Egypt under the Sates, Persians, and Ptolemies

144
Alexander's tact and toleration
performed, for we read that as soon as lie came to
Memphis, the Egyptians set him upon the throne of
Hephaistos, i.e. Ptah, as king of Egypt. In the temple
there he saw a black stone statue with an inscription
on the base, and when he learned that it was the
statue of Nectanebus II., his father according to the
romance, he sprang up upon it and embraced it. In
any case, Arrian tells us (iii. 1) that he offered up
sacrifices to Apis and the other gods, and that he
provided entertainments for the people with athletic
sports and music, and that the finest musicians and
actors who had come from Greece helped to amuse the
people. Tactful toleration of the Egyptian gods was
worth more than an army to Alexander, and when he
gave them theatrical and musical displays he showed
that he had quickly recognized the love of fun, and
music, and mimicry which has ever been one of the
most interesting characteristics of the Egyptians, both
ancient and modern. According to some authorities
Alexander went from Memphis up the river, and
according to others down the Canopic arm of the Nile
to Canopus in order that he might be able to look at
the Island of Pharos, which is mentioned in Homer
(Odyssey iv. 355), and the Lake Mareotis. From
Canopus he determined to go to visit the temple of
Amen-Ea in the Oasis of Jupiter Ammon, that is, the
Oasis now called SiwA, but known to the Egyptians
by the name Sekhet-Amt, [JQO AAA^, i.e., "Field
of Trees " ;
this visit was craftily suggested to Alexander