Reconstruction of Alexander the Great from the Alexander Sarcophagus. The sarcophagus was likely commissioned by Abdalonymus, a Phoenician of royal blood who was made king of Sidon by Alexander.
Reconstruction of Alexander the Great from the Alexander Sarcophagus. The sarcophagus was likely commissioned by Abdalonymus, a Phoenician of royal blood who was made king of Sidon by Alexander.
1 comment
**Alexander’s Visit to the Phoenician city of Sidon, Lebanon**
Abdalonymus was initially a humble gardener, but of royal descent. Alexander trusted his confidante Hephaestion to go about Sidon to find one who was suitable to be the new king, and determined Abdalonymus was the best choice. Alexander later met Abdalonymus and was so impressed by him he approved his being king of Sidon. The famous ‘Alexander Sarcophagus’ was commissioned by Abdalonymus. It likely held his body, as he is featured the most on the bas relief carvings of the sarcophagus.
It was discovered in the 1800s in the royal necropolis of Sidon when Lebanon was under Ottoman occupation. The sarcophagus was swiftly taken to modern-day Turkey, where it is now the outstanding holding of the Istanbul Archaeological Museum. It is a masterpiece of ancient art and is remarkably well-preserved and has been very influential on art since its discovery.