Alexander the Great

Egyptian History Ptolemaic Period Home

alexander
Rule332-323 B.C.
PredecessorFounder of Ptolemaic Period
DynastyMacedonian
ConsortsNone in Egypt
Capital cityAlexandria
AchievementsEnded Persian Rule
Founded Alexandria City
BurialOutside Egypt

The Egyptian people, 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 Amun, at Siwa, where he was declared "the son of Amun." 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 I Soter. When Alexander died, Ptolemy's generals divided the kingdom of Egypt.

Page last updated: 15 Feb 2008
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