What were the major religious practices followed by Alexander the Great?

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What were the major religious practices followed by Alexander the Great?

Alexander the Great was known for his religious tolerance and respect for various cultures and beliefs. Although he was a Macedonian king, he adopted and incorporated religious practices from the regions he conquered. The major religious practices followed by Alexander the Great can be summarized as follows:

1. Greek Polytheism: As a Macedonian, Alexander was raised in the Greek tradition of polytheism, which involved the worship of multiple gods and goddesses. He believed in the Greek pantheon, which included deities such as Zeus, Athena, and Apollo.

2. Egyptian Religion: During his conquest of Egypt, Alexander embraced the Egyptian religious practices and was declared the son of the Egyptian god Amun-Ra. He respected the Egyptian gods and participated in their rituals, including visiting the Oracle of Amun at Siwa.

3. Persian Zoroastrianism: After conquering Persia, Alexander showed respect for the Persian religion of Zoroastrianism. He visited the tomb of Cyrus the Great and honored the Persian god Ahura Mazda. He also allowed the Persians to continue their religious practices.

4. Syncretism: Alexander encouraged the blending of different religious beliefs and practices, promoting a syncretic approach. He aimed to create a unified empire by allowing his subjects to maintain their own religious customs while incorporating elements from other cultures.

5. Hellenistic Religion: As Alexander's empire expanded, a new religious movement called Hellenistic religion emerged. It combined elements of Greek, Egyptian, Persian, and other local beliefs. This syncretic religion became popular in the Hellenistic kingdoms that arose after Alexander's death.

In summary, Alexander the Great followed a diverse range of religious practices, including Greek polytheism, Egyptian religion, Persian Zoroastrianism, and promoting syncretism. His approach to religion played a significant role in fostering cultural exchange and religious tolerance within his vast empire.