Spivak I. Alexander of Macedon and Zoroastrianism

The thesis looks at the characteristics of Alexander of Macedon’s policy in Iran. The author analyzes the legend of Alexander offered by the existent Zoroastrian quasi-historic tradition. The paper sequentially identifies and analyzes the accusations against Alexander found in Zoroastrian religious texts. From this analysis a conclusion is drawn that the late Zoroastrian tradition can not be considered impartial. The author emphasizes the lack of reliable historical evidence to prove the existence of an Avestan text that pre-existed the invasion of Alexander, thus pointing to the groundlessness of accusing Alexander of destroying such a text. From the perspective of the ancient historical tradition, the statements about willful slaughter of the Magi by the invaders from Greece and Macedon require a critical attitude. The evidence provided by the ancient authors shows that the destruction of Persian temples and places of worship may not be considered as part of an anti-Zoroastrian policy of the Macedonian king. From the analysis of the quasi-historical Zoroastrian legend a conclusion can be drawn that the main goal pursued by the Sassanian priesthood in their attempts to formulate accusations against Alexander was justifying the legitimacy of Sassanian enthronement in Iran.