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Hardcore HistoryDec 22, 2025

Show 73 - Mania for Subjugation III

Summary, books mentioned, transcript quotes, and timestamps for Show 73 - Mania for Subjugation III on Hardcore History.

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Show 73 - Mania for Subjugation III mentions Greek Warfare Myths and Realities by Hans van Wees, Conquest and Empire by A.B. Bosworth, Iliad by Homer, and By the Spear by Ian Worthington with timestamps, quotes, and episode context.

3 books from this episode

van Wees has a great primary source quote where they describe the movement like wasps.

Conquest and Empire
A.B. Bosworth

People have been doing that for a long time because if you take that justification away, what are you left with?

Iliad
Homer

Go read the Iliad, by the way, if you want to see the sort of stuff that Alexander was so enamored with.

Episode summary
Attacking the largest empire the world had ever seen is a huge endeavor at any age, but try doing it at 21. Alexander, fusing the qualities of a Napoleon with a gladiator, aims for immortality. The Persians are just in his way.
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Greek Warfare Myths and Realities
Hans van Wees

The host references 'Greek Warfare Myths and Realities' to challenge common misconceptions about ancient battle forma…

Transcript mentionCard
Conquest and Empire
A.B. Bosworth

The host discusses the complex motivations behind Alexander the Great's conquests, referencing historical interpretat…

Transcript mentionCard
Iliad
Homer

The host discusses how Alexander the Great was influenced by the character of Achilles from the Iliad, viewing him as…

Card
By the Spear
Ian Worthington

The host mentions Ian Worthington's book 'By the Spear' to highlight the complexities of Alexander's military campaig…

Card
Soldier, Priest, and God
Fs. Niden

The host discusses the financial burdens Alexander inherited and how they influenced his military decisions. The ment…

Card
Landmark Arian
Pamela Mensch

The host discusses a pivotal moment in Alexander's campaign as described in 'Landmark Arian' by Pamela Mensch. This b…

Transcript mentionCard
Diodorus
Robin Waterfield

The host mentions Diodorus to highlight the economic realities faced by Alexander during a crucial interlude in his c…

Card
The Origins of War
Arthur Farrell

The host mentions 'The Origins of War' by Arthur Farrell to provide a historical perspective on military strategies d…

Transcript mentionCard
Book mentions19
Media mentions2
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What is Show 73 - Mania for Subjugation III about?

Summary, books mentioned, transcript quotes, and timestamps for Show 73 - Mania for Subjugation III on Hardcore History.

What are the main takeaways from Show 73 - Mania for Subjugation III?

These are the strongest takeaways surfaced by the transcript, summary copy, and linked mentions for Show 73 - Mania for Subjugation III.

  • The conversation centers on Alexander's military strategy.
  • A second recurring theme is Alexander's financial situation.
  • Referenced books include Greek Warfare Myths and Realities by Hans van Wees and Conquest and Empire by A.B. Bosworth.
  • The strongest audience signal points to Historians and military enthusiasts and Historians and students of ancient history.

Which books are mentioned in Show 73 - Mania for Subjugation III?

Greek Warfare Myths and Realities by Hans van Wees, Conquest and Empire by A.B. Bosworth, and Iliad by Homer are the clearest linked books in this episode, each tied back to transcript timestamps and quote cards.

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Show 73 - Mania for Subjugation III keeps attracting summary-style searches because this page combines episode context, transcript quotes, book references, and direct jump links back into the audio.

Topic and sentiment signals

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Mention sentiment
Deep Dive(10)Critical Analysis(5)Passing Reference(4)
Audience signals
Historians and military enthusiastsHistorians and students of ancient historyHistorians and enthusiasts of classical literatureHistorians and students of military historyHistorians and military strategy enthusiastsHistorians and students of ancient military strategy

Books Mentioned

The full list below is ranked by how useful each mention is to a listener: stronger recommendation language, clearer quote context, and better timestamp support rise first.

Greek Warfare Myths and Realities cover
Transcript mention
Best for Historians and military enthusiastsOften cited around Greek warfare and battle formations

A historian like Hans van Wees in his book, Greek Warfare Myths and Realities, really helps me see better the idea that this is part of what gets us in trouble.

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Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Historians and military enthusiasts
Key quote: van Wees has a great primary source quote where they describe the movement like wasps.
The host references 'Greek Warfare Myths and Realities' to challenge common misconceptions about ancient battle formations. They emphasize the book's insights on the fluidity of troop movements, contrasting it with traditional views of tightly packed formations.
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Conquest and Empire cover
Conquest and Empire
A.B. Bosworth
Transcript mention
Best for Historians and students of ancient historyOften cited around Alexander's motivations for conquest

In Conquest and Empire, the late great A.B. Bosworth points out that when you take into account what's going on here and the kind of troops that are being used...

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Historians and students of ancient history
Key quote: People have been doing that for a long time because if you take that justification away, what are you left with?
The host discusses the complex motivations behind Alexander the Great's conquests, referencing historical interpretations of his desire for fame and recognition. The mention of 'Conquest and Empire' serves to highlight the ongoing debate about the moral implications of his actions and the justifications historians have provided over time.
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Iliad cover
Iliad
Homer
Best for Historians and enthusiasts of classical literatureOften cited around Alexander's motivations and influences

The Iliad is supposedly Alexander's favorite book, which he carried with him, annotated by his tutor Aristotle. It's one of the oldest complete works in the Western literary canon.

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Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Historians and enthusiasts of classical literature
Key quote: Go read the Iliad, by the way, if you want to see the sort of stuff that Alexander was so enamored with.
The host discusses how Alexander the Great was influenced by the character of Achilles from the Iliad, viewing him as a model of warrior prowess and leadership. This connection is emphasized by Alexander's belief in his own lineage as a descendant of Achilles, which shaped his ambitions and actions in battle.
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By the Spear cover
By the Spear
Ian Worthington
Best for Historians and students of military historyOften cited around Alexander's military logistics

Ian Worthington in his book By the Spear discusses the composition and size of Alexander's invading army, highlighting the mixture of troops and specialists involved.

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Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Historians and students of military history
Key quote: Ian Worthington in By the Spear writes, quote, Alexander commanded a mixture of Macedonian and allied general and specialist troops, including Macedonian hypaspists, the elite shield bearers, and companion cavalry, Thessalian cavalry, Thracian and Agranean javelin men, and general mercenaries.
The host mentions Ian Worthington's book 'By the Spear' to highlight the complexities of Alexander's military campaign, particularly the logistical challenges he faced. Worthington provides a detailed analysis of the composition and size of Alexander's army, emphasizing the importance of non-military personnel in sustaining the campaign.
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Soldier, Priest, and God cover
Best for Historians and students of military historyOften cited around Alexander's financial strategies

Historian Fs. Niden in his book, Soldier, Priest, and God, added up the cost as he saw them and the burn rate for this army and put it into some sort of perspective.

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Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Historians and students of military history
Key quote: He now puts this in perspective.
The host discusses the financial burdens Alexander inherited and how they influenced his military decisions. The mention of Fs. Niden's book provides a detailed analysis of the costs associated with Alexander's campaigns, emphasizing the complexity of ancient warfare financing.
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Landmark Arian cover
Landmark Arian
Pamela Mensch
Transcript mention
Best for Historians and military strategy enthusiastsOften cited around Alexander's military decisions

In my Pamela Mensch translation from the Landmark Arian, she describes this zoom-in moment now where we're in Alexander's little claustrophobic world.

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Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Historians and military strategy enthusiasts
Key quote: I would consider it unworthy of the Macedonians' renown and of my quickness to accept risks.
The host discusses a pivotal moment in Alexander's campaign as described in 'Landmark Arian' by Pamela Mensch. This book provides insight into the dynamics between Alexander and his advisor Parmenio, highlighting the tension between good advice and bold action.
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Diodorus cover
Diodorus
Robin Waterfield
Best for Historians and students of ancient military strategyOften cited around Alexander's financial situation

The excerpt references a translation of Diodorus by Robin Waterfield, which provides a different version of the battle compared to Arian.

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Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Historians and students of ancient military strategy
Key quote: Diodorus has a whole paragraph on it.
The host mentions Diodorus to highlight the economic realities faced by Alexander during a crucial interlude in his campaign. This reference serves to illustrate how historical accounts can provide insight into the complexities of leadership and decision-making in ancient times.
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The Origins of War cover
The Origins of War
Arthur Farrell
Transcript mention
Best for history enthusiasts and military strategistsOften cited around historical military strategy

Arthur Farrell in his seminal book, The 1985 The Origins of War, which I loved. He runs down the different schools of thought.

