Layman

It could be a coincidence. Is there something facially improbable about the amount?

Which messianic prophecy do you think this was meant to fulfill? And do you have any evidence that people of the time and place viewed this as a messianic prophecy?

It could be that other historical characters were motivated by their own understanding of the Old Testament. The priests could have seen their payment of 30 as symbolic of what was paid to a good shepherd (Judas) after dealing with the shepherds who had been leading Israel astray (in their opinion, Jesus). Zech. 11:12-13. Or they could have seen it as an ironic amount as that is how much Exodus required to be paid to a slave owner whose slave was injured by another's animal. Ex. 21:32.

Layman

My money says my country trusts God.

In any event, this rather misses the point. The more historical evidence for Alexander the Great the better for my point. It shows that very well-established historical figures may find their stories sounding a lot like important preceding literary figures and stories.

NZSkep

So was Alexandria named after a ficticious person when it was founded?

Chris Weimer

I suppose Baalbek then proves that Baal existed. Or Athens proves that Athena existed.

NZSkep

well I’m pretty sure Athens was named Athens because of the temple to Athena – rather than because people believe it was founded by Athena. Same for Baalbek. It was named because of the temple, not because people believe Baal founded the city.
I’m not 100% on Athens, but Baalbek is definitely correct.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baalbek
Alexandria was named Alexandria because it was founded by Alexander the great.

Chris Weimer

Which came first? The temple or the city? Can you show either way? According to Greek myth, Athena was instrumental in the founding of Athens.

Layman

I have some good friends that hail from Corpus Christi. And, come to think of it, I live in the City of Angels.

But I think some are missing the point. I don't think there is a real case to be made that Alexander the Great did not exist or accomplish great deeds. If such a case could be made, that would actually weaken my point. It is because he is so well attested that I can use him as a example to argue that the existence of similarities to the Iliad and Achilles are not evidence of literary creativity.

NZSkep

wait, are you saying there is a temple to Alexander the Great in Alexandria?

Chris Weimer

No. You're confused.

NZSkep

Ok, I think I see what you are getting at.
But from what we know of Alexander the great, we know he tried to model himself after Achilles, so it is only natural that we would expect to see parallels in his life.

Who was Jesus supposed to be modeling himself after?