Famous People and Their Nicknames: Alexander the Great

Famous People and Their Nicknames: Alexander the Great

Alexander the Great, also known as Alexander III of Macedon, was a king of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon who succeeded his father Philip II and went on to conquer most of the known world. His accomplishments and legacy have been depicted in various cultures, including the Alexander Romance, which has had a significant impact on portrayals of Alexander in later cultures. In English, he is commonly known as "Alexander the Great," but in Middle Persian sources, he is referred to as "Alexander the Accursed," "Evil King Alexander," and "Alexander the Roman." In different cultures, he has been associated with various nicknames and titles.

Ancient Greek and Persian Cultures

In ancient Persian culture, Alexander is known as "Gujastak," which means "accursed," and he is accused of destroying temples and burning the sacred texts of Zoroastrianism. In Islamic Persia, a more positive portrayal of Alexander emerges, and he is included in the mythical line of legitimate Persian shahs, a heroic figure who explored the far reaches of the world in search of the Fountain of Youth. In the Qur'an, he is believed to be the basis for the figure of Dhu al-Qarnayn, who built a wall to defend against the nations of Gog and Magog and traveled the known world in search of the Water of Life and Immortality.

Medieval European Culture

In medieval Europe, Alexander the Great was revered as a member of the Nine Worthies, a group of heroes whose lives were believed to encapsulate all the ideal qualities of chivalry. During the first Italian campaign of the French Revolutionary Wars, Napoleon placed Alexander the Great in the first rank, stating that his campaign on Asia was the main reason for this preference.

Modern Greek and Other Cultures

In modern Greek folklore, Alexander is a household name, and he is the only ancient hero to appear in the Karagiozis shadow play. There is a fable among Greek seamen involving a solitary mermaid who grasps a ship's prow during a storm and asks if King Alexander is alive. The answer should be "He is alive and well and rules the world!" causing the mermaid to vanish, while any other answer would cause the mermaid to turn into a raging Gorgon who would drag the ship to the bottom of the sea.

In medieval India, the name "Sikandar" is derived from the Persian name for Alexander and denotes a rising young talent. The Delhi Sultanate ruler Alauddin Khalji stylized himself as "Sikandar-i-Sani" (the Second Alexander the Great).

In Egypt, Alexander was portrayed as the son of Nectanebo II, the last pharaoh before the Persian conquest. His defeat of Darius was depicted as Egypt's salvation, "proving" Egypt was still ruled by an Egyptian.

In medieval Europe, Alexander the Great was revered as a member of the Nine Worthies; a group of heroes whose lives were believed to encapsulate all the ideal qualities of chivalry. During the first Italian campaign of the French Revolutionary Wars, in a question from Bourrienne, asking whether he gave his preference to Alexander or Caesar, Napoleon said that he places Alexander The Great in the first rank.

Impact on Modern Culture

Alexander's nicknames and titles have shaped his image in various cultures throughout history, and his accomplishments continue to inspire and influence modern society. From his early depictions in Middle Persian and Islamic Persian literature, to his portrayal in modern Greek folklore, and his influence on medieval Indian culture, Alexander's legacy remains an important part of global history.