In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great [DVD]

We watched this after watching Oliver Stone's Alexander Revisited (the final cut) and I'd recommend doing that as this documentary works brilliantly afterwards going into depth and giving you further insights. Make sure you watch the interview with Michael Wood at the end in which he comments on the film etc - it is all excellent. Michael Wood's understanding of the need for historical context and his commitment to trying to understand Alexander in his own terms as much as from our modern perpective is to be applauded. This really is a brilliant documentary - visually stunning, intriguing and entertaining. I cannot imagine anyone interested in this subject being disappointed with this 2 DVD set.

I STARTED reading this book by TV historian Michael Wood on a Friday when a plane I was catching to Prague was delayed at Heathrow, and I finished it the following night over dinner. That gives some idea of how enjoyable I found the book, which was written in 1997 to accompany a BBC series broadcast the following year. The book could have done with a decent editor: too many "impregnable" fortresses are, in the next breath, captured; an army is called "literally invincible;" Alexander is described as carrying a shield whose image turned "enemies into stone." And doubtless some of Wood's choices over which sources to prefer are controversial, but all these are minor distractions from an entertaining book on a fascinating subject.

This is an interesting account of the life and travels of Alexander the great. The author travelled the route of conquest taken by Alexander and his armies to India and back to Babylon for 1990s BBC series which this book accompanied. Illustrated throughout, at around 240 pages in all this is relatively easy reading, although i found the frequent battle stories to be a little tedious at times, and I wish there had been more about the authors travels

Still the best of the walk-and-talk presenters, Wood seems to get to the places others miss - and more importantly, he talks to the people who still live there. For once, the title is true: he literally walks the same paths, which are still there to be found - and in so doing, he shows that the world of two millennia ago and the world of today exist side by side, for those who care to look. Wood is the last of the genuine scholar-travellers; other tv historians don't even get close. A richly rewarding series and a real treat to watch.

Love this documentary really interesting a little dated because it’s done in 98 I think but amazing the journey he takes. Michael Wood is really good at explaining and discussing things. Keep it really interesting. Really annoyed. This was not on BBC online so had to buy it on Amazon because of course you can’t watch it anywhere else if it’s not on the BBC but still really good

Outstanding story telling by Michael Wood a teal adventure!!!!

Wood's intellectual and knowledgeable slant on this epic of history paints a glorious and tragic tale in the ancient world. Michael Wood follows in the footsteps of Alexander the Great, his glory and demise across the vast Asian continent from Europe and finally into Africa. Wood's gripping storytelling coupled with stunning locations weaves a colourful tale through ancient history giving a new and insightful look into the debauchery and genius that was Alexander the Great. A must-see for those interested in the ancient world, great lives and larger than life tales.

Michael Wood's documentaries are usually good. This one is, but I have given it 4 stars only, as somehow failed to get a greater grasp of who the true Alexander was, and how he appeared. Although small of stature, his name is synonymous with military brilliance, outstanding leadership and an exceptional charisma. This lengthy documentary left me seeking more info., and hopes of yet another televised look at this towering figure through different eyes.

Subtitles helped a lot in getting the main points. So much new and accurate information is presented in a most lively and entertaining fashion. You can tell that Wood really loves the subject and is quite the storyteller. Beautiful scenery. Wood has gone on to be a professor of history. My class of 14 year olds did not want to stop viewing this.

Vu, revu et re-revu, mais toujours avec le même plaisir ! Un documentaire qui vous donnera des idées de voyage! Pour mon compte, quelques années après l'avoir vu, je suis parti en expédition sur les traces d'Alexandre pendant un an! Vraiment exaltant de suivre les pas d'Alexandre.. et de Michael Wood !

on of the best documentaries about Alexander the Great, very clear result from the historical research that the Macedonians was Greeks... and good price also

Sobering - even haunting - to find the descendants of Alexander's men still living in Northern Pakistan, with Greek coins and artifacts still in use. Or to learn that the desert march Alexander chose to make it back for the last time, will still cause you to die of thirst, unless you recruit locals who are well-informed about the scanty number of wells. You see the sights and terrain, as Mr. Wood reads from the contemporary chronicles penned by Alexander's historians. Truly, an amazing adventure. Exciting and informative. Try marching 60,000 men from Toronto to the tip of South America and back, defeating all the local armies and police forces on the way, with hardly anyone attempting a counter-offensive attack on your rear guard, if you think Alexander's trek wasn't unique, and a miraculous testimony to his military skill and unique brand of diplomacy. Pack something to deal with fierce war elephants, just in case - yes, Alexander could handle just about anything: elephants, sheer cliff-defences, amphibious landings, you name it. Most of it in his 20's. Mr. Wood looks exhausted by the end - and he traveled by truck or train for parts of it.

Recomendo.