foreign publications
Holt Frank L. - Alexander the Great and the Mystery of the Elephant Medallions, London 2003, ISBN 0520238818
198 pages format approx. 14.5 x 22 cm, softcover, ownership sticker on cover and sticker. The book portrays Alexander of Macedon not only as the Great and Invincible Commander of countless conquests from Albania to India, but also as the "promoter" of his own image to reinforce and fuel this belief. A leader who even enjoyed divine favor and commanded even the forces of nature against his enemies. Solid proof of the "supernatural" Alexander was shown in a rare series of medallions depicting the triumphant young king at war with the elephants, archers and charioteers of Raja Porus of India at the Battle of the Hydaspes River in 326 BC. Recovered from Afghanistan and Iraq under sensational and sometimes dangerous circumstances, these ancient artifacts present a historical debate about Alexander the Great. Holt's book, the first to be devoted to the mystery of these ancient medallions, reveals the history of their discovery and interpretation, the facts of their production and significance, and ultimately the psyche of the king himself and his brilliant almost theology of war. The result is a valuable analysis of the history and myth of Alexander, a colorful tale of numismatics and a fascinating look at the age-old mechanisms of megalomania. The book includes numerous photographs and maps.
