Artifacts > Manuscripts Depicting Alexander the Great

Manuscripts Depicting Alexander the Great

Background

Numerous manuscripts from various periods and cultures depict the life and conquests of Alexander the Great. These manuscripts are important historical documents that offer insights into how different societies viewed and interpreted Alexander's legacy. Here are some notable manuscripts depicting Alexander the Great:

The Alexander Romance

Origin: The Alexander Romance is a collection of legends and stories about Alexander the Great that originated in the Hellenistic period and were later expanded in various cultures and languages.
Notable Versions:
- Greek Version: Attributed to a pseudo-Callisthenes, this version dates back to the 3rd century CE and is the foundation for many later adaptations.
- Latin Version: Known as the "Historia Alexandri Magni," this version was widely read in medieval Europe.
- Ethiopian Version: Known as the "Kebra Nagast," it includes tales of Alexander and his supposed travels in Africa.
Depictions: The manuscripts often include illustrations of Alexander's battles, encounters with mythical creatures, and his interactions with various historical and legendary figures.

The Shahnameh (Book of Kings)

Author: Ferdowsi
Origin: Persia (modern-day Iran), 10th-11th century CE
Depictions: The Shahnameh, a monumental epic poem, includes a section dedicated to Alexander, known as "Iskandar." The Persian depiction of Alexander is unique, blending historical events with Persian mythology. Manuscripts of the Shahnameh are often richly illustrated, showing scenes from Alexander's life and conquests.

The Alexander Mosaic

Origin: Not a manuscript, but an important depiction from antiquity.
Location: Originally from the House of the Faun in Pompeii, now housed in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.
Depictions: This intricate mosaic depicts the Battle of Issus between Alexander and Darius III of Persia. It is a valuable visual representation from the Hellenistic period.

The Medieval Alexander Romances

Origin: Various European countries during the Middle Ages.
Notable Manuscripts:
- "The Romance of Alexander": A French illuminated manuscript from the 14th century, notable for its detailed miniatures.
- "Historia de preliis": A Latin manuscript that became a major source for Alexander legends in medieval Europe.
Depictions: These manuscripts often include lavish illustrations of Alexander's military campaigns, his court, and fantastical elements like his journey to the ends of the earth.

The "Alexander Book" (Buch der Abenteuer)

Origin: German, 15th century.
Author: Ulrich von Etzenbach
Depictions: This manuscript includes detailed illustrations and was popular in medieval Germany, showing Alexander as a chivalric hero.

The Persian Nizami's "Iskandarnamah"

Author: Nizami Ganjavi
Origin: 12th century Persia
Depictions: Part of the "Khamsa" (Quintet), this epic poem offers a Persian perspective on Alexander, blending historical facts with rich Persian literary traditions. Manuscripts of this work are often beautifully illustrated.

These manuscripts are critical for understanding the historical and cultural legacy of Alexander the Great, reflecting how different societies throughout history have interpreted and celebrated his life and achievements.

Miniatures of the following: first column: Alexander the Great encountering blemmyae; Alexander encountering horse-like creatures; second column: Alexander and the burial of Bucephalus; Alexander with ill people and caladrius birds; Alexander encountering a two-headed serpent, elephants, and other beasts, from Poems and Romances (the 'Talbot Shrewsbury book'), France (Rouen), c. 1445, Royal 15 E. vi, f. 21v