Alexander the Great
Alexander III of Macedon (20/21 July 356 BC – 10/11 June 323 BC), commonly known as Alexander the Great, was a king (basileus) of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon. He spent most of his ruling years on an unprecedented military campaign through western Asia and northeast Africa, and by the age of thirty, he had created one of the largest empires of the ancient world. (wiki)
The connection focuses on Alexander's life and sites that he visited in person (in contrast to those 'only' conquered by his army).
Connected Sites
| Site | Rationale | Link |
| Ancient Merv | Known as "Alexandira Margiana" See link. Also from the Nom File - "The oasis formed part of Alexander the Great's empire, and Pliny (NH VI, 16-17) suggested that the Hellenistic city was founded by Alexander". | |
| Archaeological Site of Aigai | Tomb of his Father | |
| Archaeological Site of Delphi | 336 BC: Alexander the Great visited the Delphic Oracle wishing to hear a prophecy that he would soon conquer the entire ancient world (wiki) | |
| Babylon | According to a Babylonian astronomical diary, Alexander died between the evening of June 10 and the evening of June 11, 323 BC, at the age of thirty-two. This happened in the palace of Nebuchadnezzar II in Babylon. (wiki) | |
| Crac des Chevaliers | Wiki describes the legend of how, around 334BC (and supposedly assisted by Hercules!), Alexander the Great captured the castle then existing on the site of the structure now known as Qal'at Salah ad-Din | |
| Derbent | Has been linked to the location of the Gates of Alexander, the legendary barrier supposedly built by Alexander the Great in the Caucasus to keep the non-Greeks of the north from invading the land to the south. | |
| Ephesus | Alexander the Great visited in 323 BCE. The city of Ephesus in its current location was founded by Lysimachos, one of Alexander’s twelve generals (AB ev) | |
| Gordion | Entered Gordion in 333 BCE and - according to legend - "cut (or otherwise unfastened) the Gordian Knot: this intricate knot joined the yoke to the pole of a Phrygian wagon that stood on the acropolis of the city." (wiki) | |
| Persepolis | The complex was taken by the army of Alexander the Great in 330 BC, and soon after the wooden parts were completely destroyed by fire (wiki) | |
| Pyramids (Memphis) | Legend has it that Alexander spent time alone in the King's chamber of the Great Pyramid of Giza. | |
| Samarkand | He conquered it in 329 BC. | |
| Susa | The "Susa Weddings" | |
| Taxila | The Bihr mound is associated with the historic event of the triumphant entry of Alexander the Great into Taxila. (OUV) | |
| Troy | He landed there to anoint the Grave of his ancestor Achilles | |
| Tyre | Tyre succumbed to the attack of Alexander of Macedonia who had blocked the straits by a dike. ,,, Alexander's legacy still lives on today, since Tyre has remained a peninsula instead of an island ever since. (wiki) |
Suggestions?
Do you know of another WHS we could connect to Alexander the Great?
A connection should:
- Not be "self evident"
- Link at least 3 different sites
- Not duplicate or merely subdivide the "Category" assignment already identified on this site.
- Add some knowledge or insight (whether significant or trivial!) about WHS for the users of this site
- Be explained, with reference to a source