How Many Alexander The Greats Were There

Ever wondered how many times history's greatest conqueror, Alexander the Great, has been referred to, remembered, or mimicked throughout history? The answer might surprise you, as it's not just one, but many Alexanders that have left their mark across various cultures and eras. Let's delve into the fascinating phenomenon of Alexander the Great's legacy and the numerous pharaonic-like leaders who have adopted his title or сравнились (compared themselves) to his conquests.

Alexander the Great, born in 356 BC, was a king of Macedon, a state in northern ancient Greece. His military conquests, including those in the Persian Empire and the Indian subcontinent, are among the most significant in history. His legacy, however, has transcended centuries, inspiring a plethora of Alexander-like leaders, many of whom have claimed his title or sought to emulate his deeds. But who are these Alexander the Greats, and why are there so many?

Alexander the Great in Antiquity

The first wave of Alexander-themed rulers emerged soon after the original conqueror's death. Ptolemy, one of Alexander's Generals who established the Ptolemaic Kingdom in Egypt, named his son Ptolemy II Philadelphus (Alexander). This was not just a name but a statement, indicating Ptolemy II's claim to Alexander's legacy and his intent to continue Alexander's policies in Egypt.

We also see a similar trend in other Hellenistic states. Seleucus I Nicator, another of Alexander's Generals, founded the Seleucid Empire and named his son Antiochus I Soter (Savior), mirroring Alexander's title of 'Soter' used by some of his contemporaries.

Alexander in the East

The spread of Alexander's fame and influence reached even the farthest corners of Asia. In Central Asia, cultures like the Bactrians and Sogdians absorbed Alexander's legacy, with many rulers claiming his title. The Sogdian tradition includes several 'Alexanders,' including Alexander of Khotan and Alexander of>[Khost], all ruling around the 1st century AD.

Alexander's influence was also profound in India. The Mauryan emperor Ashoka (ruled c. 268-232 BC), one of the most famous rulers in Indian history, is thought to have been inspired by Alexander's spreading of Greek culture and ideas through his conquests. Although Ashoka didn't adopt Alexander's title, he emulated his style in spreading Buddhist ideals across his vast empire.

Alexander in Ancient Europe

Further west, the Gauls, Celts, and Romans also knew of Alexander's fame. Celtic chieftains and even Roman emperors sometimes adopted the name Alexander or claimed to be his successors. The most notable Roman example is Alexander Severus (ruled 222-235 AD), who was named after Alexander the Great underscoring his connection to the Greek conqueror.

Even iconic Roman leaders like Julius Caesar were influenced by Alexander's career. Caesar's own exploits in Gaul are believed to have been inspired by Alexander's campaigns in India, with Caesar reportedly translating Alexander's chronicles into Latin.

Alexander the Great and the Middle Ages

The Middle Ages saw a resurgence of interest in Alexander the Great, driven largely by the spread of Greek learning through the Islamic world and later, the Christian West. Many medieval rulers took the name Alexander or saw themselves as his successors.

In the Islamic world, the name Alexander was particularly popular among the Ayyubid dynasty, with both Salah al-Din (Saladin) and his successor al-Afdal Shahanshah being known as 'al-Ak Laus', meaning 'the Alexander of the time'.

Alexander in the Islamic World

Among the Mongols, remnants of Alexander's legacy can be found too. The Ilkhanate, one of the four divisions of the Mongol Empire, provides an example. The Ilkhanate rulers often used the title 'Pродованик' (Pokrovnik, meaning 'protector') which was originally used by the Byzantine and Russian rulers as a counterpart to Alexander's title 'Soter'.

Even the Ottoman Empire, at the height of its power, saw several 'Alexanders'. Ottoman historians often compared the Sultan Süleiman the Magnificent (ruled 1520-1566) to Alexander, with one historian even naming him 'Alexander the Second'.

Alexander in Medieval Europe

In medieval Europe, figures like Charlemagne, Alfred the Great, and even Jan Zizka were often compared to Alexander the Great due to their military achievements. The concept of 'Alexandros Papa' ('Pope Alexander') also emerged, with several medieval popes styled as 'Alexandri Papae'.

The Scottish king, Robert the Bruce, and his succession feud with the English crown was even portrayed in late medieval literature as a new Alexander and his Porus (an Indian king Alexander encountered during his campaigns), with Bruce as Alexander and his rival, Edward II, as Porus.

The legacy of Alexander the Great lives on in our world today, influencing leaders and societies across cultures and centuries. From the Mughal emperor Akbar, who took the title 'Shahanshah' or 'the King of Kings' (similar to Alexander's claim of being a 'king of Asia'), to Napoleon Bonaparte who styled himself as the modern Alexander, his influence permeates various aspects of human history. In the end, it's clear: there have been, and continue to be, many Alexander the Greats, each drawing inspiration from the original conqueror, leaving behind their unique mark on the course of human history.