Alexander the Great: the Debate Over his Greek Origins Settled

Published by
Natalie Martin

One of the world’s pre-eminent scholars on Ancient Greek history, Professor Paul Cartledge of Cambridge University, has weighed in decisively on the origins of Alexander the Great in the most recent episode of the Ouzo Talk Podcast.

In an evidence-based discussion on the podcast, the AG Leventis Senior Research Fellow and Professor of Greek Culture dismissed doubts about Alexander’s Greek/Hellenic identity, with the academic and writer of both books and documentaries pointing to a range of historical sources to support his conclusion.

“If you want to be in any doubt about the ‘Hellenicity’ of Alexander, cease to be – do not even consider it for all sorts of reasons,” Cartledge told Ouzo Talk.

“The Macedonians collectively – the Macedonian royal house – were Hellenes. He spoke Greek, he has Greek ancestry.

“The North Macedonian Republic is in a part near to Macedonia – Greek Macedonia – where the Paeonians lived. The Paeonians were not Greeks.

“There’s absolutely no question about the claim of North Macedonia being, shall we say, ‘inappropriate’. He is not a North Macedonian – he’s a Macedonian.”

In further solidifying his argument, Cartledge referenced the ancient poet Hesiod, whose works are regarded as a cornerstone of Greek cultural identity.

Paul Cartledge in Sweden

In Hesiod’s writings – particularly in fragments that discuss the genealogy of the Hellenes, Cartledge traced the ancestry of the Greeks back to a figure named ‘Hellene’, from whom all Greeks supposedly descend, before following the line down on to a figure named Makedon, who is identified as a progenitor of the Macedonian people.

“That’s seventh century – this is before anybody had an interest either in ‘inventing’ the Macedonians or trying to deny that they were Greek,” Cartledge emphasised to Ouzo Talk.

“The one piece of evidence that I always cite is a famous poet from Hesiod (and he’s sometimes been called the equivalent of a Bible for the Greeks in the sense that he set out the duties, the powers of all the gods and goddesses) and he wrote a book called Theogony. Well, another of his works survives only in quotations, in fragments, but one key bit of it – he’s talking about the ancestry of the Hellenes.

“If they’re called ‘Hellenes’, then there must have been once upon a time somebody called ‘Hellene’ who is the ultimate ancestor in the direct paternity line of all Hellenes. So go right back up to the top of the Greeks’ family tree and you’ll find a guy called Makedon.”

Cartledge continued at length about the subject before being quizzed on the life and legacy of Alexander – widely regarded as one of the most important figures in history.

The episode marks the second appearance of Professor Cartledge on the Ouzo Talk podcast, following up from last year’s episode dedicated to Ancient Greece.

The Ouzo Talk podcast is accessible on major streaming platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, SOUNDIS.GR, and more. Subscribe to stay updated on the latest episodes.

Read also Great Archaeological Finds: Santorini’s Ancient Hydraulic Innovation

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Natalie Martin

Natalie Martin is editor and journalist at Greek City Times, specialising in writing feature articles and exclusive interviews with Greek personalities and celebrities. Natalie focuses on bringing authentic stories to life and crafting compelling narratives. Her talent for storytelling and compassionate approach to journalism ensure that every article connects with readers around the world.

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