Phone: 0049 (0)30 315 700 0
- You are here:
- Books & Media
- Books
- Ancient
Description
Most of what we "know" about Alexander the Great (356-323 BC) comes from the pages of much later historians, writing 300 years or more after these events. But these Roman-era writers drew on the accounts of earlier authors who were contemporary with Alexander, some of whom took part in the momentous events they described. David Grant examines the fragments of these earlier eyewitness testimonies which are preserved as undercurrents in the later works. He traces their influence and monopoly of the "truth" and spotlights their manipulation of events to reveal how the Wars of the Successors shaped the agendas of these writers. It becomes clear that Alexanders courtiers were no-less ambitious than their king and wanted to showcase their role in the epic conquest of the Persian Empire to enhance their credibility and legitimacy in their own quests for power. In particular, Grant reveals why reports of the dying kings last wishes conflict, and he explains why testimony relegated to "romance" may house credible grains of truth. The author also skillfully explains how manuscripts became further corrupted in their journey from the ancient world to the modern day. In summary, this work by a recognized expert on the period highlights why the legacy of Alexander is built on very shaky foundations.
- Group
- Books (first-hand)
- Author
- Grant, David
- Title
- Alexander the Great. A Battle for Truth & Fiction. The Ancient Sources & Why They Can't be Trusted
- Details
- English text. 319 pages.
We also recommend this article
The following articles may also interest you
Take a look at our similar products.Copyright © 2024 Berliner Zinnfiguren & Preussisches Buecherkabinett
Berliner Zinnfiguren, Knesebeckstr. 88, 10623 Berlin, Germany
Phone 0049 (30) 315 700 0