Ghost on the Throne Book Review

James Romm wrote Ghost on the Throne with the purpose to inform the reader of Alexander the Great and the empire he established, with the ensuing chaos the came after when Alexander tragically died at a young age. The book was organized somewhat chronologically, starting from opening the tombs in which Alexander was buried and how he fell ill, to the closing of the tombs and a reflection of the fall of his empire. Romm tried to answer the question of how Alexander died, providing multiple theories of how and why he died. Romm seemed to advocate the theory of poison from Alexander’s enemies, including the fact that many people wanted to see Alexander dead. Romm also explained in great detail how the empire fell; the countries wanted to conquer the others just as Alexander had done. However, the giant war led to the end of an empire. Romm explained much about Alexander and his trusted colleagues that were also his closet friends. They had much power over society and probably took advantage over those that did not admire and respect Alexander a much as they and many others did. Alexander was godlike to many of his people, which greatly impacted them when his death humanized him. One assumes that he was not as respected after his death then before. The people put their envy for the power of the empire before their respect for the established government and bloody, royal family. Romm’s thesis was that Alexander formed his empire thru the influence of his forceful personality and with his death, came the struggle to uphold his empire with people that were not able to successfully succeed him. He did not clearly state his thesis, but subtly made his point throughout the book, while informing the reader about Alexander’s life. The book shows Alexander’s great determination to conquer and rule all land and people in the known world. Though people desired the power Alexander left, no one was able to rightfully attain the leadership. Romm’s purpose was to inform the