Alexander’s Flight to Heavens with Griffins, from Peter Comestor’s Historia Scholastica by Unknown artist, Austria
Alexander Summoning His Generals to His Deathbed and Dividing His Empire Among them, from the Bible of Borso d’Este (vol. 2) by Taddeo Crivelli
Alexander Killing Darius, from the Breviary of Pope Martin V by Unknown artist, Avignon
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The Marvellous King the Bible Could not Ignore

1 Maccabees 1:1–9

Works of art by Unknown artist, Austria, Taddeo Crivelli, and Unknown artist, Avignon
Commentaries by Claudia Daniotti

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1 Maccabees 1:1–9

Bible passage (Revised Standard Version)

1 After Alexander son of Philip, the Macedoʹnian, who came from the land of Kittim, had defeated Darius, king of the Persians and the Medes, he succeeded him as king. (He had previously become king of Greece.) 2He fought many battles, conquered strongholds, and put to death the kings of the earth. 3He advanced to the ends of the earth, and plundered many nations. When the earth became quiet before him, he was exalted, and his heart was lifted up. 4He gathered a very strong army and ruled over countries, nations, and princes, and they became tributary to him.

5 After this he fell sick and perceived that he was dying. 6So he summoned his most honored officers, who had been brought up with him from youth, and divided his kingdom among them while he was still alive. 7And after Alexander had reigned twelve years, he died.

8 Then his officers began to rule, each in his own place. 9They all put on crowns after his death, and so did their sons after them for many years; and they caused many evils on the earth.