ALEXANDER THE GREAT BETWEEN THE GREEK PANTHEON AND EASTERN CULTS

Abstract

The unilateral portrayal of Alexander III of Macedon as an Oriental despot has influenced various interpretations regarding his relationship with religion. An intriguing dilemma arose: did the greatest conqueror of antiquity remain faithful to traditional Hellenic religion, or did the noticeable changes in his behaviour and mode of governance also lead to the acceptance of foreign deities from different regions of the conquered Persian Empire? The use of narrative, numismatic and epigraphic sources suggests an answer to this quandary. Until the end of his life, Alexander maintained piety and sincere reverence for the Greek gods. He honoured the entire Olympian pantheon, as well as other deities and heroes from Hellenic tradition and mythology. Instances of adopting foreign religions and cults, such as those in Egypt or Babylon, were politically motivated. State interests imposed such an attitude so that the new ruler of the world could legitimize his position through religion. Alexander’s patron gods always remained Greek, and only the Hellenistic period brought about the true mixing of great civilizations and diverse religious systems.