The Origin and Significance of 'Alexander the Great'

'Alexander the Great' refers to an iconic ruler who significantly shaped the ancient world. This title was not unique to him, as it was a moniker used by ancient Persian/Iranian kings such as Cyrus the Great, Darius the Great, and Xerxes the Great. During the conquest of the Persian Empire by Alexander III of Macedon, this title served as a means to legitimize his rule over the East and the vast territories of the Persian Empire.

At the time, the western world, particularly Rome, used the title 'Alexander the Macedonian' rather than 'Alexander the Great'. By removing 'Macedonian' and replacing it with 'Great', the Romans established Alexander as a Greek ruler, despite his Macedonian origins. This change in title was a strategic move to make him appear less connected to his Macedonian homeland and more aligned with Greek culture and heritage.

The Naming Conventions

It's important to note that Alexander was not the first in his line to bear the name 'Alexander'. He was the third in succession with that name. The addition of 'the Great' was likely an attempt to differentiate him from other rulers with the same appellation. This title was most likely inspired by the Achaemenid Persians, where Cyrus the Great was given this name.

The epithet 'the Great' was first used shortly after his death. It did not require much explanation, as the term was widely recognized. The oldest surviving reference to 'Alexander the Great' can be found in the Roman play Tranio. The line reads: 'Alexandrum magnum atque Agathoclem aiunt maxumas. Duo res gessisse'. In English, this means 'They say that Alexander the Great and Agathocles both did two great things'. This suggests that the term 'the Great' was well established by the time of the Roman playwright Titus Maccius Plautus (circa 254-184 BC).

Historical References

The use of 'Alexander the Great' can also be found in the works of other ancient authors. The Roman senator and writer Cornelius Nepos, in his text Kings, mentions Alexander as 'the Great' in the following passage:

From the nation of the Macedonians, however, preceded the two much the rest of the glory of his achievements. Philip, son of Amyntas, and Alexander the Great. These men one, Babylon, consumed by disease; Philip, Aegis by Pausanias. He was going, with the games, to look at, in accordance with the theater, he was put to death.

Quintus Curtius Rufus also uses the epithet 'the Great' in his History of Alexander, further confirming its widespread usage in Roman historical texts.

Contemporary Usage

It's notable that the term 'Alexander the Great' is not used by contemporary historians such as Plutarch (AD 46-120) or Diodorus Siculus (~50 BC). Their works focus on the details of Alexander's life and conquests without the added title, suggesting that the moniker became more prominent in the centuries following Alexander's reign.

Conclusion

The title 'Alexander the Great' reflects a complex historical and cultural transformation. From a simple royal appellation to a universally recognized label of greatness, the term has transcended its original use, becoming a symbol of unparalleled achievement in the ancient world.

References

Plautus, Tranio Cornelius Nepos, Kings Quintus Curtius Rufus, History of Alexander Plutarch, Lives of the Noble Greeks and Romans Diodorus Siculus, Bibliotheca historica