Alexander the Undertaker
Alexander the Undertaker
Persians, Bactrians, and ataphoi
Author(s): Marc MendozaSubject(s): History, Archaeology, Ancient World
Published by: Univerzita Karlova v Praze - Filozofická fakulta, Vydavatelství
Keywords: Bactria; Exposure of corpses; Alexander; Stasanor of Soloi; Funerary rites; Religious scruples
Summary/Abstract: Alexander’s famous ban of the exposure of the corpses in Bactra has been long studied. Mostly the discussion has focused on the veracity of the account and his compliance with the Zoroastrian rites. The analysis of the reasons that led Alexander to the ban has hitherto been very superficial, only outlining the apparently exceptional character of that action. This paper tries to put this prohibition into a broader context. For this purpose, a look at the previous actions of Alexander in relation to the foreigners’ corpses must first be taken. Also, the extremely negative conception of the unburied in the Hellenic culture, religion, and politics needs to be properly assessed. Only after this analysis, the signification of the prohibition can be rightly apprehended and integrated into the wider context of Alexander’s conquest, and not regarding it as a mere king’s whim. This Bactrian episode stands for a good example of how the Macedonian campaign put face to face conflicting religious practices.
Journal: Studia Hercynia
- Issue Year: 27/2023
- Issue No: 1
- Page Range: 65-87
- Page Count: 23
- Language: English