, if that's how you wish to interpret it, but I'm trying to keep things in the scope of the context presented and not attribute them to anything other than that
@@brucejuice349 nothing personal. I am wondering why he was invading other lands at this point? Do you know? Was there a need, or was this merely about growing an empire?
@Tacitus G. Kilgore Yes. I can understand why some people wanted to go home if there was nothing really to fight over. You cannot spend all of that loot if you are dead. Quit while you are ahead. Retire and live out the rest of your life in fabulous luxury vs risking your life in pointless battles.
It's mindboggling to me that he became king at 20, and then literally just spent the next 12 years of his life walking the known earth and taking everything in sight. He was on the move non-stop pretty much for 12 straight years.
@@johnchristopher3032 Sparta by the time of Philip II was a shadow of it's former self, by the time of Alexander, Sparta were a bunch of nobodies holding on to past glories. The Spartan decline had long since passed
@@johnchristopher3032 It was also necessary to keep the Spartans around because their reputation was still so terrifying that they would rather bow to King Philip of Macedonia for protection against them. IF
@@alexman378 Is there still a large population of you guys in Egypt, or have many of you left after the Arab spring? Do you think Egyptian Greeks would ever return to Egypt in the future?
@@003mohamud There is still a sizeable population, but it’s hard to pick up now. Guesstimates would be that the population accounts for roughly 10% of the Egyptian population, but it’s not very accurate. President Nasser’s nationalization program now would count those Greeks as Egyptian nationals, so to estimate the actual Greek population is difficult to do through statistics alone. As far as the Arab Spring results go, we can’t really tell what the results will be because it’s not over. The Arab Winter is still ongoing if I remember correctly.
As a Greek, my 2 favorite speeches is this one and the last speech of Constantine XI Palaiologos before he rushed out to die defending Constantinople. Both wear purple cloaks, speaking Greek even when they were almost 2000 years apart.
The narrator did an amazing job with this speech. Rhetoric and oratory are important skills and fine arts when well understood, dangerous threats when not. By familiarizing yourself with the tools of persuasion you inoculate yourself to their use; by mastering them you master yourself and begin to influence the world around you.
I'm reminded of something I read in a history book long ago it wasn't really a speech but it sure was cool During 1912 a German Kaiser Wilhelm the II posed a question to Switzerland who had a tiny but skilled army at the time and asked them "what would the Swiss with a mere quarter of a million soldiers do if the Germans Invaded with an army half a million strong" and the response was "Shoot Twice"
Great story, reminded me of one I had heard, hope you hadn't already heard this one, or that you still enjoy it anyway: A large group of Russian soldiers in the border area in 1939 are moving down a road when they hear a voice call from behind a small hill: "One Finnish soldier is better than ten Russian". The Russian commander quickly orders 10 of his best men over the hill where a gun-battle breaks out and continues for a few minutes, then silence. The voice once again calls out: "One Finn is better than one hundred Russians." Furious, the Russian commander sends his next best 100 troops over the hill and instantly a huge gun fight commences. After 10 minutes of battle, again silence. The calm Finnish voice calls out again: "One Finn is better than one thousand Russians!" The enraged Russian commander musters 1000 fighters and sends them to the other side of the hill. Rifle fire, machine guns, grenades, rockets and cannon fire ring out as a terrible battle is fought.... Then silence. Eventually one badly wounded Russian fighter crawls back over the hill and with his dying words tells his commander, "Don't send any more men......it's a trap. There are two of them."
All right, but apart from the sanitation, the medicine, education, wine, public order, irrigation, roads, a fresh water system, and public health, what has Alexander the Great ever done for us?
@@cobba42 Yes. The places he conquered were largely places* that had or actively were being oppressed and exploited (to use modern dialog) by neighboring regions, once the invaded regions were conquered or in cases where they chose to not fight against Alexander they became part of his empire and were met with a lasting peace they had mostly never known, because attacking any part of the Macedonian empire at that time was effectively suicide.
He was speaking Greek and he was addressing a Pan-Hellenic Army, albeit the majority of whom where Macedonians. This speech occurred after the Battle of the Multan Fortress where he was struck with a three-foot arrow from a six-foot bow. The arrow pieced red his shield and breast plate. Alexander almost succumbed to the wound but his talented Doctor, Philip, removed the arrow and performed successful surgery. However, Alexander never recovered from the wound, and some historians speculate it caused his death in Babylon. Your eloquent explanation was excellent. Alexander believed he was related to Achilles through his mother, Olympia. Interestingly, it;s reported that Alexander was carrying Achilles' shield when he was wounded. Alexander's first stop on his Asian Expedition after crossing the Hellespont was the city of Troy to honor Achilles grave. The city father's gifted Achilles's shield to Alexander to his great delight. He carried it as his shield up until he was wounded by the Malians at the Multan Fortress. Your eloquent explanation was excellent.
You mentioned that Alexander didn't speak in English, fair enough. For that reason, EPiC TV released a video of that same speech read in ancient Greek pronunciation (with subtitles available). Even if you don't understand Greek, and the reader has a softer voice, the speech still sounds powerful (illustrations and music are the same). It inspired me to spend several months re-learning speaking (not just reading) the so called "classical Greek" I've learnt in high school. UA-cam at its best.
