The Misconception About Alexander the Great

The Historical Context and Identity of Alexander the Great

Many people often wonder whether Alexander the Great was Bulgarian, aiming to personally link him to their heritage. However, the truth is that Alexander the Great was a Macedonian king who lived from 356 BC to 323 BC. His empire expanded to cover a vast territory including parts of modern-day Greece, Turkey, Egypt, and the Persian Empire.

Despite some confusion, it is important to clarify that Alexander was a Greek and a member of the Argead dynasty which ruled Macedonia. The historical and cultural context of his time is distinctly separate from the later development of the Bulgarian state and identity.

The Controversy Over Alexander’s Language and Origins

Some argue that Alexander spoke and wrote the earliest version of the Bulgarian language, inscribed on stone in various parts of the region. This notion, however, is not supported by historical evidence. The inscriptions in question are from much later periods and do not represent the language of Alexander's time. Furthermore, these inscriptions are in different languages, which is more in line with the historical context of that region.

Another claim is that Alexander was born in a kingdom that eventually became part of Bulgaria. Yet, he was born from a Macedonian father and Greek mother, and his claims to the throne were primarily based on his Greek heritage. His father's domain was indeed part of the early geographical area that would later be associated with Bulgaria, but this does not mean he identifying as Bulgarian.

Alexander’s Own Words about His Identity

One of the most compelling pieces of evidence supporting Alexander's Macedonian origins is his claim in his letter to Persian King Darius. Alexander stated, 'Macedonia and the rest of Greece and did us great harm though we had done them no prior injury. I have been appointed leader of the Greeks.' He goes on to say, 'As your agents destroyed my friends and were striving to dissolve the league which I had formed among the Greeks, I took the field against you because you were the party who commenced the hostility.' (Arrian, "Anabasis Alexandri" 4.9.1-2).

His words at the Battle of Issus also reflect his deep-rooted allegiance to Greek culture: 'We on the contrary shall fight for Greece and our hearts will be in it.' (Arrian, "Anabasis Alexandri" 2.7.4). Furthermore, in his decree to his soldiers after the conquest of Persia, he mentions, 'to Athens also he sent 300 suits of Persian armour to be hung up in the Acropolis as a votive offering to Athena and ordered this inscription to be fixed over them: "Alexander son of Philip and all the Greeks except the Lacedaemonians present this offering from the spoils taken from the barbarians inhabiting Asia."'

Concluding Thoughts on Alexander the Great’s True Identity

Summarizing, when it comes to the historical facts, Alexander the Great was Greek, not Bulgarian. He was claimed from Macedonia, a region in ancient Greece. The recent claims that he spoke Bulgarian or identified as Bulgarian are not historically supported. Alexander's letters and actions leave no doubt about his allegiance to his Greek identity and the Greek allied forces under his command.

So, for those who wish to trace their heritage to Alexander the Great, the most authentic path is to connect with the rich cultural and historical heritage of ancient Greece.