The Ides of April — Son of the Blade The world didn’t change slowly. It changed in a theater… during a celebration… with a single blade. In Episode One of The Ides of April, we begin the story of Alexander the Great at the moment everything became possible — and everything became dangerous. When Philip II of Macedon, the most powerful ruler in Greece, is assassinated in front of a crowd, the future of the Greek world hangs in the balance. His heir is just twenty years old. Young. Unproven. Surrounded by rivals. What happens next is not hesitation. It’s speed. It’s violence. And it’s the beginning of one of the most extraordinary rises in history. In this episode, we follow Alexander as he secures his throne, eliminates threats inside his own family, crushes rebellion in Greece, and sends a message that will echo across the ancient world: the son is more dangerous than the father. From the destruction of Thebes to the crossing into Asia, the campaign moves with breathtaking momentum. Along the way, Alexander begins shaping something as important as his army — his legend. Because from the very beginning, this was never just a war. It was a performance of destiny. By his mid-twenties, Alexander will defeat the Persian Empire, march into Egypt, and push his army toward India. His soldiers will begin to call him favored by the gods. And he will begin to believe it. But as the poet Pindar warned: Creatures of a day. What is a man? Glory burns bright. And it never burns forever. In this episode:     •    The assassination that changed the ancient world     •    The brutal consolidation of power inside Macedon     •    The destruction of Thebes — and the warning it sent to Greece     •    Alexander’s first victories against Persia     •    The moment a young king begins to step into myth Why this story matters Alexander’s rise wasn’t inevitable. It was built on speed, ruthlessness, and a dangerous pattern: Risk. Danger. Victory. Every gamble worked. And when the world starts rewarding every risk… The most dangerous thing a leader can believe is that he cannot fail. Coming next Victory begins to change Alexander — his court, his army, and his sense of who he really is. He will adopt the customs of kings treated like gods. He will demand loyalty that feels like worship. And before long, the distance between Alexander and the men who once called him companion will grow so wide… That one of them will die by his hand. 💼 SPONSORS Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/IDES #rulapod 🧥 QUINCE Luxury essentials at affordable prices. Free shipping + 365-day returns: 👉 http://www.quince.com/MISCHIEF 📱 MINT MOBILE Premium wireless for just $15/month. Switch and get free shipping: 👉 www.mintmobile.com/DEVILWITHIN 🛰️ EXPRESSVPN Protect your data anywhere. Get up to 4 months free: 👉 http://www.expressvpn.com/DEVILWITHIN 🌿 MOOD CBD and THC gummies shipped nationwide. 20% off with code DEVILWITHIN: 👉 http://www.mood.com/DEVILWITHIN 🐶 OLLIE DOG FOOD Real, fresh, human-grade meals for your dog. 60% off your first box: 👉 http://www.ollie.com/IDES 💰 MONARCH The only finance app you’ll ever need. 50% off your first year: 👉 www.monarchmoney.com/IDE 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. 📍 Follow The Ides of April for new episodes each week. 🌐 More shows from the network at EvioCreative.com Because history doesn’t change gradually. It turns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices