Alexander the Macedonian and the historical memory of Cyrus the Great

Allahyari, Adel

doi:10.22051/hii.2022.32083.2275

Document Type : Scientific-Research

Author

Adel Allahyari

PhD student of Iran's pre-Islamic history, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22051/hii.2022.32083.2275

Abstract

Historians of Alexander the Macedonian have reported that while conquering the Iranian lands, the Macedonian conqueror revered the memory of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire. The point that the destroyer of the Achaemenid Empire was a devotee of the founder of that Empire is something worthy of consideration. However, earlier some historians have pointed out that during his battles, the Macedonian conqueror was trying to show his eligibility to succeed the Achaemenid kings. The problem is, to what extent does the examination of the available records of Alexander the Macedonian in dealing with the memory of the founder of the Achaemenid Empire allow us to certify the view claimed by his historians? Was Alexander actually a devotee of Cyrus the Great? Using classical sources and focusing on the reports that link the Macedonian conqueror to the memory of Cyrus the Great, the Author of the following article has shown that the Macedonian conqueror due to his Greek upbringing, extensive knowledge he had about the structures of power and legitimacy of the Achaemenid kings and his political position before and after the death of Darius III, had a dual and in fact political approach to the memory of the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, Cyrus the Great.

Keywords

20.1001.1.2008885.1401.32.54.1.7

Main Subjects

History of developments in ancient Iran

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History of Islam and Iran

Alexander the Macedonian and the historical memory of Cyrus the Great

References

References

Volume 32, Issue 54 - Serial Number 144
Summer 2022
June 2022
Pages 15-37

Alexander the Macedonian and the historical memory of Cyrus the Great

References

References

Volume 32, Issue 54 - Serial Number 144Summer 2022June 2022Pages 15-37

Volume 32, Issue 54 - Serial Number 144
Summer 2022
June 2022
Pages 15-37