Mount Athos is one of the holiest
places for the Orthodox Church and faithful. However, the land has existed
before Christianity. Many have given it a certain significance in the ancient
world, which is not accepted by many. Nevertheless, we do find that many refer
to it. One instance is Plutarch, when giving Alexander the Great’s story. What
kind of relationship could there have been between the King of Macedonia and
Mount Athos? A project, which was not realised. An exaggerated one that was,
however, fitting for a king. Plutarch explains:
‘It was Stasicrates who had
remarked to Alexander at an earlier interview that of all mountains it was
Mount Athos in Thrace which could most easily be carved into the form and shape
of a man, and that if it pleased Alexander to command him, he would shape the
mountain into the most superb and durable statue of him in the world: its left
hand would enfold a city of 10,000 inhabitants, while out of its right would
flow the abundant waters of a river which would pour, like a libation, into the
sea. Alexander had declined this proposal, but now he spent his time with his
engineers and architects planning projects which were even more outlandish and
extravagant.’ (chapter 72).
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