Glenn Barnett, Instructor, Cerrtios College (retired)
Proposal Type: Panel
Abstract: Throughout history peoples and nations have been seduced into ill considered actions by following the example of charismatic men who had success in a field of endeavor that other leaders then try to emulate at great cost to their own people. I propose to explain the Roman fascination with Alexander the Great and how his example caused the Romans to undertake several failed invasions of the Persian Empire. We will look at the defeats of Marcus Crassus and Mark Antony, The illusionary victories of Trajan and Marcus Aurelius and the father and son emperors (Septimius Severus and Caracalla) whose twin invasions of Iraq predated that of the two George Bushes by seventeen hundred years.
Seeking: This examination of misguided hero worship would best be presented in a panel discussion with other participants who are examining leadership. Using maps and ancient sources I propose to demonstrate how the Romans blindly followed the example of Alexander the Great in fighting the Persians. Alexander was highly successful in his one of a kind war with Persia. Yet over a 700 year period no Roman general or emperor was able to do the same though many tried. All these leaders sought to repeat the glories of Alexander and all failed at great cost in lives and treasure. It is a lesson that we are relearning today.
Related Topics: Material Culture, Preservation, Teaching
If you have a direct offer of assistance, sensitive criticism, or wish to share contact information for other people the proposer should reach out to, please get in contact directly: Glenn Barnett, glenn4760[at]att.net
If you have general ideas or feedback to share please feel free to use the comments feature below.
Since the NCPH conference has a focus on the presentation of history to the public, you might think about the ways the history you describe is being interpreted at relevant museums and historic sites. Or, if that’s too far afield from your original intent, maybe you could offer a consideration of how these historic circumstances that you describe can inform contemporary public policy.