This book gives an account of the Roman relationship with Persia and how it was shaped by the actions of Alexander the Great long before the events. Numerous Roman emperors led armies eastward against the Persians, seeking to emulate or exceed the glorious conquests of Alexander. Some achieved successes but more often the result was ignominious defeat or death. Even as the empire declined, court propagandists and courtiers looked for flattering ways to compare their now-throne-bound emperors with Alexander. All the while there was a small segment of the Roman intelligentsia who disparaged Alexander and his misdeeds.While the Romans dreamed of conquering the Persian realm, the Persians of the Parthian and Sasanian dynasties dreamed of regaining the lands of the eastern Mediterranean snatched from their Achaemenid ancestors by Alexander. Echoes of this revanchist policy can be seen in Iran's support of Shiites in Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Lebanon. Glenn Barnett draws comparisons between the era-long struggle of Rome and Persia with the current wars in the Middle-East where they once fought.

A unique ‘backstory’ of Alexander and his successors: the biased historians, deceits, wars, generals, and the tale of the literature that preserved them. ‘Babylon, mid-June 323 BCE, the gateway of the gods; prostrated in the Summer Palace of Nebuchadrezzar II on the east bank of the Euphrates, wracked by fever and having barely survived another night, King Alexander III, the rule of Macedonia for 12 years and 7 months, had his senior officers congregate at his bedside. Abandoned by Fortune and the healing god Asclepius, he finally acknowledged he was dying. Some 2,340 years on, five barely intact accounts survive to tell a hardly coherent story. At times in close accord, though more often contradictory, they conclude with a melee of death-scene rehashes, all of them suspicious: the first portrayed Alexander dying silent and intestate; he was Homeric and vocal in the second; the third detailed his Last Will and Testament though it is attached to the stuff of romance. Which account do we trust?’ In Search Of The Lost Testament Of Alexander The Great is the result of a ‘decade of contemplations on Alexander’ presented as a rich thematic narrative Grant describes as the ‘backstory behind the history’ of the great Macedonian and his generals. Taking an uncompromising investigative perspective, Grant delves into the challenges faced by Alexander’s unique tale: the forgeries and biased historians, the influences of rhetoric, romance, philosophy and religion on what was written and how. Alexander’s own mercurial personality is vividly dissected and the careers and the wars of his successors are presented with a unique eye. But the book never loses sight of central aim: to unravel the mystery behind Alexander’s ‘unconvincingly reported’ intestate death. And out of Grant’s research emerges one unavoidable verdict: after 2,340 years, the Last Will and Testament of Alexander III of Macedonia needs to be extracted from ‘romance’ and reinstated to its rightful place in mainstream history: Babylon in June 323 BCE. Although the result a decade of academic research, In Search Of The Lost Testament Of Alexander The Great is written in an entertaining and engaging style that opens the subject to both scholars and the casual reader of history looking to learn more about the Macedonian king and the men who ‘made’ his story. It concludes with a wholly new interpretation of the death of Alexander the Great and the mechanism behind the wars of succession that followed.

“Alexander, Book 2, Warrior Chronicles” is a meticulously researched and comprehensive biography that delves into the life, conquests, and enduring influence of one of history's most celebrated figures. From his enigmatic persona and audacious ambitions to the complexities of his military campaigns and cultural patronage, this book offers a nuanced and detailed exploration of Alexander the Great's remarkable journey through the ancient world. The narrative unfolds chronologically, tracing Alexander's formative years in the ancient kingdom of Macedon, his education under the tutelage of Aristotle, and his ascension to the throne following the assassination of his father, King Philip II. It delves into the early influences that shaped his character and ambitions, including his fascination with Greek mythology and heroic legends, which would later define his aspirations for conquest and glory. As the narrative progresses, readers are immersed in the tumultuous battles and strategic military campaigns that propelled Alexander's empire across the Persian Empire, Asia Minor, Egypt, and the Indian subcontinent. The book meticulously examines key milestones in his conquests, including the battles of Issus, Gaugamela, and the Hydaspes, each revealing insights into his military brilliance, leadership acumen, and adaptability in the face of diverse challenges. Beyond the battlefield, "Conquest and Legacy" delves into Alexander's cultural and artistic patronage, highlighting his efforts to promote cultural synthesis and foster cross-cultural understanding in the regions he conquered. Readers gain insights into the establishment of cities such as Alexandria and the assimilation of Greek and local cultures, fostering a rich tapestry of artistic, intellectual, and social exchange that defined the Hellenistic era. The book also delves into the complexities of Alexander's governance and administration, exploring the challenges he faced in maintaining control over his vast empire, the implications of his decision-making, and the cultural, political, and social landscapes that defined his reign. It examines the enduring legacy of his rule and the impact of his vision on subsequent empires, leaders, and cultures, emphasizing the lessons and inspirations that can be drawn from his remarkable life and achievements. Moreover, the narrative grapples with the myths, legends, and historical interpretations that have enveloped Alexander's life, offering a critical analysis of their significance in shaping his historical image and enduring legacy. It navigates the complexities of piecing together his biography from fragmented ancient sources, underscoring the challenges of historical interpretation and the enduring allure of unresolved mysteries surrounding his life and reign. In its conclusion, “Alexander, Book 2, Warrior Chronicles” reflects on the profound and enduring influence of his legacy, exploring how his conquests and cultural patronage continue to shape the modern world. It invites readers to contemplate the timeless lessons, inspirations, and questions raised by his remarkable journey, fostering a greater appreciation for the complexities and richness of the ancient world and the enduring legacy of one of history's most influential and enigmatic figures.

With over forty chapters, written by leading scholars, this comprehensive volume represents the best work in America, Europe and Asia. Geographical diversity of the authors is reflected in the different perspectives devoted to the subject, and all major disciplinary developments are covered. There are also sections concerning the countries that have made the most significant contributions, the relationship between science and industry, the importance of instrumentation, and the cultural influence of scientific modes of thought. Students and professionals will come to appreciate how, and why, science has developed - as with any other human activity, it is subject to the dynamics of society and politics.