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6 - Alexander in Ancient Jewish Literature

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 January 2022

By
Ory Amitay
Edited by
Richard Stoneman
Richard Stoneman
Affiliation:
University of Exeter
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Summary

This chapter surveys the main treatments of Alexander in Jewish literature (in Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic), from the Hellenistic period to the Hebrew Alexander Romances and the medieval biblical and Talmudic commentators. Themes discussed include the prophecy of Daniel regarding Alexander and Makedonian rule, the king’s visit to Jerusalem, the analogies drawn between his character and role and those of Cyrus and Antiochos IV, and the value attached to his name and personality by the Jewish community in Alexandria. The Romances tell of Alexander’s adventures with gymnosophists, Amazons, and his wise judgement given to the king of Katzia. Though a hero and sage in Jewish tradition, his aspirations to divinity make him an imperfect role model for the rabbinic scholars.

Keywords

Daniel (prophet)Seder OlamPirqei deRabbi EliezerTalmudCyrusPseudo-MethodiosJosephosJerusalemAlexandriaAmazons
Type
Chapter
Information
A History of Alexander the Great in World Culture , pp. 109 - 142
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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