"Mania for Subjugation" focuses on Alexander the Great and his family background. Carlin discusses the complex dynamics of the Macedonian royal court, particularly the relationships between Alexander, his father Philip II, and his mother Olympias.

The podcast explores Philip II's rise to power and his transformation of Macedonia into a formidable military force. Carlin details Philip's political and military achievements, including his creation of the Macedonian phalanx and his conquest of Greece.

Carlin delves into Alexander's early life and education, including his tutelage under Aristotle. He emphasizes the competitive nature of both Philip and Alexander, and how this shaped their relationship.

The episode covers the tensions within the royal family, including the conflict arising from Philip's marriage to a young woman named Cleopatra. This led to a rift between Philip and Alexander, with Olympias also involved in the intrigue.

Carlin discusses the assassination of Philip II in detail, exploring various theories about who might have been behind it. He notes how this event catapulted Alexander to power at a young age.

Throughout the podcast, Carlin draws parallels between ancient and modern political intrigues, and reflects on the nature of power and ambition. He also discusses the challenges of interpreting ancient sources and the difficulties in separating fact from myth in historical accounts.

The episode ends with Alexander poised to take control of the empire his father built, facing numerous challenges and threats to his rule. Carlin sets the stage for Alexander's future conquests and the impact they would have on the ancient world.

Listen to the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7C7nWJqptAW4YOEmJNWEa6