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: history enthusiasts and military strategists
Key quote: Historian Arthur Farrell in the origins of war estimated maybe like a mile and a half long line, just waiting for the Macedonians to have to cross this river and ready to attack them while they're in the middle of it.
The host mentions 'The Origins of War' by Arthur Farrell to provide a historical perspective on military strategies during battles, specifically focusing on Alexander's tactics. This book is referenced to illustrate the complexities and challenges faced by armies in ancient warfare, particularly in relation to river crossings and troop formations.
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The Story of Civilization cover
Best for History enthusiasts and students of literatureOften cited around Will Durant's writing style

The excerpt discusses Will Durant's multi-part series 'The Story of Civilization', particularly how his writing style evolved over the decades and his views on the decline of the Persian Empire.

View mention details
Sentiment: Critical Analysis
For: History enthusiasts and students of literature
Key quote: The excerpt discusses Will Durant's multi-part series 'The Story of Civilization', particularly how his writing style evolved over the decades.
The host examines how Will Durant's writing style changed throughout his career, reflecting on his insights into historical events. This analysis provides a deeper understanding of Durant's perspective on the decline of the Persian Empire.
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Military History Quarterly cover
Best for students and enthusiasts of military historyOften cited around historical analysis of battles

we had quoted earlier from an a.b bosworth book review that historian victor davis hansen had penned for military history quarterly.

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Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: students and enthusiasts of military history
Key quote: at the battle of the granicus may 334 bc alexander destroyed the persian army outright surrounded trapped greek mercenaries and massacred them all except 2000 whom he sent back in chains to makedon as a warning to other recalcitrant greeks
The host references 'Military History Quarterly' to highlight a scholarly discussion on the casualties at the Battle of Granicus, particularly focusing on the Greek mercenaries involved. This mention serves to underscore the complexities of Alexander's military actions and the historical interpretations surrounding them.
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Herodotus cover
Best for History enthusiasts and military strategistsOften cited around Persian army sizes

For more, check out your Herodotus. Look up in the index, Croesus, King, Lydia.

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Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: History enthusiasts and military strategists
Key quote: Herodotus was talking about million man, Persian armies invading Greece during the original Persian wars in the 480s.
The host discusses the historical exaggeration of Persian army sizes as noted by Herodotus and later historians. This leads to a broader analysis of how these inflated numbers have influenced perceptions of military history and strategy.
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Chiropedia cover
Chiropedia
Xenophon
Best for Historians and military strategy enthusiastsOften cited around Xenophon's Chiropedia analysis

Xenophon, a guy who actually fought with and against the Persians, wrote about the decline of Persian cavalry in his work Chiropedia.

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Sentiment: Critical Analysis
For: Historians and military strategy enthusiasts
Key quote: But now, the author writes, the rulers make cavalrymen out of bath keepers.
The host discusses Xenophon's observations on the decline of Persian cavalry as noted in his work 'Chiropedia'. This mention serves to highlight the contrast between historical accounts and the romanticized view of Alexander's military achievements.
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Alexander, the Great: Themes and Issues cover
Best for Historians and students of ancient historyOften cited around Alexander's motivation and honor

Historian Edward M. Anson in his book, Alexander, the great themes and issues was talking about Alexander's motivation and his desire for honor and recognition.

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Sentiment: Passing Reference
For: Historians and students of ancient history
Key quote: Historian Edward M. Anson in his book, Alexander, the great themes and issues was talking about Alexander's motivation and his desire for honor and recognition.
The host briefly mentions Edward M. Anson's book to highlight Alexander the Great's motivations. It serves as a reference point for understanding the historical context of his desire for honor and recognition.
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In the Path of Conquest cover
Best for Historians and students of military historyOften cited around Persian military history

Voldemar Heckl in his book In the Path of Conquest mentions the story of the Persian forces and their portrayal in history.

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Sentiment: Critical Analysis
For: Historians and students of military history
Key quote: What we know of the command structure of the Persian forces is limited by the fact that particularly in these early stages of the campaign.
The host mentions 'In the Path of Conquest' to highlight how historical narratives often center around Alexander, overshadowing the complexities of Persian leadership. Voldemar Heckl's insights reveal the limitations of Greek historians in portraying the Persian command structure.
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Adrian Goldsworthy cover
Best for Historians and military strategy enthusiastsOften cited around Persian army dynamics

Adrian Goldsworthy is mentioned in relation to an eyewitness account from the Battle of Waterloo, which he reminded the speaker of while reading his book.

