Iskandar Oversees the Building of the Wall

In Islam, Iskandar (Alexander the Great) is revered as both a great king and a prophet. This illustrated manuscript copy of the Book of Divinations (Falnama) was made for Tahmasp I (r. 1524–76) and references Iskandar. When, during his travels to the ends of the earth, his protection is sought against the Yajuj and Majuj people (Gog and Magog), he orders a wall constructed to keep them at bay. Although not normally part of the story, the artist has depicted a group of divs assisting in this task.