The Divinity of Alexander

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the divinity of Alexander - promoted both during and after his lifetime - and asks whether it was purely propaganda or whether he believed it, whether his peoples believed it and how they reacted to it. These questions are answered by investigating such incidents in Alexander's life as his visit to the Temple of Ammon, the aborted issue of proskynesis and more generally the behavior of Alexander and those around him in relation to this matter.

From the Paper:

"Curtius is equally implicit about the manipulative and cagey nature of Alexander in the matter of Ammon. He relates that "Alexander was goaded by an overwhelming desire to visit the temple of Jupiter , dissatisfied with elevation on the mortal level, he either considered, or wanted others to believe, that Jupiter was his ancestor" and mentions the popular anecdote that "As the king approached, he was addressed as "son" by the oldest of the priests, who claimed that this title was bestowed on him by his father Jupiter.". The fact that he was "goaded by an overwhelming desire" suggests that Alexander was constantly driving himself on. This is incidentally reminiscent of the modern-day army advert, where we are told that no one will push you harder than yourself!"

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