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Sentiment: Critical Analysis
For: Historians and military strategy enthusiasts
Key quote: Adrian Goldsworthy says, I'm not sure I buy it 100%, but he said that every Persian army is unique.
The host references Adrian Goldsworthy to discuss the unique nature of Persian armies and their composition. Goldsworthy's insights challenge the conventional belief about the sheer size of these forces, suggesting that quality may be more significant than quantity.
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The League of Corinth cover
Best for Historians and military strategy enthusiastsOften cited around Alexander's military strategy

The justification for what he's about to do is the league of corinth right the league of the helenes that have made him captain general.

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Sentiment: Critical Analysis
For: Historians and military strategy enthusiasts
Key quote: the justification for what he's about to do is the league of corinth right the league of the helenes that have made him captain general
The host mentions 'The League of Corinth' to highlight the justification Alexander had for his brutal tactics against Greek mercenaries. This context emphasizes the complex interplay of political motives and historical narratives surrounding Alexander's campaigns.
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Arian cover
Arian
E.J. Chinook
Transcript mention
Best for Historians and students of ancient military historyOften cited around Alexander's military strategy

I found a wonderful 1883 translation of Arian by E.J. Chinook, which discusses the battle tactics and struggles faced by the Macedonians and Persians.

View mention details
Sentiment: Passing Reference
For: Historians and students of ancient military history
Key quote: It's interesting calling Plutarch and Arian and Diodorus Siculus secondary sources, but they kind of are.
The host mentions the book 'Arian' in the context of discussing historical sources about Alexander the Great's campaigns. This reference serves to highlight the complexities of understanding the size and composition of his army through various historical accounts.
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Harry Potter cover
Harry Potter
JK Rowling
Best for Fans of mythology and psychologyOften cited around divine belief in leaders

The mention of Harry Potter relates to a scene where a placebo is given to Ron, who believes he has liquid luck and has an amazing day.

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Sentiment: Passing Reference
For: Fans of mythology and psychology
Key quote: I mean, it's Harry Potter with the liquid luck and if you drink it, everything just goes your way.
The host mentions 'Harry Potter' in the context of discussing the psychological effects of believing oneself to be divine, comparing it to the concept of liquid luck in the series. This reference serves to illustrate how such beliefs can influence a person's confidence and decision-making.
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Arian cover
Arian
Martin Hammond
Best for Historians and students of ancient historyOften cited around Alexander's military strategy

The excerpt references a translation of Arian by Martin Hammond, discussing the battle tactics and experiences of Alexander and the Persians.

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Sentiment: Passing Reference
For: Historians and students of ancient history
Key quote: It's interesting calling Plutarch and Arian and Diodorus Siculus secondary sources, but they kind of are.
The host mentions 'Arian' in the context of discussing historical accounts of Alexander the Great's campaigns. This reference highlights the importance of various historical sources in understanding the complexities of Alexander's military operations.
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Greek Warfare Myths and Realities
Hardcore History · 55:11
van Wees has a great primary source quote where they describe the movement like wasps.
Conquest and Empire
Hardcore History · 51:43
People have been doing that for a long time because if you take that justification away, what are you left with?
Iliad
Hardcore History · 2:08:17
Go read the Iliad, by the way, if you want to see the sort of stuff that Alexander was so enamored with.
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Pick up the books after you hear them in context.

Greek Warfare Myths and Realities cover
Mentioned at 55:11
Greek Warfare Myths and Realities
Hans van Wees

The host references 'Greek Warfare Myths and Realities' to challenge common misconceptions about ancient battle formations. They emphasize the book…

Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link
Conquest and Empire cover
Mentioned at 51:43
Conquest and Empire
A.B. Bosworth

The host discusses the complex motivations behind Alexander the Great's conquests, referencing historical interpretations of his desire for fame an…

Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link
Iliad cover
Mentioned at 2:08:17
Iliad
Homer

The host discusses how Alexander the Great was influenced by the character of Achilles from the Iliad, viewing him as a model of warrior prowess an…

Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link

Movies & Documentaries Mentioned

Movie

Iron Man

Confidence: 90%
Transcript mention

The mention of Iron Man is used to compare the heroic actions of Alexander jumping off the ship to those of movie superheroes.

Movie

Lord of the Rings

Confidence: 80%
Transcript mention

The reference to Lord of the Rings is made in the context of Alexander's attempt at full spectrum dominance and propaganda, likening it to the themes in the movie.