The Son of Ra

In this episode of Dave Does History, we dive into one of the most remarkable moments of Alexander the Great’s campaign: his crowning as Pharaoh in Egypt. Join us as we explore the young Macedonian conqueror’s journey into the ancient land of Egypt, his reception as a liberator, and the symbolic gestures that earned him the loyalty of the Egyptian people. We’ll recount the Siege of Gaza, the crowning ceremony in Memphis, and Alexander’s strategic reverence for Egyptian gods, which solidified his rule. Discover how Alexander’s founding of Alexandria created a powerful legacy that reshaped Egypt and the Mediterranean for centuries. This isn’t just a story of conquest—it’s the story of how Alexander became part of Egypt’s history.

Alexander the Great’s journey into Egypt marked one of the most intriguing chapters of his campaign. Here was a young man, barely 24 years old, who had already carved a path of conquest from Macedon through Persia. Now, in November of 332 BCE, he stood on the doorstep of Egypt. This land was not just any territory—it was the jewel of the ancient world. And it was a land ready to welcome him, or at least, that’s how it would seem.

Alexander’s path to reach Egypt was not without obstacles. As he moved south, Gaza stood as a final line of resistance. The city, a fortress perched along the Mediterranean, was under the command of Batis, a fierce and loyal Persian governor. Batis had prepared well, fortifying the city and its people to resist. Alexander saw the strategic importance of Gaza. Leaving it unchecked could disrupt his plans in Egypt and beyond. So, he laid siege. Alexander’s forces faced stiff resistance. The siege dragged on, with each side suffering. But Alexander had a clear advantage in numbers and determination. Finally, after a brutal struggle, his army broke through. He conquered Gaza with a vengeance. The aftermath was harsh, to say the least. Alexander’s treatment of Batis was ruthless, some would say cruel, sending a clear message to any other would-be defenders.

With Gaza subdued, Alexander marched into Egypt. Egypt had been under Persian rule for years, and the Egyptians were, to put it lightly, not thrilled about that. They saw Alexander not as another conqueror but as a liberator. To them, he was the man who would end the Persian grip on their land. And so, Alexander entered Egypt without a fight. He was greeted warmly by the Egyptians, who were eager to align with a new ruler who, at least for the moment, seemed to respect their customs and traditions.

Alexander was quick to understand the value of Egyptian support. In Memphis, he made sacrifices to the Apis bull, a sacred animal in Egyptian religion. For the Egyptians, this was a profound gesture. Here was a foreigner, a young Greek king, paying homage to their gods. It wasn’t just symbolic; it was strategic. Alexander knew that respect for their beliefs would cement his position. The priests accepted him, and the people saw this as a sign of his divine blessing. Alexander wasn’t there to impose Greek gods on them but rather to honor theirs. And that made all the difference.

Soon, Alexander took on Egyptian titles. The Egyptians did not just see him as a king; they saw him as a Pharaoh. He was given names that aligned him with the legacy of their rulers. He was now the “Son of Rah,” one of their highest honorifics, linking him directly to the sun god, Rah. These titles were not just fancy names; they represented the sacred nature of pharaonic power. By taking on these names, Alexander didn’t just rule Egypt; he became Egypt’s ruler in a way that was both spiritual and political.

The crowning ceremony itself was a defining moment. Alexander wasn’t just recognized as a ruler; he was crowned as Pharaoh. In Egypt, this title was more than political—it was divine. A Pharaoh was seen as a god-king, an earthly representative of the divine. Alexander, a young Macedonian king, was now accepted into this ancient tradition. This wasn’t the way conquerors usually operated. Alexander was, in effect, telling the Egyptians, “I’m here to be part of your story, not just rewrite it.” And the Egyptians responded. This was not occupation; it was adoption.

But Alexander’s plans for Egypt didn’t end with titles and ceremonies. He had a vision—a vision for a new kind of city. That city would be Alexandria. Alexander saw it as a place where Greek and Egyptian cultures could meet and flourish. Alexandria was strategically located near the Nile, making it ideal for trade and defense. It would become a hub of knowledge, culture, and commerce, drawing scholars, traders, and artists from across the world. Though Alexander wouldn’t live to see it, Alexandria would go on to shape the ancient world, leaving a legacy that lasted long after his death.

Alexander’s impact on Egypt didn’t fade with his departure. His time in Egypt set the stage for the rise of the Ptolemaic Dynasty. This dynasty, founded by his general Ptolemy, would blend Greek and Egyptian traditions, creating a unique culture that influenced the Mediterranean for centuries. Egypt was no longer just an ancient kingdom; it became a center of Hellenistic influence, a place where two great civilizations met and merged.

Even today, the legacy of Alexandrian Egypt remains. Alexander’s respect for Egyptian culture, his crowning as Pharaoh, and his founding of Alexandria created a bridge between Greece and Egypt that reshaped the ancient world. For the Egyptians, Alexander wasn’t just a conqueror; he was the Pharaoh who embraced their gods, honored their customs, and left a legacy that resonated through the ages.