Jesus and His Jewish Influences - Alexander the Great

Explore the intriguing connections between Alexander the Great and ancient Jewish traditions in this 31-minute video lecture. Delve into the legendary visit of Alexander to Jerusalem and Judea, examining its profound influence on Jewish history. Trace Alexander's rise to power as King of Macedonia and his conquest of Persia, before investigating the limited historical sources mentioning his conquest of Judea. Discover how Jews began to recognize and incorporate Alexander's visit into their traditions, including a famous story of his encounter with the Israelite God. Compare the reactions of Samaritans to Alexander's presence and analyze the civil war that erupted following his death. Examine the struggles of Alexander's successors for legitimacy and uncover fascinating parallels between Alexander and the mythical Jesus. Consider Alexander's role as a key figure in eschatological thought and his unique position bridging monotheism and polytheism in ancient religious contexts.