Achilles' line is a fiction of the film, as in the Iliad, all kings were great warriors who fought with their men, Agamemnon among the greatest. Julius Caesar (according to himself) once he came before a statue of Alexander, wept and said "to think that he achieved all this by 30, and here i am having done nothing as memorable".
A lot of people misunderstood that statement. Achilles says it when he is sent as the best man against the best of the enemy army. He didn't mean it in the sense that kings should fight on the front lines in battle, which is what also happened in the Middle Ages and we see in the movie. He meant this jocular remark in the context of the upcoming duel where both armies including the kings will watch two "ordinary" men fight and one of them will win. Achilles mocked Agamemnon by saying that it should be the kings who will fight because the kings decide that the people will go to war so let them fight it out themselves and not send their servants who don't even want to go to war.
nowadays i try not to look at the title to get surprised as i watch everything you post. Love the way you share your wisdom, thank you so much! Warm greetings from Amsterdam, that's in the Netherlands ;)
I've heard this speech on this exact video (I love history channels) 5, make that 6, times. Yes, it's the best speech ever. Alexander had the timing, mythology, accomplishments and bravado necessary to make this epic speech legendary.
His father was better. Alexander just inherited the army his father built. What good is a tactician if your army can't follow the orders? Alexander led "his" army into Persia shortly after his father's death, that's not enough time to train an army. The fact is, he led the finest fighting force the world had ever seen until that point, forged and perfected by his father over 20 years of incessant warring. Philip was the Greater, Alexander was just the Lucky.
@@cheesehands3112 His father was great. However there is no better this or that. They did different things. Alexander has turned around battles mid-way many times largely due to his wit, and he also changed the army multiple times since the starting army would not be suitable for many of the battles. He also managed amazingly the starting army as well which had known weaknesses which he masterfully covered to maximize the strengths. Weaknesses that some centuries later other Macedonians were terrible to cover and which led to losses to Romans. Dont compare the two just agree that they did very well.
Instant thought after hearing it for the first time.. "If you don't die with this man, you'll be nothing." Obviously, his ploy to empathy, REALLY worked.. I fought none of this, and I'm ready for the next.
You should consider reading “Confusion De Confusiones,” by Joseph de la Vega. It’s less than 100 pages (English translation), but it accounts the mentalities of participants involved in markets, leading up to the Tulip Mania, during the 2nd half of the 17th century.
Sounds a bit like “Extraordinary Popular Delusions & the Madness of Crowds”, but much, much shorter- I will indeed check it out. Thanks for the recommendation!
@@NoProtocol it may be very similar, except this was originally printed during the late 1600s. A more contemporary comparison to that, though written around the market events preceding and following the Great Depression, is “Reminiscences of a Stock Operator,” by Jesse Livermore. No problem!
Notice the Macedonian empire stopped short of Sparta. Philip II threatened Sparta, "You are advised to submit without further delay, for if I bring my army into your land, I will destroy your farms, slay your people, and raze your city. If I invade Laconia you will be destroyed, never to rise again.” The Spartans replied with a single word: “If...”
This was great. I am familiar with epic history, but don't watch a lot of stuff they have. Hadn't seen this before. Really enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing and thanks to the subscriber for suggesting
I’m loving this video and the animation as I just left Athens a few days ago - there is an exhibit of the head of a statue of Alexander in the Acropolis museum dating back 2-3 century BC. I wish I heard this speech before my visit. What a cool thing to hear a portion of this speech on a museum audio guide as well.
Speech like this. Is one of many reasons. Why Alexander is my favorite person ever in history. I have done papers in college about him. Gave speeches about him too.
Amongst other things, I really appreciate your understanding and appreciation of history. Unfortunately, most people have little or no understanding or appreciation of history.
That is as moving as the speeches that Ceasar gave when his beloved 9th Legion wanted to go home and then they begged his forgiveness. Also the one Washington gave to his troops at Valley Forge (I think) when his men weren't paid. He took out a piece of paper and then his glasses and told his troops to forgive him for his eyes aren't what they were. He read his speech and just about the entire army were in tears (if I'm not mistaken) and then wanted to fight on.
Close, it was actually a speech given at the end of the war in 1783 after he learned of a potential mutiny by his officer corp for lack of payment and fear Congress would provide back pay. His words were, "Gentlemen, you must pardon me. I have grown gray in your service and now find myself growing blind." Which as you stated, touched every man’s heart in the room. A brilliant display of oratory genius and understanding the moment.
Sun Tzu can be pretty much summed up in one sentence: Always attack your enemy in an unexpected place at an unexpected time from an unexpected direction. Simply brilliant.
add: "If needed, but it's better to avoid direct conflict." Sun Tzu wasn't only on attack tactics, but how to win battles without having them too. ("Open your gates" for example, enemy expects a trap and retreats.)
I saw you visually geek out when the speaker talked about the wounds in the front at least haha. Cute. I myself took it as he was surrounded by worthy men, no stabs in the back for him. I like your interpretation too. Anyway, nice video!
