A History of Alexander the Great in World Culture

Alexander III of Macedon (356-323 BC) has for over 2000 years been one of the best recognized names from antiquity. He set about creating his own legend in his lifetime, and subsequent writers and political actors developed it. He acquired the surname 'Great' by the Roman period, and the Alexander Romance transmitted his legendary biography to every language of medieval Europe and the Middle East. As well as an adventurer who sought the secret of immortality and discussed the purpose of life with the naked sages of India, he became a model for military achievement as well as a religious prophet bringing Christianity (in the Crusades) and Islam (in the Qur'an and beyond) to the regions he conquered. This innovative and fascinating volume explores these and many other facets of his reception in various cultures around the world, right up to the present and his role in gay activism.

About the Author

Richard Stoneman is an Honorary Visiting Professor at the University of Exeter. He was President of the Classical Association (UK) in 2010, and is widely known for his work on the Alexander legends, having both organised and participated in various Alexander conferences. His books include Land of Lost Gods: The Search for Classical Greece (1987) and Alexander the Great: A Life in Legend (2008), both of which have been shortlisted for the Runciman Prize. His most recent work, The Greek Experience of India (2019), was described by the TLS as 'the best book ever written on the subject'.