What is romance of alexander?

The Romance of Alexander, also known as Alexander Romance, is a fictionalized account of the life and adventures of Alexander the Great, the famous ancient Greek conqueror. It was a popular narrative in the Middle Ages, and its stories also inspired several other works of literature.

The origins of the Romance of Alexander are uncertain, but it is believed to have been composed in the 3rd or 4th century in Alexandria. The original work was written in Greek, and it was later translated into various languages, including Arabic, Persian, Hebrew, and Old French.

The Romance of Alexander consists of 12 books that narrate Alexander's life from his birth to his death. It includes many legendary stories and mythical elements, such as his descent from the god Zeus, his encounter with the Amazon queen, his journey to the ends of the earth, and his meeting with the mythical creature known as the phoenix.

The work was highly influential in shaping the medieval European perception of Alexander, presenting him as a chivalrous and noble hero, rather than a barbarous conqueror. The Romance of Alexander also influenced other literary works, such as Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales and Dante's Divine Comedy.

Overall, the Romance of Alexander remains an important work in the history of literature and offers valuable insights into the medieval European interpretation of the ancient Greek culture and mythology.