Arte - Alexander the Great The Macedonian (2011)

A close look at Alexander the Great - from Macedonia to India. Alexander the Great has always enjoyed a unique status in history. To the Greeks and Romans, he was a hero, to the Arabs, he was a prophet, to Westerners, he is a myth. Alexander the Great Hellenized the ancient world and spread Greek civilisation single-handedly throughout, as far as the borders of India, by relentlessly pursuing his sworn enemy Darius the Great, King of Persia. But what remains today of the “real” Alexander? Of his life and environment? Through the many depictions of the hero and the archaeological traces of his triumphant conquest, this film portrays the legendary figure, who has always been, and continues to be, a great source of inspiration, even for artists of today. The character of Alexander III of Macedon, who became Alexander the Great, is as much a matter of history as a legend. His youth and extraordinary destiny surrounded him with unparalleled glory. Yet what do we really know about this character? This film brings forth the world of Alexander the Great in a new way, through the material and artistic traces of ancient Macedonian civilization. It connects the myth that has come down to us with history. Jonathan Hostier's interpretation of excerpts from “The Blue Tiger of the Euphrates” by Laurent Gaude punctuates the film. Alexander facing death recalls his life… But who was Alexander the Great? Bernard George tells us about his origins, his training, his culture and the spirit of his conquest. Access to the most important collections and protected sites of Northern Greece makes it possible to offer an evocative journey of great beauty. Archaeologists and scientists present the most recent news on the state of research and specify the impact of this young Macedonian king on the world.

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