Alexander the Great and Egypt

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This volume features papers from an interdisciplinary conference held in Wroclaw in 2011, focusing on Alexander’s expedition to Egypt and its lasting impact. Military aspects are explored, including Egypt’s strategic importance in 4th-century Greek sources and a comparison of Alexander’s conquest with earlier campaigns in the region. The chronology of Alexander’s time in Egypt and the founding of Alexandria are examined, linking them to urban developments in the Eastern Mediterranean. Contributions also delve into hieroglyphic inscriptions and papyri that reflect Alexander’s legitimacy as a pharaoh, his royal title, and the renovation of Egyptian temples under his rule. Additionally, the expedition catalyzed advancements in ancient science, with discussions on the Nile's flooding and the dissemination of astrology. The volume presents a nuanced view of Alexander’s legacy within Ptolemaic ideology and art, while challenging modern scholarly myths surrounding his sarcophagus and tomb in Alexandria. Diverse methodological approaches from Ancient History, Classical Studies, Egyptology, and Archaeology are juxtaposed, enriching the understanding of Alexander the Great's Egyptian episode and its broader historical significance.