Alexander concept Impossible To Grasp?

[kenny]

Companions Hail.This post was mainly with regarding the time commanders episode yet caused thoughts,, First I thought it was brilliand and demonstrated just how good our guy was,,, We had military personel gettin Alexander defeated.The theme I make with this and the whole genre of Alexander is I dont think anyone graspes the reality of just how young Alexander was,, In the programe we had Alexander bearded looking more like a seasoned 50 plus general in the Maximus mode,, Not a mear well can we say young man of 28.With a film of Alexander I think it near impossible to fing the actor of youth and yet show extreme maturity to play Alexander,,, Any young actor would in todays society look little boyish and really more laughable than some thought Farrel.Do we in Pothos even graspe the full essence of the real Alexander The Great. A boy of 16, 4 years younger than our prince Harry leading the companion Cavalry againsty the Theban Sacred band. No companions I think the quest for a realisation of Alexander The Great would be very difficult I believe the young lad, Man was way ahead of his years in not only military matters but in everything, When people criticise some of his silly moments they as we maust also remember he was only a young man up to the day he died.
regardskenny

[Heinrich]

Do we in Pothos even graspe the full essence of the real Alexander The Great. I think this is never possible. The real Churchill, the real Hitler, the real whoever, no one can really understand them.H

[alejandro]

Hi Kenny,I agree that the program was entertaining. However, I would have preferred to be able to see more the tactical side of the battle rather than the animated phalanxes, elephants et al fighting each other. I mean, maybe using a bird-viewGÇÖs perspective would have been much more interesting (at least for the viewers, though I think that it would have been much more helpful for the military men playing the game simulation too).I have to admit that I was prepared for Issos, so when the presenter mentioned Hydaspes I was dumbfounded for a few seconds, trying to remember what happened then, and analysing possible ways to attack the Indian army. And yes, I agree with you once more: the presence of KraterosGÇÖ force on the other side of the river could have played a big role in the simulation (as indeed it played in the real battle).I didnGÇÖt notice AlexGÇÖs beard (I didnGÇÖt recognize him during the whole program, though I assume he was at the tip of one of the Companion wedges). What made me laugh for a while was when they showed a phalanx bearing a standard with a GÇ£lambdaGÇ¥ on it! You sacks of ignorance! GÇôI thought- DidnGÇÖt you know that Laecedemonians didnGÇÖt partake in AlexGÇÖs expedition!?!?!Also, and this is probably a technical problem of the software, I noticed that sometimes, if units were not issued specific orders and got attacked, they will not defend themselves at all (i.e., wonGÇÖt react unless the person playing the game issues an order for them). At least, I mean, they could run! True people under an unexpected attack would take one of the two actions: run or fight!The program was enjoyable, yes, but not always for GÇ£goodGÇ¥ reasons! But I will certainly watch the series from now on.Best,Alejandro

[kenny]

alejandro hailCompliments to your post and opinions,,, I guess with our knowledge and hindsite we will be picky but as a whole it was good.As you also mention Craterus rear action once Alexander had drawn Porus away from the river.The Hydaspes has quite often been stated as maybe Alexanders most difficult battle,,, I would disagree I am convinced once Alexander was across in formation and coul pin those Elephants it was a foregone conclusion,,, I would say it was one of those battle that Alexander had Porus taken from the rear by Craterus.Porus was really trapped between a hard rock and a stone,, At the same time it just demonstrated Alexanders brilliant forseite planning and overall tactics.Regardless of wether the contestance knew about Craterus they would have bode better if they also pinned the Elephants as they had already broken throught the wings as Alexander did.Kenny

[marcus]

I believe that the generals *can* see a birds-eye view on that large table they gather round. It clearly didn't make any difference to them in this case, however.I'd also be quite interested to know whether the teams know which battle they'll be fighting before they get into the studio. How much chance do they get to research, particularly if they're not military historians (amateur or otherwise).Next week's battle (this coming Sunday) is, apparently, Cynocephalae, 197BC, where, of course, Rome thrashed the Macedonians. Should be interesting!All the bestMarcus

[amyntoros]

"...Cynocephalae, 197BC, where, of course, Rome thrashed the Macedonians."Of course it was Cynocephalae. I knew that! Yeah, sure I did...

[marcus]

Classic meeting facilitation behaviour - if you say "of course" or "as you know", then those who didn't previously know it now do ... and avoids making you look as if you're talking down to them.:-)It rather falls down if you get it wrong, on the other hand ... as it happens, until yesterday I thought it was 196BC ...Marcus

[luisfc1972]

hmm ive never heard of this show i am in california. im interested in seeing it though what is the shows full name anyone?

[marcus]

Hi Luis,It's just called "Time Commanders". It's produced by the BBC - I don't know whether it can be viewed outside the UK (although I hope it can, 'cos it's really cool ... if a bit geeky, but I like that!).All the bestMarcus