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Why did Egyptians welcome Alexander the Great in 332 BCE?
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Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great, detail from Alexander and Porus, painting by Charles Le Brun, 17th century; in the Louvre, Paris, France.
In 332 BCE, the Egyptians welcomed Alexander the Great as a liberator primarily because they were eager to escape the oppressive control of the Persian Empire.312
Alexander’s approach to governance further solidified this support:
- Respect for Traditions: He was crowned with the traditional double crown of the pharaohs at Memphis and sacrificed to the sacred bull, Apis.32
- Religious Support: By placating the native priesthood and encouraging ancient Egyptian religion, he ensured the cooperation of the country's religious leaders.2
- Administrative Strategy: He employed Egyptian governors to manage civil administration, which helped maintain stability and local acceptance.32
- Divine Recognition: His visit to the oracle of Amon at Siwa Oasis, where he was saluted as the son of the god, aligned him with the traditional status of an Egyptian king.32
By positioning himself as a legitimate successor to the pharaonic tradition rather than a foreign conqueror, Alexander secured Egypt without a battle.32