Alexander the Great's multifaceted legacy explored

Expedition in Punjab region, battle against King Porus features in LLF session

LAHORE:

Renowned historian Robin Lane Fox explored Alexander the Great not merely as a victorious military leader but as a complex historical figure shaped by ambition, philosophy, politics, and human vulnerability in the opening session of the Lahore Literary Festival (LLF) on Friday.

His discourse invited the audience to reconsider Alexander beyond conventional narratives of conquest, presenting him instead as a multifaceted personality whose legacy continues to inspire debate.

Drawing upon classical sources and modern scholarship, Fox traced Alexander's campaigns, including his entry into the Punjab region during the Indian expedition of 327 BCE, his crossing of the Indus River, and the Battle of Hydaspes against King Porus. The session also examined the emotional and symbolic dimensions of Alexander's journey, including the death of his beloved horse Bucephalus, a moment that marked a turning point in his campaign. The discussion further touched upon historical and religious interpretations, as well as the idea of two Alexanders, one historical and one legendary.

Historian Syed Muhammad Aijaz Uddin introduced the session with a thoughtful overview.

Addressing the opening ceremony, the European Union's Ambassador to Pakistan

Raimundas Karoblis emphasised that knowledge, literature, cultural dialogue, and mutual respect are essential pillars of global peace and social cohesion.