James S. Romm

Was trying to find a book written on the years after Alexander's death, which in some ways, is an even more dramatic story filled with almost Shakespearian-level of archtypical characters, adventures, assassinations, flip-flopping betrayals, triumphs, conspiracies, heists, battles and intrigue. Oozing an incredible ensemble of historical characters that would make even a soap opera writer blush, the story and the writing do not disappoint. It's going on my bookshelf.

I’ve made half-hearted stabs at Herodotus over the years, but I am now getting ready to tackle him in earnest. This book by James Romm is often recommended as a useful introduction. It’s the first of the Hermes series that I’ve read. This series is aimed at the nonspecialist adult or the “intelligent but uninstructed beginning student,” according to John Herington’s introduction. This book lived up to that aim.
In thirteen brief, well-organized chapters, Romm deals with a variety show more of topics from the political background of the sixth century BCE to Herodotus as a storyteller. He expects that most who pick up this book will go on to read Herodotus in translation (a bibliographic note in the book discusses some of the notable translations published in the last half of the twentieth century — at least two notable ones have appeared since). Yet Romm explains key Greek terms. An English-speaking reader will find it helpful to know what “history” or “myth” meant to Greek-speakers twenty-five hundred years ago.
Romm only gives an inkling of current scholarly debates, such as whether Herodotus actually traveled to the lands he claims to have visited (Romm sees no inherent difficulty in this assertion). The author who emerges is more of a storyteller than historian in the modern sense of the word. Yet, Romm clearly admires the curiosity and ability of Herodotus. I’m eager to tackle The Histories. show less

This book ROARS across the pages leaving in its wake blood, sand and fair amount of confusion in the readers lap. Not confusion from the author, but confusion from the players on the massive board which is Europe and Asia. It also leaves us with many questions as to what might have been the fate of Alexander and makes the waters of the time a little less murkier. We all know what history has told us about the man, the conqueror and the would be king. But what we don’t know… and it is show more done brilliantly… is what happened to the massive swath of the Earth that was left behind when Alexander died.
There are so many aspects to this book. I am still looking for hoofprints across my backside after reading it. Who knew there were so many players and contenders for the spoils of war; not to mention civil war amidst the unfolding drama. As you read this book you might find yourself picking sides. Eumenes, Cassander, Antipater, Etc. Etc. the list goes on.
One man does stand out. Eumenes. Ghost on the Throne could have easily been about him. As a matter of fact…most of it is. The author portrays him in a sneaky but gallant manner and not so subtly hints that he was by far the most important chess piece on the field, not to mention the smartest.
Who had the right to rule, and who had no claim at all? Eumenes knew he had no claim, but he also knew he had an obligation set forth by his dying leader. The author makes this very clear.
With events that took place so long ago Mr. Romm does not forget to remind the reader that some things are very unclear and some things are more transparent due to documentation. The reader will discover many sides to a story that is engaging enough to want to dive deeper in the melee that was the fight for Alexanders throne. Be noted though. This book is no dim witted Oliver Stone farce. This is not only a hard, galloping and head rolling history it is whiny megalomaniacs all scratching for the same piece of pie mixed with the sad fates of many who were thrown the wolves of destiny just because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time.
We all know Alexander and his conquest changed the world, but we don’t know is what his long term plans were. Well the author highlights that. Alexander was known as a melting pot commander who encouraged cultural fusion while not only conquering lands but creating new cultures along the way. Read this book and it will cause you stand in front of the mirror and wonder what your world, the world around you and world history might have been like had he not died at such a young age. Once again…read this book.
There are many aspects to the book which my review does not cover but I will briefly mention. An interesting take on Jerusalem, and some wily and interesting family members of Alexander that many historians fail to mention. show less

I’ll probably read this book two or three times. Concise, precise prose. (A lesser author would’ve consumed 600 pages to tell the same stories.) Thoroughly enjoyed the pace and poignancy with which he revealed the demise of the lost kingdom of Alexander. Had he lived, could he have held it together? Found a balance between Argead monarchy, Greek oligarchy, and the desire of the masses for democracy? Hmm... probably not. But at least one form of his dynastic megalomania was attempted show more through mixing the DNA of west and east, of northern and southern Europe—marrying generals and bodyguards off to women as the spoils of war.

This work speaks to the folly of building an empire you cannot outlive, placing that power in birthrights, speaking for ghosts, and plying soldiers hungry for battle and fortune with ill-gotten second-hand wealth. And perhaps most relevant to these times, be wary of resting one’s fate on the outcome of battles between old men who just won’t g was t out of the way of progress.

The appearance and character of women as portrayed in this book speaks to laziness and stimulates, in my mind, hilarity. Always pawns, prizes, or bitches. Rarely shrewd, always conniving, causes of wars. Hrumph.

- Alexander’s top generals were about to tangle with one of history’s top teenage girls.p 167
- The blow that destroyed (two great blocks of Alexander’s empire) seemed almost banal, a piece of gossip about a man’s interest in another man’s wife. Women represented legitimacy, and marital alliance security... p 169
- One brought him pleasure, the other power. p 195
- (That house)...was being torn apart ... by meddlesome, ungovernable women. p 210
- With his dying breaths, Antipater had reportedly spoken one last, stern injunction to his followers: “Don’t let Macedonia be ruled by a woman! - p 237

The last is my favorite excerpt before I turn to a book by Elizabeth Carney suggested by Romm that I hope will do more justice to the women in this book. It seems true to this day that one book can do justice either to the kings or to the queens but never both. LOL

Signed,
A “meddlesome ungovernable woman”




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