Alexander's height?

[rpcov1]

Eaxctly how tall was Alexander?

[marcus]

No-one knows. It appears that he was probably not very tall, possibly even under average height. But if anyone gives a definitive answer don't take it as gospel.Anyway, does it matter? :-)All the bestMarcus

[smittysmitty]

He was 5 foot 2 inches tall, and Hephaestion who was considerably taller sized up at 5 foot 8 inches.Only kidding!, :)I've got no idea and in total agreement with what Marcus previously posted.Cheers!

[nick]

I think Tre knows. (She has examined various sources.) As soon as this tread is finished, I will add Alexander's height to the introductory chapters once and for all - because I think we discuss this every six months over again.(Excuse me, I am just a Dutch native speaker: is it actually Alexander's "height" or is it better to talk about Alexander's "length"? In Dutch we use "length" to describe how tall a person is.)Regards -Nick

[marcus]

"Height" is the correct way in English. "Length" could suggest a slightly different measurement... if you see what I mean (about which the sources give absolutely *no* clues...)M

[rpcov1]

Hello Nick,Yes, it's height, not length. (You are hardly 'only a Dutch speaker.' I only wish I could speak or write any Dutch. Bravo on your impeccable English.)
How do I find Tre and the height estimate and source? Many thanks.Regards,
Richard

[xxx]

AlexanderGÇÖs height? A good question and not thoroughly studied even though it is one of those things people always discuss.Arrian said he was somewhat less than average height, Curtius that he was not of impressive physique and/or stature. Existing art shows him to be muscular with good length of leg and somewhat stocky, so Curtius must be referring to his height. What was average height back then? Macedonians, who had access to grazing land, probably ate better and were likely taller than the Southern Greeks.Some scholars speculate that the armor found in Tomb II must be either AlexanderGÇÖs or PhilipGÇÖs. The armor would have fit a person of 5GÇÖ 2GÇ¥ or shorter. Both Kings were not popular with the writing Greeks, and I find it hard to believe such a lack of height would not have been mentioned by contemporaries. The armor probably belonged to ArrhidaeousGÇÖ wife, whose own mother would have been a warrior herself and raised her daughter to be one. Alexander was an excellent warrior. A lack of height this extreme would have put him at a severe disadvantage as a soldier, particularly on foot, due to leverage considerations with weapons and shields. And Alexander battled often on foot, not always on horseback.The expert on Alexander Art, Andrew Stewart, places his height at 5GÇÖ7GÇ¥ which is very close to my own estimate of 5GÇÖ6GÇ¥ - just short enough to be noticed, but not to be disadvantageous and not worthy of mention in contemporary writings by authors who would have ran about the same height. In later times, where great stature was synonymous with great deeds, people wondered why a King so remarkable in all other things was not distinguished in that one area which was so a reflection of a gift from the Gods.

[rpcov1]

Illuminating; many thanks for the analysis.Regards,
Richard

[nick]

Hi Tre -Do I have your permission to convert your reply into a permanent parapraph?Best regards -Nick

[nick]

I recall that on this Forum Sikander once remarked that I had what he called a "wicked sense of humor". I'm sorry, Marcus. Maybe we should join up one day an form a comic duo. I'm sure we could do much better than Benny Hill. :-)Most friendly regards -Nick

[nick]

I noticed Tre is already there - as I expected - and provided you with the answer your heart desired. Thank you very much for those nice compliments. I am only trying...If Tre agrees, I will add "Alexander's height" als a permanent paragraph under "Alexander the Great".Best regards -Nick

[xxx]

Alas, the most frequently broken part, along with the large nose. But then there are the pebble mosaics, in particular the Stag Hunt Mosaic. Interesting err, hair color in that. Makes one wonder if he had a bright red beard :-)Now before I get into more trouble

[xxx]

Feel free to do with it what you want.

[xxx]

Yep.

[nick]

Done.Tre, I found that armor picture somewhere in the pothos database of images. Is that the armor you refer to anyway?Best regards -Nick