The line about the wounds reminds me of some of our Kings in Sweden. Particularly Charles XII. He always fought together with his men, mostly in the vanguard or wherever the fighting was hardest. During the Great Northern War when he crossed the river Düna, he stood at the front of the first landing craft, ready to meet an entrenched enemy force almost three times the size of his own. And won. He wore a simple soldiers uniform, slept on the ground wrapped in his cloak, ate the same food together with his men while the officers ate lavishly. He kept watch, built fortifications and went on patrol with his men. There's another story, I forgot the details but the gist of it is this: He and a detachment of soldiers were chasing the enemy on horse towards a fortified town, caught up with the just as they were closing the gate and forced their way inside. One soldier was aiming a cannon at them from the ramparts and Charles rushed up the stairs, slapped the torch from his hand and scolded him in german. Many other stories like this exist. Sadly he met his end with a bullet to the temple, while keeping watch in the trenches during a siege in Norway
He also paid for the education of the soldiers children born on campaign and the woman who accompanied them were given a dowry to get a good marriage. Believe he had 8 major wounds. , he lead his cavalry personally in the front rank . His first battle was at 16 , 50 plus battles no all victories. He also built 17 city's, and commissioned two of the 7 wonders of the world. The library at Alexandria and the lighthouse of Alexandria. ( basically the first university) and an automated oil powered stone skyscraper lighthouse to guide ships into port . He also built a citadel palace it was took up a quarter of the city. But it would take a long time yo go into all the details of his extraordinary life.
"He who leads from the rear, takes it in the rear." - Paraphrased from the original quote I heard Damn good video and take on such. Brought back many memories from my childhood. War and history were all I studied in elementary.
Great video. Alexander always led from the front. A true leader. Admiral McRaven speech in 2014 to the grads of the University of Texas is also a great speech.
He was born less than 100 kilometres from my city and all of us are proud of him but his personal ambition was merely boundless and almost no man or army could stand up to his standards, eventually his never resting spirit would tire them all out haha
When you look at what Alexander had done it makes you think as to what the world would look like today if he had lived a long life. He was a proponent of education so again what would the middle east look like today if he lived. Lots to think about for me anyway.
So many stories about Alexander, and if even 10% of them are true, Alexander was certainly a compelling, reckless, wily leader, from renaming a month so that his troops would fight during what would be a sacred month, to leading his Companion cavalry at the head of a wedge formation, to attacking a city all by himself (to start with at least, his troops got a bit riled up when he jumped over the city wall ....). I'd certainly not like to get on his bad side, but he was usually generous to his friends (Parmenion excluded, perhaps). I had read of this particular event and knew the basics, but had not known there was an account of the speech (accurate or not), and the impression I have is that sounds pretty much like what I'd have expected him to say!
You should do a video on Msgt. John Chapman. He was video recorded earning the Medal of Honor X2 in Afghanistan. The SEAL team he was supporting left him and he ended up saving al of them and a quick reaction force helo that crashed. It will make you cry.
Why did I hate world history in school yet love it so much in adulthood I seek to archive its audio today? Could it be the teachers themselves and their portrayal / presentation of it?
I similarly did not like history in school but have so much fun learning about it now. Perhaps it’s partly to do with the way it was presented to me from teachers, but my brain probably wasn’t ready for it back then either. Did you have good teachers?
@@MikinessAnalog "pique". I agree with No Protocol. I think history is boring for kids. We appreciate, as adults, what it took to conquer lands and build empires, especially in an age without instant communication over long distances. As children, this was just another of many rulers who fought for land. A land that is not our own, that no longer exists in the same form today, in a time when running water was the height of technology. Even now, especially after hearing this reenactment, I have to wonder why they wanted to leave. Were they tired of risking and losing their lives to take more lands? Did they feel like they had done enough? Was it just plain greedy to keep going? What did it matter to rule over everything they came into contact with, like vicious, aggressive, ant colonies? Was Alexander really great, or just an abusive, and mad, tyrant seeking fame and glory for himself and his family?
@@itoibo4208 In my humble opinion, the "history class" format focuses on the wrong parts... the *_specifics_* . I.E. In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue, In 1493 Columbus sailed the great blue sea, in 1494 Columbus sailed the seas once more.".... That has been *_BURNED_* into my brain for over 20 years now... Though I never even *_KNEW_* about the "Laws of Logic", you know the foundation of all science, reason, logic, Math, etc, etc.... nah, lets not mention that stuff. Or to try to tell *_stories_* about history as opposed to cold hard numbers, dates, names, etc. Give the children the narrative of history, the "whys" a bit more, and I bet it'd be more captivating.
He made sure that his fallen soldiers family's never had to pays taxes, says a lot about the culture. Even today in the richest nations on earth all they give the family's is a folded flag.
Just minutiae, when I was deployed just north of Baghdad (TAJI), I went into the Green Zone regularly and the Baghdad area had more to offer 2K years ago than it does today.
I can imagine having that guy (supposedly) saying ithose words in front of me and thousands of other people while riding his horse and barely hearing only chunks of the speach...
In the book of Daniel in the Bible references are made to Alexander The Great. In 8:5-8 he is known in the Hebrew as a he-goat of the goats. In 11:3 "Then a powerful king will arise, exercising great authority and doing as he pleases." Again, that's Alexander The Great.
