Alexander the Great is dead, and his generals are tearing his empire apart. In episode two of History’s Last Stand, Mike Bird and historian and The Ancients podcaster Tristan Hughes explore the brutal struggle for power that followed Alexander’s death. Ptolemy seizes Alexander’s body and takes it to Egypt, while Perdiccas launches a disastrous invasion to recover it and secure his claim to rule. What follows is a gripping story of military deception, war elephants, a catastrophic Nile crossing, soldiers devoured by crocodiles, and betrayal inside Perdiccas’ camp. As rival commanders battle for legitimacy, Alexander’s empire begins to fracture into competing kingdoms. Mike and Tristan unpack the ambition, violence and political chaos that shaped the Hellenistic world and paved the way for new powers, including Rome. A dramatic tale of empire, rivalry and collapse.

More from Tristan Hughes https://www.instagram.com/ancientstristan/More from Mike Bird

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Released on 5 Aug 2026