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Alexander
A Historical Opening: Ptolemy I Soter, Alexander, and the Lighthouse of Alexandria
The film opens with a striking scene that blends history and myth: an elderly Ptolemy I Soter, once a general of Alexander the Great and later the founder of the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt, recounts the deeds and legacy of Alexander with reverence and reflection. As his words evoke the grandeur and tragedy of the famous conqueror, the background features a vivid image of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The lighthouse, majestic and functioning, symbolizes the progress and ambitions of the Hellenistic era. However, historical reality casts doubt on this visionary depiction. Ptolemy I Soter’s death occurred before the construction of the lighthouse began. Though its completion came under Ptolemy II Philadelphus, the connection between Ptolemy I and this monumental structure remains significant. It highlights how personal ambition, political power, and cultural achievements were deeply intertwined in the ancient world. The lighthouse ultimately became a symbol of Alexandria’s role as a center of knowledge, trade, and cultural diversity.
