Michael Wood brings his own unique approach to the story of Alexander the Great which has excited and puzzled the imagination of East and West for the past 2000 years. Alexander's extraordinary journey is now seen as a key moment in history which laid the foundations for the later dominance of Western culture, but which also, ironically, paved the way for the spread of Islam.

In this innovative and compelling account, combining travel adventure with history and current affairs, Michael Wood embarks on a 2000 mile journey in the footsteps of Alexander's army, through many of the 20th century's major troublespots, including Gaza and Afghanistan. He travels with Lebanese traders, Iranian pilgrims and Afghan guerrillas, by jeep, train, boat, camel and on foot. In an account based on the texts of Greek and Roman historians, the momentous events of the past are interwoven with present day reality.