Egypt: Rulers, Kings and Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt: Alexander the Great

Alexander the Great

Macedonian Dynasty

The Egyptians, oppressed under the Persian rule, welcomed Alexander the Great with open arms when he entered the country in 332 B.C. While there he visited the Oracle of Amon, at Siwa, where he was declared "the son of Amon." Exactly how this happened is unclear. One story is that either upon entering or exiting the temple he was greeted by the priest as "my son." Alexander's army and followers were not in a strategic position to see the priest and thought the words came from the god himself. However it happened, from that point on Alexander was instated as a son of god, like the pharaohs of old. Alexander initiated the building of Alexandria, but never lived to see the city. He left Egypt in 331 B.C. and left Cleomenes of Naukratis in charge of the territory. This position was later claimed by Ptolemy. When Alexander died, Ptolemy's generals divided the kingdom.


See also:

The Alexandria National Museum

Alexander in Egypt

In Search of Alexander (his tomb)

Gold Rush (About the common man's search for Alexander's tomb)

The Temple of Alexander the Great in the Bahariya Oasis


Last Updated: August 21st, 2011