Wow. Fast intros, good understanding analysis on the topics and people in the video, that "geeking out" stuff you do and the classic hair on the eye that moves when you blink. I think im ready to subscribe to No Protocol 👏 ps (very well spoken and good reader 10/10 I love your videos👏👏👏 )
tbh this comment still haunts me. I loved watching her videos then I sent this comment. Felt regret as soon as I sent the comment because I sounded creepy about the hair thing and could never watch her content ever again because of this comment I made. I'm only back because she was in my recommended just know that I came from a good place but I will never forget this cringe. I subscribed but never watched a video again because I kept thinking about this comment im sorry I wish nothing but the best for you
As a vet I know leadership. Some people think they lead, but don't. Those are what we have today. But leading doesn't require war or conquest. It can happen in small ways that can matter. Leaders often do what they do, and turn around to see people following. My favorite "leadership" line is from a movie, "Convoy" which I will miss quote. When Rubber Duck was asked who made him the leader, he replied, "I'm not the leader. I just happen to be in front."
What amazed me when I was in the army as a reserve officer is that leadership, at least on the level of making people around follow what you say, is surprisingly not that hard. It requires a few things that are a bit unusual (honesty and fairness towards those you are called to lead), but if you have those, people will follow because they will be convinced that what you say is not a "command", but "the best way to a better situation". I was forced to lead soldiers that were better than me, smarter than me and more educated and trained than me. They all followed my command not because I was better than them, nor because I had a badge that said "officer", but because they realised that we were in the same situation and all I wanted was for us to get out of it in the fastest, most efficient and effortless way we all could. I hope that sometimes, when those people remember their time in the army, they remember me as fondly as I do.
Man, even I feel like I owe Alexander an apology after this.
Exactly.
"Great enough of it's own, but small compared to what you've gained from me" Gave me chills
gave me the creeps. Sounds like an abusive husband telling his wife why she is an ungrateful loser if she leaves him.
@@itoibo4208 I understand how you could view it that way, and you're entitled to feel that way, if that's how you wish to interpret it, but I'm trying to keep things in the scope of the context presented and not attribute them to anything other than that
@@brucejuice349 Keeping things in their proper context is wise.
@@brucejuice349 nothing personal. I am wondering why he was invading other lands at this point? Do you know? Was there a need, or was this merely about growing an empire?
@Tacitus G. Kilgore Yes. I can understand why some people wanted to go home if there was nothing really to fight over. You cannot spend all of that loot if you are dead. Quit while you are ahead. Retire and live out the rest of your life in fabulous luxury vs risking your life in pointless battles.
It's mindboggling to me that he became king at 20, and then literally just spent the next 12 years of his life walking the known earth and taking everything in sight. He was on the move non-stop pretty much for 12 straight years.
But not Sparta. He left them alone.
@@johnchristopher3032 Sparta by the time of Philip II was a shadow of it's former self, by the time of Alexander, Sparta were a bunch of nobodies holding on to past glories.
The Spartan decline had long since passed
Also he won his first battle at age 16
@@MasterIceyy IF
@@johnchristopher3032 It was also necessary to keep the Spartans around because their reputation was still so terrifying that they would rather bow to King Philip of Macedonia for protection against them.
IF
"There isn't one part of my body, THE FRONT AT LEAST, that doesn't bear a wound". What an awesome way to say "I've never run from the enemy".
Greatest "I'm not mad, just disappointed" speech ever 😂
Historically speaking, dude was a true heavyweight. He died so young.... perhaps the world he hadn't conquered should be grateful for that.
Why? I’m a Greek from Alexandria, Egypt, and Greeks with Egyptians still have a great relationship due to what Alexander did there.
@@alexman378 Is there still a large population of you guys in Egypt, or have many of you left after the Arab spring? Do you think Egyptian Greeks would ever return to Egypt in the future?
@@003mohamud There is still a sizeable population, but it’s hard to pick up now. Guesstimates would be that the population accounts for roughly 10% of the Egyptian population, but it’s not very accurate. President Nasser’s nationalization program now would count those Greeks as Egyptian nationals, so to estimate the actual Greek population is difficult to do through statistics alone.
As far as the Arab Spring results go, we can’t really tell what the results will be because it’s not over. The Arab Winter is still ongoing if I remember correctly.
@@alexman378 what's the Arab Winter?
@@003mohamud Think of it as the sequel of the Arab Spring.
I absolutely loved this historical context, and the side quote from Achilles, "Imagine a King who fights his own battles, wouldn't that be a sight."
Funny thing is Alexander adored Achilles and believed he was descendant of Achilles and Heracles
As a Greek, my 2 favorite speeches is this one and the last speech of Constantine XI Palaiologos before he rushed out to die defending Constantinople. Both wear purple cloaks, speaking Greek even when they were almost 2000 years apart.
Plus: in a highly admirable language/text! I wonder if there is a good English translation available for non-Greek speakers.
Indeed.
The narrator did an amazing job with this speech. Rhetoric and oratory are important skills and fine arts when well understood, dangerous threats when not. By familiarizing yourself with the tools of persuasion you inoculate yourself to their use; by mastering them you master yourself and begin to influence the world around you.
Man, this speech is awesome. I'm a big history nerd but it never occurred to me to look this up. Love your choice of content
It was actually sent to me, but as a fellow history nerd, I’m glad it was
yeah this is awesome, its not factual tho. BUT the speech is so good when u know what he is talking about
Epic History TV is the best history channel anywhere! Definitely check them out specifically their Napoleon series. Truely unrivalled.
