Grant, David Alexander the Great. A Battle for Truth & Fiction. The Ancient Sources & Why They Can't be Trusted

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.

He traces their influence and monopoly on the 'truth' and illuminates their manipulation of events to show how the wars of their successors shaped the agenda of these authors. It becomes clear that Alexander's courtiers were no less ambitious than their king and wanted to emphasise their role in the epic conquest of the Persian empire in order to bolster their credibility and legitimacy in their own quest for power. In particular, Grant uncovers why accounts of the dying king's last wishes are contradictory, and he explains why testimonies dismissed as 'romance' can contain credible grains of truth. The author also skilfully explains how manuscripts have been further distorted on their journey from antiquity to the present day. To summarise, this work by a recognised expert on the period makes it clear why Alexander's legacy stands on very shaky foundations.