The Alexander-oracles : their literary and historical function

The major extant narratives describing the life of Alexander the Great--those of Diodorus Siculus, Quintus Curtius, Plutarch, and Arrian--contain evidence of oracles associated with Alexander. This thesis examines these oracles' functions within both their literary and historical settings.

The reported oracles' functions within the literary accounts are illustrated by comparing them with oracles of earlier Argead kings and with Homeric epic. The comparison indicates that the Alexander-oracles continue an Argead oracular tradition and introduce topics paralleling Homeric motifs. The historical function of one group of reported oracles is assessed by examining testimony in the narrative accounts. The examination indicates that these Alexanderoracles were composed to promote ideas and ideals of Alexander and his court, and the findings suggest that other oracles within the tradition could be employed as historical evidence of the court's concerns.