A possible photograph of the Gates of Alexander
The Gates of Alexander was a legendary barrier supposedly built by Alexander the Great in the Caucasus to keep the uncivilized barbarians of the north, Gog and Magog, from invading the land to the south.
Description[]
The height and scale of the wall is unknown but it is believed to reach that of mountains. It is made with blocks and sheets of iron, which is strengthened by molten metal and the tribes are unable to cross or scale it. At first glance, in terms of physical means, the "gates" assumes the formation of two colossal mountain ranges intersecting with one another as if it were a shut gate. But in the metaphysical sense, it acts as a barrier that holds Gog and Magog at bay and unseen from mortal eyes.
The wall, also known as the Caspian Gates, has been identified with two locations: the Pass of Derbent, Russia, or with the Pass of Dariel, a gorge forming a pass between Russia and Georgia with the Caspian Sea to the east. Tradition also connects it to the Great Wall of Gorgan (Red Snake) on its south-eastern shore.
Overview[]
According to the Islamic texts, Alexander the Great, who is known as Dhul-Qarnayn (meaning "Two-Horned One"), journeyed to the ends of the world where he meets "a people who scarcely understood a word" who seek his help in building a barrier that will separate them from the people of Gog and Magog who "do great mischief on earth". He agrees to build it for them, but warns that when the time comes (Last Age), God will remove the barrier.
They scratch at their wall each day until they almost break through. They break for the night saying tomorrow we will finish, and each night God restores it. Then one day, as they stop scratching for the night, one will say tomorrow we will finish God Willing, and in the morning, it is not restored as with everything night. When they do break through they will be so numerous that "their vanguard is in Syria and their rear in Khorasan".
Another legend claims that Alexander carved prophecies on the face of the Gate, marking a date for when these beings, consisting of 24 nations, will breach the Gate and subjugate the greater part of the world.