Thomas R. Martin, An Overview of Classical Greek History from Mycenae to Alexander, The Creation of Macedonian Power, Alexander in Egypt

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Introduction to the Historical Overview in Perseus Geographical and Historical Introduction The Early Greek Dark Age and Revival in the Near East Remaking Greek Civilization The Archaic Age The Late Archaic City-State Introduction to the Fifth Century Clash Between Greeks and Persians Athenian Empire in the Golden Age Athenian Religious and Cultural Life in the Golden Age Continuity and Change in Athenian Social and Intellectual History The Peloponnesian War and Athenian Life Introduction to the Fourth Century The Aftermath of the Peloponnesian War New Directions in Philosophy and Education The Creation of Macedonian Power

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Macedonian Monarchy Macedonians and Greeks The Ambitions of Philip II Philip's Reorganization of the Macedonian Army Philip and the Greeks The Aftermath of the Battle of Chaeronea Alexander's Rise to Power Alexander's Hopes The Attack on the Persian Empire The Siege of Tyre Alexander in Egypt The Conquest of Persia Alexander's March to the East Alexander in Afghanistan and India The Return of Alexander Alexander's Last Plans The Aims of Alexander The Death of Alexander The Effect of Alexander

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Alexander in Egypt

Alexander next took over Egypt, where hieroglyphic inscriptions seem to show that he probably presented himself as the successor to the Persian king¹ as the land's ruler rather than as an Egyptian pharaoh. On the coast, to the west of the Nile River, Alexander founded a new city in 331 B.C. named Alexandria² after himself, the first of the many cities he would later go on to establish as far east as Afghanistan. During his time in Egypt, Alexander also paid a mysterious visit to the oracle of the god Ammon, whom the Greeks regarded as identical to Zeus, at the oasis of Siwah far out in the western Egyptian desert. Alexander told no one the details of his consultation of the oracle, but the news got out that he had been informed he was the son of the god³ and that he joyfully accepted the designation as true.

1 Diod. 17.49.1

2 Diod. 17.52.1