Alexander the Great

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Alexander the Great forged a visual image that showcased his powerful personality and leadership abilities. Since there are no surviving fourth-century B.C. portraits attributed to his official court sculptor, Lysippos, later sculptures like this marble head give us an idea of what he looked like. His portrait has become the most famous in history and has been emulated by countless leaders from Hellenistic times right up to the present day. A divine cult centered around Alexander the Great emerged during his lifetime and continued after his death in 323 B.C. He was worshipped in Greek cities, often in association with his successors, the Hellenistic kings who divided and ruled the vast kingdom he had created. The cult of Alexander persisted during Roman times, particularly in Macedonia, his homeland, and in Asia Minor, where cities proudly traced their foundations to his rule.