Did Alexander the Great Speak Macedonian?

The question of whether Alexander the Great spoke Macedonian has been a subject of discussion among scholars for centuries. Alexander was indeed fluent in Macedonian, a dialect of Ancient Greek, and it was closely related to the Greek dialects spoken in southern Greek city-states. Recent studies suggest that the Macedonian dialect was a form of Greek that was intelligible to speakers of other Greek dialects during his time.

The Role of Macedonian in Alexander's Life

Besides Macedonian, Alexander was also proficient in Attic Greek, the official language of the kingdom and the dialect that spread throughout Asia after his conquests. This proficiency in various dialects of Greek allowed him to communicate effectively with his diverse subjects and army.

One notable example of his linguistic capabilities is the fact that he could read Greek silently, an unusual skill at the time when most people read aloud. This ability was likely influenced by his education and the gradual convergence of Macedonian with Attic Greek, as noted by his father Philip II, who saw himself as a Greek and was attentive to his status.

Controversy and Contemporaneous Views

The ancient Greeks had mixed views on Alexander and the Macedonians. Some viewed them with skepticism, while others were open to the idea of Macedonians as genuine Greeks. The question of whether Alexander and his ancestors were considered true Hellenes or semi-barbarous Macedonians was a topic of contention during Alexander's lifetime and continues to be debated even today.

A pivotal moment in this debate was the Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BC and the Battle of Megalopolis in 331 BC. The Thebans, Athenians, and Spartans did not flock to Alexander's banner, while the Thessalian cavalry and others were willing to fight under Macedonian leadership. This highlights the mixed feelings towards Alexander and the Macedonians among the ancient Greek states.

Historical Accounts and Modern Perspectives

To provide a glimpse into the historical context, the British Museum houses a sign from circa 330 BC, which is dated from Priene in Asia Minor, still readable in the Greek language. This sign serves as a tangible link to the time when Alexander was a prominent figure.

Modern historians often rely on ancient texts, such as those by Isocrates and John Milton, to construct narratives. Isocrates, a prominent Athenian orator, is known for his lengthy life and his advocacy for unity among the Greeks against the Persians. In his later years, he turned to Philip of Macedon, only reluctantly, due to the prevalent view that Macedonians were not true Greeks.

Isocrates’ solution was to recognize the Macedonian royal family as Hellenes, while Macedonians as a whole were considered un-Greek. This compromise view was reflective of the social and political environment of the time. In contrast, the Athenian orator Demosthenes took a much more critical stance towards Alexander and the Macedonians.

One ancient tale recounts that Isocrates, upon learning of Philip's victory in the Battle of Chaeronea, expressed his grief and subsequently died. However, modern historians consider this story to be likely apocryphal, as it was reported posthumously. Regardless, the story highlights the intense emotions and divided opinions that surrounded the rise of Alexander and the Macedonians.

Conclusion: While the exact nature of the Macedonian dialect remains debated, it is clear that Alexander the Great spoke and read Greek fluently, making him a versatile and effective leader in his expansive conquests. The Greek language and its various dialects, including Macedonian, played a significant role in shaping his communication and influence.