Discover the epic, legendary, and slightly unnerving story of Alexander the Great. Season 1: Empire on Fire covers everything from the assassination of Alexander's father in 336 BCE through to Alexander's own death at age 32, having conquered most of the known world. Treat yourself to immersive storytelling, expert commentary, and deep dives into the most fascinating and scandalous aspects of history's greatest conqueror. Let the bloodbath commence!
Alexander the Great's mother, Olympias, is often portrayed as a wicked witch. She roasts babies alive, poisons her son's rivals, and has sex with snakes. She hates her husband, Philip II, turned Alexander against him, and probably had a hand in his untimely death... But what if all of this is wrong?!
What if Olympias was actually the ideal wife? What if she was just giving a respectful burial to a dead royal Macedonian baby? What if she was just trying to cure a young boy of illness in her family circle? What if she was engaging in perfectly legitimate religious rites of the day that involved sacred healing snakes? ...as Alexander did after her.
Has Olympias been misunderstood? Find out the answer to all these questions and more in episode 2.2: Olympias - The Making of a Monster.
23 Aug 2026
E2 - Poetic Justice for Revolting Thebes
Alexander is dead! Or so the Thebans think. It’s 335 BCE, and the ancient superpower of Thebes seizes its chance to cast off Macedonian rule after hearing Alexander has been killed in battle. There’s just one problem. He isn’t dead. Find out what happens in Dr Fay Edwards' telling of one of the darkest moments of Alexander's early reign.
Show notes & transcript: www.alexanderthegreatpodcast.com
1 Jul 2026
E1.4 - 7 Contenders, 1 Winner - How Alexander Became King of Macedon
Royal succession in the kingdom of ancient Macedon was anything but straightforward. This episode reveals how 7 rival claimants to the throne who existed on Philip II's death, gave way to Alexander's accession. From Olympias' alleged murders through to the claims of cousins, infants and half-brothers, you'll discover why becoming king required far more than being the eldest son. A gripping introduction to the ruthless politics that launched Alexander's extraordinary reign.
10 Jun 2026
E1.3 - Who Killed King Philip II? The Case Against Alexander with Professor Ian Worthington
Was Alexander the Great's father killed by an ex-lover with a personal grudge? ...Or was there a conspiracy to murder the king using the ex-lover as a pawn?
That's the question of this episode.
And Professor Ian Worthington's answer is clear: Yes, there was a conspiracy. And who were the conspirators? Alexander and his mother Olympias.
Why does he think this? Listen to the episode to find out!
Want to let me know your thoughts? You can find me on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube @alexanderthegreatpodcast or visit the website www.alexanderthegreatpodcast.com
13 Apr 2026
E1.2 - Sex and Pederasty in the Ancient Greek World with Dr Andrew Lear
In episode 1, we heard that King Philip II was killed by his male lover... so what were the norms surrounding same sex relationships in the ancient world? Is it right to call Philip gay or bi-sexual? And were there any famous same sex couples in ancient Greece?
Find out the answers to these questions and many more in this fascinating discussion with expert, Dr Andrew Lear.
28 Mar 2026
E1 - Death Strikes Suddenly from Nowhere
Alexander the Great's father is murdered... at his daughter's wedding... by his ex male lover. Welcome to the soap opera that is Alexander's life and reign.
FREE download: The 5 Most Infamous Murders of Alexander the Great (https://alexanderpodcast.gumroad.com/l/fivemurders).
Confused?! Get oriented with: Alexander the Great: Ultimate Starter Pack (https://alexanderpodcast.gumroad.com/l/starterpack).
Episode Summary:
In this episode, we explore the dramatic assassination of King Philip II of Macedon in 336 BCE - one of the most pivotal moments in ancient history, which sets the stage for the rise of his son, Alexander the Great.
Drawing on ancient sources, including Plutarch, Diodorus, and Justin, we examine the motives of Pausanias, who kills Philip at the wedding of his own daughter, Cleopatra (not that Cleopatra), to her uncle, Alexander I of Epirus.
We look at simmering tensions in Philip’s court, including his decision to take a fully Macedonian 7th wife, her uncle Attalus’ inflammatory remarks about a ‘legitimate heir,’ and the fall-out between Philip and Alexander after the ‘Pixodarus affair.’
Question is: Was this a personal act of revenge or part of a wider conspiracy against Philip? Did Alexander have anything to do with it?
Sound credits:
Peaceful Harp Loop by Joanne_pang (https://freesound.org/people/joanne_pang/) Attribution Non-Commercial 0
Fanfare announcement by zagi2 (https://freesound.org/people/zagi2/) Attribution Non-Commercial 0
Dagger sound by Artninja (https://freesound.org/people/Artninja/) Attribution 4
Male Death Cry by F.M.Audio (https://freesound.org/people/F.M.Audio/) Attribution 4
28 Mar 2026
Introducing: Alexander the Great - Empire on Fire
Described as 'arguably the most exciting story in all of history' by The Rest is History podcast, Alexander the Great's life is a tale of action, intrigue and scandal.
The show will feature immersive narratives, expert interviews and deep dives on every aspect of Alexander's life and reign from 336 BCE - when he took the throne - through to his death at age 32.
Join us for a show full of blood, battles and betrayal.
E1 out now!
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Contact Alexander the Great: Empire on Fire
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
