Uploaded January 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Introducing Diodorus, Curtius Rufus, Plutarch, Arrian, and Justin, our chief, still-existing narrative historians of Alexander the Great: who they were, when they wrote, and some things about each to know before diving in, including their virtues and vices. Also, some suggested (English) translations.
Introducing Diodorus, Curtius Rufus, Plutarch, Arrian, and Justin, our chief, still-existing narrative historians of Alexander the Great: who they were, when they wrote, and some things about each to know before diving in, including their virtues and vices. Also, some suggested (English) translations.





![How Alexander Used Myth: Love the One Youre With
Inspired by an exchange in the comments to a prior video, here I look at Alexanders approach to religion (and myth) as a polycentral strategy. Post-Granikos, Alexander increasingly began to center his religious actions on WHERE he was, rather than send dedications back home to Macedonia and Greece. This also included how he utilized myth, elevating gods, and heroes, as appropriate to the places he passed through. So Achilles (et al.) mattered at Troy. Herakles mattered at Tyre (and the Aornos Rock). Dionysos mattered in India. Etcetera. In short, Alexander tailored his (religious) message to each place he visited, and selected from the (very rich) Greek religio-literary heritage the appropriate mythological reference.
Prior Videos referenced:
https://youtu.be/r5ZBXgGhCTE?si=G0cXuwG7oA5pAV2G (Alexanders Favorite Hero)
https://youtu.be/td9wCLEClUg?si=YMB3QLL3ikPsUczZ (Bad Research & Over-Romanticism)
https://youtu.be/ezV3kg6vJTU?si=ggjIS1ZTUzaSxgO7 (Did Alexander Think He Was a God)
https://youtu.be/3x3NswCB1E4?si=PVQJawLEW4MsDBTy (Alexander the Tyrant![?])
Ancient Sources mentioned: Plutarch, Arrian, Diodorus, Justin & Curtius
Places referenced: Troy, Tyre & the temple of Melquart, Babylon and the Etemenanki [ziggurat] and the Esagila [Temple of Marduk])
Modern articles referenced:
Ralf von den Hoff (2020) “Alexander’s Dedications to the Gods: Sacred Space, Pious Practice and Public Legitimition,” in K. Trampedach and A. Meeus, eds. THE LEGITIMATION OF CONQUEST: Monarchical Representation and the Art of Government in the Empire of Alexander the Great. Stuttgart, 99–121. https://www.steiner-verlag.de/The-Legitimation-of-Conquest/9783515127813
Jeanne Reames (2025) Philip’s and Alexander’s Use of Religious Cult
in Our Extant Sources, in E. M. Anson, ed. BRILLS TO THE CAMPAIGNS OF PHILIP II AND ALEXANDER THE GREAT. Leiden, 429-76. https://brill.com/abstract/title/71317 How Alexander Used Myth: Love the One Youre With](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/l_bRw4-Hr94/mqdefault.jpg)




