Alexander in Egypt

 

Persian Rule in Egypt

      Cambyses

            Attempted to undermine priesthood

            Destruction of temples

            Killing the sacred Apis bull

      Most rebellious province

            Revolted many times

            Independent for sixty years {403-343}

            Had only been ruled by Egypt from 343-332

 

March to Pelusium

      Fortress of Egypt

      Welcomed by Egyptians

 

March to Memphis

      Triumph

      Coronation as pharaoh 14 Nov 332

      Royal titles included “son of god”

 

Egyptian views on kingship

      Pharaoh as son of/incarnation of God

      Rule by foreign pharaohs

            Nubians

            Libyans

      Persians had not taken title of pharaoh

      Alexander’s interpretation of this

 

Restoration of temples

      Karnak

      Luxor


 

Founding of Alexandria

      Prophetic dream of founding

      Purposes

            Port for access to Greece

            Center for Greek dominance

            Trading center

            Base for garrisons

      Laying out of Alexandria

            Egyptian royal ritual of laying the line

            Axial system

            Sheltered port

            Market (agora)

            Fortifications

            Temple (of Isis)

      Bad oracle of birds eating grain

            Aristander’s interpretation

      Impact of Alexandria

 

Consultation of the oracle at Siwah Oasis

 

Policy in Egypt

      Respect Egyptian religion

      Leave Egyptians in charge of local affairs

      Macedonian leaders and garrison

     

Army rests and recuperates

      Collection of supplies for march to Mesopotamia

 

Resistance in Aegean and Sparta