Chapter
The Insanity of Power
01:32 - 11:49 (10:17)
The reign of Cambyses, an ancient ruler, is compared to a game of Clue as the mystery of what happened to him and his possible descent into insanity due to the corrupting nature of absolute power is explored.
Clips
The assumption in modern democratic systems is that nobody can handle absolute power.
01:32 - 03:25 (01:53)
Summary
The assumption in modern democratic systems is that nobody can handle absolute power. However, looking back at the past shows us that emperors and kings did handle it, raising the question of whether or not anyone can truly handle it.
ChapterThe Insanity of Power
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Cyrus the Great paid close attention to his succession, ensuring a smooth transfer of power, a move that made him a visionary ruler.
03:26 - 06:34 (03:07)
Summary
Cyrus the Great paid close attention to his succession, ensuring a smooth transfer of power, a move that made him a visionary ruler. However, his death bequeathed his son a dangerous inheritance that could have plunged the Persian empire into chaos.
ChapterThe Insanity of Power
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The reign of Cambyses, son of Cyrus the Great, is shrouded in mystery and speculation.
06:34 - 11:49 (05:15)
Summary
The reign of Cambyses, son of Cyrus the Great, is shrouded in mystery and speculation. Some believe he may have gone insane due to the absolute power he held, while others focus on the karmic justice of his downfall.