@@NoProtocol I'm history buff myself. This was interesting. Btw, you are so gorgeous!
I'm reminded of something I read in a history book long ago it wasn't really a speech but it sure was cool During 1912 a German Kaiser Wilhelm the II posed a question to Switzerland who had a tiny but skilled army at the time and asked them "what would the Swiss with a mere quarter of a million soldiers do if the Germans Invaded with an army half a million strong" and the response was "Shoot Twice"
Great story, reminded me of one I had heard, hope you hadn't already heard this one, or that you still enjoy it anyway:
A large group of Russian soldiers in the border area in 1939 are moving down a road when they hear a voice call from behind a small hill: "One Finnish soldier is better than ten Russian". The Russian commander quickly orders 10 of his best men over the hill where a gun-battle breaks out and continues for a few minutes, then silence. The voice once again calls out: "One Finn is better than one hundred Russians."
Furious, the Russian commander sends his next best 100 troops over the hill and instantly a huge gun fight commences. After 10 minutes of battle, again silence.
The calm Finnish voice calls out again: "One Finn is better than one thousand Russians!"
The enraged Russian commander musters 1000 fighters and sends them to the other side of the hill. Rifle fire, machine guns, grenades, rockets and cannon fire ring out as a terrible battle is fought.... Then silence.
Eventually one badly wounded Russian fighter crawls back over the hill and with his dying words tells his commander,
"Don't send any more men......it's a trap. There are two of them."
@@James-iu2km there’s a similar tale involving an invading English army and Welsh soldiers 😆
This is a ( very ) old story . Change " Swiss " for " Spartan " and you get the idea .
Yea shoot twice bro i'm dyin over here !!!!! 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀
All right, but apart from the sanitation, the medicine, education, wine, public order, irrigation, roads, a fresh water system, and public health, what has Alexander the Great ever done for us?
"A modern guide to ancient politics"
Fuckin' Bactrian Liberation Front! 😤
Brought peace?
@@cobba42 Yes. The places he conquered were largely places* that had or actively were being oppressed and exploited (to use modern dialog) by neighboring regions, once the invaded regions were conquered or in cases where they chose to not fight against Alexander they became part of his empire and were met with a lasting peace they had mostly never known, because attacking any part of the Macedonian empire at that time was effectively suicide.
@@cobba42 Furthermore, Alexander and his father Philip both offered peace before war. Join them or face their army.
He was speaking Greek and he was addressing a Pan-Hellenic Army, albeit the majority of whom where Macedonians. This speech occurred after the Battle of the Multan Fortress where he was struck with a three-foot arrow from a six-foot bow. The arrow pieced red his shield and breast plate. Alexander almost succumbed to the wound but his talented Doctor, Philip, removed the arrow and performed successful surgery. However, Alexander never recovered from the wound, and some historians speculate it caused his death in Babylon.
Your eloquent explanation was excellent. Alexander believed he was related to Achilles through his mother, Olympia. Interestingly, it;s reported that Alexander was carrying Achilles' shield when he was wounded. Alexander's first stop on his Asian Expedition after crossing the Hellespont was the city of Troy to honor Achilles grave. The city father's gifted Achilles's shield to Alexander to his great delight. He carried it as his shield up until he was wounded by the Malians at the Multan Fortress. Your eloquent explanation was excellent.
The grave and burial site of Achilles is in Snake island, modern day Ukraine.
@@kostask4747 Bullshit.
@@praxisoflogos4797 Because he was a true historical figure, just as all the others.
@@praxisoflogos4797ngmi
You mentioned that Alexander didn't speak in English, fair enough. For that reason, EPiC TV released a video of that same speech read in ancient Greek pronunciation (with subtitles available). Even if you don't understand Greek, and the reader has a softer voice, the speech still sounds powerful (illustrations and music are the same). It inspired me to spend several months re-learning speaking (not just reading) the so called "classical Greek" I've learnt in high school. UA-cam at its best.
A leader that fights with their soldiers. How far we have strayed
I love this speech and that exact video, whoever recommended this is a legend! 🙏
I quite liked it as well (:
If Alexander would lived to like 50 we'd probably be calling this Planet Alexandria instead of Earth lol
Interesting. The "wounds on the front" part actually stuck out to me too! Like, wounds from fighting, not from running.
There are so many amazing speeches to consider, and this is definitely one of them. My favorite is still "Apology" - Plato.
Thanks!
Achilles' line is a fiction of the film, as in the Iliad, all kings were great warriors who fought with their men, Agamemnon among the greatest. Julius Caesar (according to himself) once he came before a statue of Alexander, wept and said "to think that he achieved all this by 30, and here i am having done nothing as memorable".
A lot of people misunderstood that statement. Achilles says it when he is sent as the best man against the best of the enemy army. He didn't mean it in the sense that kings should fight on the front lines in battle, which is what also happened in the Middle Ages and we see in the movie. He meant this jocular remark in the context of the upcoming duel where both armies including the kings will watch two "ordinary" men fight and one of them will win. Achilles mocked Agamemnon by saying that it should be the kings who will fight because the kings decide that the people will go to war so let them fight it out themselves and not send their servants who don't even want to go to war.
nowadays i try not to look at the title to get surprised as i watch everything you post.
