Did you know that Alexander the Great once introduced proskynesis to the Macedonian court?
Proskynesis, the act of kissing the ground or the feet of someone of higher rank, was a normal custom of the Persians. In the court of the Achaemenid Empire, this act was typically done before the king. Whether they were native to the land or not, subjects had to prostrate themselves to the king before they could let a word out of their mouths. In contrast to the practice of the Greeks and Macedonians, proskynesis was performed by the Persians only when they were communicating with their ancient gods.
The invasion of the Achaemenid Empire had always been on top of the list for Alexander the Great. Ever since he came to power, the king had desired the submission of Darius III, the reigning king of the Persians at that time. Though he defeated the king in two battles and eventually conquered its territories, Alexander appears to have soon found a deep love for Persian customs and traditions. Of course, the king’s gradual change and assimilation of Persian culture did not sit well with the Macedonian people.
According to the ancient writer Arrian, when Alexander attempted to apply proskynesis to his court, his decision was met with massive criticism from both the Macedonians and Greeks. And even when he stopped the practice, the Macedonians continued to witness their king apply a variety of Persian customs in the kingdom. Some said his Persianization played a minor role in his death, while others claimed that he died of natural causes. The sources that tell the story of Alexander often contradict each other, which can be confusing for curious readers hoping to learn about the great king’s eventful life.
But that is about to change. With this all-new enthralling history book, you can easily explore the gripping events that took place throughout the life of Alexander the Great.
Here’s just a small fraction of what you’ll The mythical ancestry of Alexander the GreatHow the early Macedonians founded their kingdomHow Philip II shaped the mighty Macedonian phalanxA revenge that led to Philip’s assassinationHow Alexander claimed the crown and quelled the revolts on the Greek peninsulaAlexander’s first battle with the Persian’s colossal armyAlexander as the pharaoh of Egypt and the son of AmunThe Macedonians’ grand entrance into IndiaThe mysterious relationship between Alexander and HephaestionAnd much, much more! Scroll up and click the “add to cart” button to learn more about Alexander the Great!
This is an excellent reference for learning about Alexander the Great and his conquests. It gives a well-rounded listing to his life accomplishments and the people by his side at the time. It is easy to read and follow and quite entertaining.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Alexander was certainly well remembered for his reign and one has to wonder what he would have accomplished if he had lived longer.
Most books or movies center on the Battles and Victories that made him. This book is different in its details of geography and people and pre-historical events.