The Persion Boy: A Review
At long last, I read Mary Renault’s famous historical novel The Persion Boy, the 2nd installment of her trilogy about Alexander the Great.
Hephaestion's Death - (Bonus) Show Notes
In this bonus episode of the show, we revisit Alexander the Great's incredible reaction to Hephaestion's death. I also present my own unique theory on their controversial relationship.
Alexander the Great, Part III: Show Notes
Alexander the Great, Part III investigates the most controversial aspect of Alexander's life - his relationship to his companion Hephaestion.
Guest appearance on Ray & Cam's "Life of Alexander" podcast
Last week, I had the pleasure of being on The Life of Alexander podcast with Ray & Cam.
Were Alexander the Great and Hephaestion lovers?
The age-old question. Were Alexander and Hephaestion lovers? Or merely close friends? It has been debated, and commented on, by countless historians and philosophers. So what do we know for sure, and what's merely myth?
The ancient sources on Alexander and Hephaestion
So far, I've looked at what Arrian, Plutarch, and Curtius had to say about Alexander the Great's relationship with Hephaestion. Now it's time to look at what some of the other ancient sources said about Hephaestion, including Diodorus, Aelian, and Diogenes of Sinope.
Robin Lane Fox's Hephaestion
Even though Fox's account of Alexander is immensely detailed, he admits it is not exactly a biography of Alexander the Great. Rather, it is an interpretation - one plausible take on Alexander and his career. With that in mind, what does Fox have to say about Hephaestion?
What was Alexander the Great's personal life like?
Alexander's personal life was complicated. We know that Alexander married at least three women during his short life: Roxane, Stateira, and Parysatis. However, that doesn't necessarily mean he had on-going, intimate relationships with all of them.