Love the way you share your wisdom, thank you so much!
Warm greetings from Amsterdam, that's in the Netherlands ;)
I've heard this speech on this exact video (I love history channels) 5, make that 6, times. Yes, it's the best speech ever. Alexander had the timing, mythology, accomplishments and bravado necessary to make this epic speech legendary.
I listen to this speech almost everyday I go to the gym and used to listen to it everyday I went to university.
Also, just have to say... the fact that you chose to do a video on this, makes me adore you that much more.
Alexander the Great is in my opinion one of the best tacticians to ever lead an army.
His father was better. Alexander just inherited the army his father built. What good is a tactician if your army can't follow the orders? Alexander led "his" army into Persia shortly after his father's death, that's not enough time to train an army. The fact is, he led the finest fighting force the world had ever seen until that point, forged and perfected by his father over 20 years of incessant warring. Philip was the Greater, Alexander was just the Lucky.
@@cheesehands3112 His father was great. However there is no better this or that. They did different things.
Alexander has turned around battles mid-way many times largely due to his wit, and he also changed the army multiple times since the starting army would not be suitable for many of the battles. He also managed amazingly the starting army as well which had known weaknesses which he masterfully covered to maximize the strengths.
Weaknesses that some centuries later other Macedonians were terrible to cover and which led to losses to Romans.
Dont compare the two just agree that they did very well.
Instant thought after hearing it for the first time.. "If you don't die with this man, you'll be nothing." Obviously, his ploy to empathy, REALLY worked.. I fought none of this, and I'm ready for the next.
You keep drawing me in more, I appreciate you!
Hey, thanks! I appreciate you watching (:
Fantastic video. I'm such a nerd when it comes to Greek and Roman history, and I love this video of Alexander's speech at Opis.
You should consider reading “Confusion De Confusiones,” by Joseph de la Vega. It’s less than 100 pages (English translation), but it accounts the mentalities of participants involved in markets, leading up to the Tulip Mania, during the 2nd half of the 17th century.
Sounds a bit like “Extraordinary Popular Delusions & the Madness of Crowds”, but much, much shorter- I will indeed check it out. Thanks for the recommendation!
@@NoProtocol it may be very similar, except this was originally printed during the late 1600s.
A more contemporary comparison to that, though written around the market events preceding and following the Great Depression, is “Reminiscences of a Stock Operator,” by Jesse Livermore.
No problem!
Notice the Macedonian empire stopped short of Sparta. Philip II threatened Sparta, "You are advised to submit without further delay, for if I bring my army into your land, I will destroy your farms, slay your people, and raze your city. If I invade Laconia you will be destroyed, never to rise again.”
The Spartans replied with a single word: “If...”
Sparta is the most overrated military in the ancient world. Roman Legionaries were 10x the soldiers, and possessed far more useful non combat skills.
Them Spartans weren't no joke. I wouldn't have invaded them. Especially if Leonidas was alive.
Im Greek and i loved your video!!!
Awesome reaction. It's a superbly made video and a chilling speech. Enjoyed hearing your intellectual and well-informed comments at the end.
It was cool. You are a great speaker you are always clear and concise. You have an easy smile and spirit that draws in the viewer . Nice job!
I'm with you: "..the front at least..." is so subtly badass.
This was great. I am familiar with epic history, but don't watch a lot of stuff they have. Hadn't seen this before. Really enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing and thanks to the subscriber for suggesting
Good to see another History buff! Great commentary on this video.
I’m loving this video and the animation as I just left Athens a few days ago - there is an exhibit of the head of a statue of Alexander in the Acropolis museum dating back 2-3 century BC. I wish I heard this speech before my visit. What a cool thing to hear a portion of this speech on a museum audio guide as well.
You should jave visited Thessaloniki for a better Alexander the great experience instead of athens
That was an awesome video. Thanks for sharing.
Speech like this. Is one of many reasons. Why Alexander is my favorite person ever in history. I have done papers in college about him. Gave speeches about him too.
This content creator seems well read and wicked smart. Thumbs up!
Amongst other things, I really appreciate your understanding and appreciation of history. Unfortunately, most people have little or no understanding or appreciation of history.
One of my favorire youtube channels. You content gas variety and I love it.
This is such a compliment (: thank you!
You come across as eloquent, intelligent and open minded, yeah subscribed.
This is by far the greatest channel. So
Glad I found it. Or the algorithm did for me. Doesn’t matter I’m here for it.
The “under my command, not one man died feeling the enemy” quite always gives me chills. What a remarkable general, if a bit brutal at times.
That is as moving as the speeches that Ceasar gave when his beloved 9th Legion wanted to go home and then they begged his forgiveness. Also the one Washington gave to his troops at Valley Forge (I think) when his men weren't paid. He took out a piece of paper and then his glasses and told his troops to forgive him for his eyes aren't what they were. He read his speech and just about the entire army were in tears (if I'm not mistaken) and then wanted to fight on.
Close, it was actually a speech given at the end of the war in 1783 after he learned of a potential mutiny by his officer corp for lack of payment and fear Congress would provide back pay. His words were, "Gentlemen, you must pardon me. I have grown gray in your service and now find myself growing blind." Which as you stated, touched every man’s heart in the room. A brilliant display of oratory genius and understanding the moment.
