ABSTRACT
That Alexander, especially in those sources collectively often referred to as the Vulgate, is presented with a “largely contrived” image that already has the elements that will be expanded in the Alexander Romance cannot be denied, but that it is the contrivance of the later Roman authors is not the case. This particular image arose from Alexander himself. Nor was it just for the public, but rather was truly a self-image, to Alexander it was the true Alexander. Alexander did not wish to be one of his heroes. He wished to use them as models for heroic behaviour and their achievements as goals to be exceeded. They were to be benchmarks. It was an evolving and complex image that his propaganda wished to proclaim. This projected image was enhanced by his every success.
