The Legend and Legacy of Alexander the Great

CrashCourse

In this fast-paced and humorous installment of Crash Course World History, John Green explores the life, death, and enduring legacy of Alexander the Great. Rather than a simple biography, the video uses Alexander's story to interrogate the concept of "greatness" itself, comparing historical fame to modern celebrity culture. Green challenges the traditional "Great Man" theory of history, asking whether individuals shape history or if history shapes individuals, while covering the vast expansion of the Macedonian empire and the subsequent Hellenistic period. The video breaks down Alexander's significance through three distinct lenses: his military accomplishments (conquering the Persian Empire), his historical impact (spreading Greek culture and language, known as Hellenism), and his legend (the myths that surrounded him). It covers key historical figures like Philip II, King Darius, and Napoleon, and introduces concepts like absolute monarchy and the fragmentation of Alexander's empire into the Antigonid, Ptolemaic, and Seleucid kingdoms. For educators, this video is an excellent tool for moving students beyond rote memorization of dates and battles into higher-level historiographical thinking. It provides a perfect launching pad for discussions about how history is written, who gets remembered, and the biases inherent in historical narratives—specifically addressing the erasure of women in historical texts through an "Open Letter" segment. The video's modern analogies help make abstract concepts of legacy and fame relatable to high school students.