Sun Tzu can be pretty much summed up in one sentence: Always attack your enemy in an unexpected place at an unexpected time from an unexpected direction. Simply brilliant.
add: "If needed, but it's better to avoid direct conflict."
Sun Tzu wasn't only on attack tactics, but how to win battles without having them too. ("Open your gates" for example, enemy expects a trap and retreats.)
I saw you visually geek out when the speaker talked about the wounds in the front at least haha. Cute. I myself took it as he was surrounded by worthy men, no stabs in the back for him. I like your interpretation too. Anyway, nice video!
Epic History TV is one of my favorite subs! They make great detailed history videos.
The line about the wounds reminds me of some of our Kings in Sweden. Particularly Charles XII. He always fought together with his men, mostly in the vanguard or wherever the fighting was hardest. During the Great Northern War when he crossed the river Düna, he stood at the front of the first landing craft, ready to meet an entrenched enemy force almost three times the size of his own. And won.
He wore a simple soldiers uniform, slept on the ground wrapped in his cloak, ate the same food together with his men while the officers ate lavishly. He kept watch, built fortifications and went on patrol with his men.
There's another story, I forgot the details but the gist of it is this: He and a detachment of soldiers were chasing the enemy on horse towards a fortified town, caught up with the just as they were closing the gate and forced their way inside. One soldier was aiming a cannon at them from the ramparts and Charles rushed up the stairs, slapped the torch from his hand and scolded him in german.
Many other stories like this exist. Sadly he met his end with a bullet to the temple, while keeping watch in the trenches during a siege in Norway
I imagine Julius Caesar channeled his inner Alexander when leading his army and crossing the Rubicon. Man, they don’t make them like this anymore!
He also paid for the education of the soldiers children born on campaign and the woman who accompanied them were given a dowry to get a good marriage. Believe he had 8 major wounds. , he lead his cavalry personally in the front rank . His first battle was at 16 , 50 plus battles no all victories. He also built 17 city's, and commissioned two of the 7 wonders of the world. The library at Alexandria and the lighthouse of Alexandria. ( basically the first university) and an automated oil powered stone skyscraper lighthouse to guide ships into port . He also built a citadel palace it was took up a quarter of the city. But it would take a long time yo go into all the details of his extraordinary life.
I can always appreciate a bit of history, thank you Shane!
@@NoProtocol my pleasure
Define university
"He who leads from the rear, takes it in the rear."
- Paraphrased from the original quote I heard
Damn good video and take on such. Brought back many memories from my childhood. War and history were all I studied in elementary.
I love this reaction channel! The host is such a fascinating lady, I wish she did an AMA some time.
Great video. Alexander always led from the front. A true leader. Admiral McRaven speech in 2014 to the grads of the University of Texas is also a great speech.
Forgive me for saying, NOTHING is more appealing to this guy than a beautiful woman with a sharp intellect.
Respectfully yours,
Greetings from Canada!
The same video is also available with the speech given in Ancient Greek with English subtitles. It’s pretty cool as well.
This was the best non-intro yet :D
I'm a huge fan of yours Mami. Please continue your great work.
I have watched this several times, nice rendition, very inspiring.
Thanks. Never heard this before!
Great analysis, dear.
The speaker was compelling!
He was born less than 100 kilometres from my city and all of us are proud of him but his personal ambition was merely boundless and almost no man or army could stand up to his standards, eventually his never resting spirit would tire them all out haha
When you look at what Alexander had done it makes you think as to what the world would look like today if he had lived a long life. He was a proponent of education so again what would the middle east look like today if he lived. Lots to think about for me anyway.
Thank you for pointing out the words of our king and the struggles of my ancestors for freedom against Persian tyranny
I love ancient history!! Ever read Herodotus?! Crazy stories
Your video appeared in my feed becuase ive been listening to the original video religously
You gotta check out the Greek version of it. Because you really hear how it most likely sounded.
My favorite speech will always be "the pale blue dot" by carl sagan. You should do that one next
ive watching this speech many times. Absolutely incredible
I've always thought that Teddy Roosevelt's "The Man in the Arena" speech was particularly moving and powerful.
It’s totally wonderful.
I love your zeal for the antiquities. A mind after my own heart.
@2:30 mark, his powerful transitioning words... woo indeed.
I never thought I'd see the day when people would react to this great vid.
So much better than song reactions, this channel is like a course.
So many stories about Alexander, and if even 10% of them are true, Alexander was certainly a compelling, reckless, wily leader, from renaming a month so that his troops would fight during what would be a sacred month, to leading his Companion cavalry at the head of a wedge formation, to attacking a city all by himself (to start with at least, his troops got a bit riled up when he jumped over the city wall ....). I'd certainly not like to get on his bad side, but he was usually generous to his friends (Parmenion excluded, perhaps).
I had read of this particular event and knew the basics, but had not known there was an account of the speech (accurate or not), and the impression I have is that sounds pretty much like what I'd have expected him to say!
Mayby the most noteworthy thing about the speech, is that Alexander isn't exagerating.
You should do a video on Msgt. John Chapman. He was video recorded earning the Medal of Honor X2 in Afghanistan. The SEAL team he was supporting left him and he ended up saving al of them and a quick reaction force helo that crashed. It will make you cry.
