Fall of Thebes

In 335 BC, Alexander the Great crushed a rebellion in Thebes, demonstrating his military brilliance and ruthless decisiveness early in his reign. After Philip II’s assassination, Thebes, encouraged by Athens and Persian agents, sought to break free from Macedonian rule. In response, Alexander swiftly marched south with his army, surrounding the city before it could receive reinforcements. When Theban defenders refused to surrender, Alexander’s forces launched a brutal assault, breaching the walls and engaging in fierce street battles. The city was razed to the ground, its population either massacred or sold into slavery, with only temples and the house of the poet Pindar spared as a symbolic gesture. This destruction sent a clear message to the rest of Greece—Macedonian rule was unshakable, and rebellion would not be tolerated. The crushing of Thebes secured Alexander’s control over Greece, allowing him to begin his conquest of the Persian Empire without fear of insurrection at home.

'Fall of Thebes' is the fourth of sixteen songs that form the 'Alexander' Rock Opera, the first historical rock opera project I have completed. My second project is the 'Hannibal Ante Portas' Rock Opera I started in January 2025.

'Hannibal Ante Portas' Rock Opera link:
   • Hannibal Ante Portas (219 - 202 BC) (Origi...