I'm diving into the Hellenistic with this book on the father-son legends of Philip and Alexander of Macedon. I debated whether to read one book on each, but am happy with this singular study of both characters.
Goldsworthy makes a strong case that Alexander's success wouldn't have happened without Philip. The latter elevated Macedon from a struggling, weak, regional power, to the most ascendant state in the Greek world of that time. Philip innovated the art of war in ways without which Alexander would have struggled profoundly, and likely would have foundered had he launched his conquest of Persia.
Having said that, Alexander was obviously an extraordinary specimen. His fortitude and single-minded effort to conquer Persia was unprecedented.
Yes, it was the combination of Philip and Alexander that led to the greatest conquest the world had yet seen.
Their stories are that of war, a fact that I did not necessarily look forward to. But Goldsworthy admirably broke the monotony of battle, siege and warfare with stories of the personalities, politics and cultures that shaped the conquest.
As I wind down the book, I look forward to exploring the post-Alexander period of the Hellenistic and the cultural achievements of that age.