Engineering an Empire – Greece: The Age of Alexander

Today on Far Future Horizons we present the fourth episode of the acclaimed documentary series Engineering an Empire that highlights the engineering and architectural achievements of some of history’s greatest civilizations and the empires they created.

The fourth installment of this series continues to highlight the amazing engineering accomplishments of the Ancient Greeks during the reign of Alexander the Great and after.

Pharos Lighthouse of Alexandria

In 438 BC the Parthenon was completed. This masterpiece is the crowning achievement for the Greek people. Without Alexander the Great, it is possible Greece's Golden Era would have been just a footnote in history. Tens of thousands would die during Alexander's relentless attacks on Persia and Egypt, yet, his armies carried Greek life, culture and values far abroad and this empire became known as the "Hellenistic" world. Greece's amazing engineering achievements and ideas are still with us today. Alexander was a mighty force on the battlefield and also in the cultural world.  The legend of Alexander the Great endures centuries after his death.

  Great Library of Alexandria

Born the son of King Philip of Macedonia, Alexander started life at the apex of society and was not about to move down. Yet even Philip, who expounded Hellenic culture and military might all over the Mediterranean world, would have been thunderstruck by the sweeping victories of his son's reign.

Macedonia is north of Greece, and even in our own day has been the subject of dispute between that country and Yugoslavia. In ancient times, however, it was its own kingdom, with Greek language and culture. Neighbouring countries sometimes referred to it as a backwater. Alexander and the people of his time were not about to take this insult. When Alexander ascended to the throne, he set about on military campaigns that subjugated land from Egypt to the Far East. His settlers and tradesmen brought Hellenic art, construction and language to societies far and wide.

Yet like any other mortal, even Alexander's time had to come to an end. He was felled not by the sword or the spear, but by a common illness. His achievements are still the source of wonder today, as this revealing documentary attests.

This is one of the best episodes of this thoroughly enjoyable documentary series.

 

Engineering an Empire is a documentary series  which explores the engineering and architectural feats that were characteristic of some of the greatest societies on this planet, and is available on DVD from Amazon.com and the History Channel’s online store.

Engineering an Empire – Greece: The Age of Alexander 

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