Alexander the Great: An Enthralling Guide to the Rise of the Macedonian Empire, Its Ruler, and His Conquests

Did you know that Alexander the Great once introduced proskynesis to the Macedonian court?

Proskynesis, the act of kissing the ground or the feet of someone of higher rank, was a normal custom of the Persians. In the court of the Achaemenid Empire, this act was typically done before the king. In contrast to the practice of the Greeks and Macedonians, proskynesis was performed by the Persians only when they were communicating with their ancient gods.

The invasion of the Achaemenid Empire had ...