Thank you for doing this. He also said he lived like they did, slept and ate as they did. I'd like a good biography of him.
Why did I hate world history in school yet love it so much in adulthood I seek to archive its audio today?
Could it be the teachers themselves and their portrayal / presentation of it?
I similarly did not like history in school but have so much fun learning about it now. Perhaps it’s partly to do with the way it was presented to me from teachers, but my brain probably wasn’t ready for it back then either. Did you have good teachers?
@@NoProtocol My teachers were thorough but in hindsight lacked the enthusiasm to peak my interest.
I hope this makes sense.
(drunk tweet)
It sure did
@@MikinessAnalog "pique". I agree with No Protocol. I think history is boring for kids.
We appreciate, as adults, what it took to conquer lands and build empires, especially in an age without instant communication over long distances. As children, this was just another of many rulers who fought for land. A land that is not our own, that no longer exists in the same form today, in a time when running water was the height of technology.
Even now, especially after hearing this reenactment, I have to wonder why they wanted to leave. Were they tired of risking and losing their lives to take more lands? Did they feel like they had done enough? Was it just plain greedy to keep going? What did it matter to rule over everything they came into contact with, like vicious, aggressive, ant colonies? Was Alexander really great, or just an abusive, and mad, tyrant seeking fame and glory for himself and his family?
@@itoibo4208 In my humble opinion, the "history class" format focuses on the wrong parts... the *_specifics_* . I.E. In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue, In 1493 Columbus sailed the great blue sea, in 1494 Columbus sailed the seas once more.".... That has been *_BURNED_* into my brain for over 20 years now... Though I never even *_KNEW_* about the "Laws of Logic", you know the foundation of all science, reason, logic, Math, etc, etc.... nah, lets not mention that stuff. Or to try to tell *_stories_* about history as opposed to cold hard numbers, dates, names, etc. Give the children the narrative of history, the "whys" a bit more, and I bet it'd be more captivating.
He made sure that his fallen soldiers family's never had to pays taxes, says a lot about the culture. Even today in the richest nations on earth all they give the family's is a folded flag.
"A general who draws his sword has put aside his baton and become a common soldier."
Just minutiae, when I was deployed just north of Baghdad (TAJI), I went into the Green Zone regularly and the Baghdad area had more to offer 2K years ago than it does today.
There are few people in this world who changed the course of history like King Alexander
The greatest soldier and military leader in the history. Greetings from Sparta / Greece!!! 🏋🏋🏋
GREAT video girl. This was fantastic.
I appreciate your cometary And this was really. touching And it made me cry
I can imagine having that guy (supposedly) saying ithose words in front of me and thousands of other people while riding his horse and barely hearing only chunks of the speach...
This was a great video. Thank you.
In the book of Daniel in the Bible references are made to Alexander The Great. In 8:5-8 he is known in the Hebrew as a he-goat of the goats. In 11:3 "Then a powerful king will arise, exercising great authority and doing as he pleases." Again, that's Alexander The Great.
Alexander, Caesar and a lot of great generals had that in common that their soldiers loved them.
Wow. Fast intros, good understanding analysis on the topics and people in the video, that "geeking out" stuff you do and the classic hair on the eye that moves when you blink. I think im ready to subscribe to No Protocol 👏 ps (very well spoken and good reader 10/10 I love your videos👏👏👏 )
tbh this comment still haunts me. I loved watching her videos then I sent this comment. Felt regret as soon as I sent the comment because I sounded creepy about the hair thing and could never watch her content ever again because of this comment I made. I'm only back because she was in my recommended just know that I came from a good place but I will never forget this cringe. I subscribed but never watched a video again because I kept thinking about this comment im sorry I wish nothing but the best for you
What an amazing reaction video! You’ve just earned yourself a subscriber. And you’re very beautiful 🙏🏽
Have you read about the story of when alexander met diogenes? lol it really sums up diogenes
I am fascinated with your infatuation of Greek history and myth! A Greek living in modern Macedonia (of Greece)
As a vet I know leadership. Some people think they lead, but don't. Those are what we have today.
But leading doesn't require war or conquest. It can happen in small ways that can matter. Leaders often do what they do, and turn around to see people following.
My favorite "leadership" line is from a movie, "Convoy" which I will miss quote. When Rubber Duck was asked who made him the leader, he replied, "I'm not the leader. I just happen to be in front."
What amazed me when I was in the army as a reserve officer is that leadership, at least on the level of making people around follow what you say, is surprisingly not that hard. It requires a few things that are a bit unusual (honesty and fairness towards those you are called to lead), but if you have those, people will follow because they will be convinced that what you say is not a "command", but "the best way to a better situation".
I was forced to lead soldiers that were better than me, smarter than me and more educated and trained than me. They all followed my command not because I was better than them, nor because I had a badge that said "officer", but because they realised that we were in the same situation and all I wanted was for us to get out of it in the fastest, most efficient and effortless way we all could.
I hope that sometimes, when those people remember their time in the army, they remember me as fondly as I do.
Alexander the Great. One of the GREATEST MILITARY LEADERS of all time. This man was on a completely different level. Thanks for the review.
If you enjoyed the Iliad you should read the Aeneid by Virgil. They're heavily linked