Heracles

Type: Concept

As of November 2026, Heracles has been mentioned in one podcast episode on Dan Carlin (Jan 2020). In the episode "EP9 Glimpses of Olympias" on Dan Carlin, the speaker discusses how Heracles is a mythological ancestor of Philip II and Alexander the Great. This connection influenced their self-image and propaganda, highlighting the importance of Heracles in shaping their identities as leaders.

Heracles, born Alcaeus (Ἀλκαῖος) or Alcides (Ἀλκείδης), was the greatest of the Greek heroes. He was considered the son of Zeus and Alcmene, and the foster son of Amphitryon. He was thought to be both a hero and a god, possessing superhuman strength. No tomb was ever identified as his, and at some festivals sacrifice was offered to him first as a hero and then as a god. He was widely worshipped as a patron of young men and gymnasia.