The magnetism of the man known as Alexander the Great, along with that of his father, Philip of Macedon, is almost tangible, felt by people in all times since that brilliant young conqueror moved through the world more than two thousand years ago. Scholars whose fields touch that power continue to be intrigued by these two men and the ways in which their actions altered or contributed significantly to Western culture.

Contributors discuss the fourth century B.C. from the point of view of the historical significance of Philip (A. J. Graham and A. J. N. W. Prag), the foundations of Alexander's empire in Egypt (Murray C. McClellan), the ancient Olympic games (David Gilman Romano), religion (Irene Bald Romano), and Alexander's last great battle in India (Gregory L. Possehl).