Ancient & Medieval Literature - The Syriac Legend of Alexander's Gate: Apocalypticism at the Crossroads of Byzantium and Iran (Oxford Studies in Late Antiquity)

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The Syriac Legend of Alexander's Gate: Apocalypticism at the Crossroads of Byzantium and Iran (Oxford Studies in Late Antiquity)

Name: The Syriac Legend of Alexander's Gate: Apocalypticism at the Crossroads of Byzantium and Iran (Oxford Studies in Late Antiquity)
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Book Synopsis: The Syriac text entitled Neshana d-Aleksandros (also known as Syriac Alexander Legend) is a seminal text for late Christian and Muslim apocalyptic traditions. Containing the earliest recorded versions of literary motifs that would become central to the medieval apocalyptic tradition, it represents an early witness to an influential political ideology that guided both Byzantine and early Islamic imperial policies. While the scholarly consensus commonly dates the Neshana to the time of Heraclius (r. 610-641 CE), in this book author Tommaso Tesei argues that an earlier version of the text was produced during the reign of Justinian I (r. 527-565). This new historical contextualization of the text enables us to better delineate the role of the Neshana in the development of late antique, politicized, forms of apocalypticism, which assign to the Christian Roman Empire the task of establishing a cosmocratic rule in view of Jesus' Second Coming. In analyzing the contents and the ideology of this seminal text, this volume contributes to our understanding of the origins and developments of important literary motifs of Medieval literature worldwide, such as the characterization of Alexander as a pious prophet-king and the story of the gate that he erected to confine the eschatological nations of Gog and Magog. The Syriac Legend of Alexander's Gate sheds light on lesser-known aspects of political debates in the sixth-century Near East and offers historians a valuable insight into important aspects of Justinian's reign.

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Are you fascinated by historical texts that have shaped medieval literature? Look no further than The Syriac Legend of Alexander's Gate: Apocalypticism at the Crossroads of Byzantium and Iran. This groundbreaking book, authored by Tommaso Tesei, delves into the world of late Christian and Muslim apocalyptic traditions, providing a deeper understanding of the origins and developments of important literary motifs in Medieval literature worldwide.

The Neshana d-Aleksandros, also known as the Syriac Alexander Legend, is an influential text that lays the foundation for the medieval apocalyptic tradition. Tesei's research challenges the scholarly consensus by proposing that an earlier version of the text was actually produced during the reign of Justinian I. By offering this new historical contextualization, this book opens up a wealth of possibilities for reevaluating the role of the Neshana in the development of late antique forms of apocalypticism.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this text is its portrayal of Alexander as a pious prophet-king. This characterization, along with the gripping story of the gate he erected to confine the eschatological nations of Gog and Magog, has had a profound impact on medieval literature worldwide. Explore the rich tapestry of political debates in the sixth-century Near East and gain valuable insights into the reign of Justinian by immersing yourself in The Syriac Legend of Alexander's Gate.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your knowledge of historical and literary traditions. Order your copy now and discover the captivating world of The Syriac Legend of Alexander's Gate: Apocalypticism at the Crossroads of Byzantium and Iran.
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