Guide

Alexander at the Gate of Paradise

3rd–7th Centuries

A marble relief sculpture shows three figures in battle: a mounted warrior attacks another figure who is falling from a horse, while a third figure takes a defensive pose. Two additional figures, apparently dead, lie on the ground.

In these two tales, Alexander the Great asks the rabbinic sages for guidance on reaching Africa. Once there, he encounters a town of wise women. On his return journey, he discovers the entrance to the garden of Eden and acquires an eyeball heavier than all the gold and silver in his possession. See also “Unequal Treatment under the Law” and “Rabbinic Texts on Jews in Rome.”

Related Primary Sources

Primary Source

Alexander’s Adventures Traveling to Africa

Public Access

Text

[Alexander] said to [the sages], “I need to go [conquer] the country of Africa.” They said to him, “You cannot go, because the mountains of darkness block the way.” He said to them, “I must go, and…

Primary Source

Alexander’s Adventures past the Mountains of Darkness

Public Access

Text

Alexander the Macedonian went to visit King Kazia past the mountains of darkness. He came to a certain province called Carthage, which was inhabited entirely by women. [Some women] came out to greet…