Alexander III of Macedon (356–323 BCE) was Greek emperor, conqueror and ruler of the Near East and Asia. His relationship with the tiny state of Judea was one of benevolent tolerance.
A legend tells that on his entry to Jerusalem he was welcomed by the Jewish high priest. On seeing him Alexander alighted from his horse and bowed before the Jewish leader, explaining to his astonished aides that during his wars of conquest he was visited in a dream by a messenger of God who looked like the high priest and who foretold that he, Alexander, would be victorious.
The folklore continues that Alexander granted the Jews special privileges and that in his honor Jewish baby boys born in the year of his entry into Jerusalem were given the name Alexander.
