Ancient History - Alexander the Great - Final years

Why was Philotas (Parmenio’s son and a military leader) executed?

He was accused of conspiring against Alexander, which Alexander was at first reluctant to take action over: but he eventually did because Philotas knew of the plot but failed to report it. Parmenio was also executed.

What happened to Darius?

He fled east where his satrap Bessus killed him and declared himself Emperor: Alexander was furious since he wanted Darius. Bessus was flogged, mutilated and executed

Why was Cleitus killed?

Cleitus argued with locals believing free men and barbarians should not live together. This angered Alexander, who drew his sword but it was removed by others. At this dinner, the two argued and Alexander threw an apple at him and looked for his sword but it was hidden. Cleitus was removed but entered elsewhere. Alexander ran him through with a spear and then, realising, tried to impale himself in the neck but his comrades took the spear.

How does Arrian praise Alexander here?

Said that it was Cleitus’ fault and that Alexander felt bad: stopped eating and drinking etc

What is obeisance and why did Alexander want it performed?

A sign of respect such as bowing: Alexander wanted it due to claiming he was son of Zeus

Why did Anaxarchus and Callisthenes oppose this?

It was a Persian custom

During the Indian campaign, why did Alexander want to take the Rock of Aornos?

Heracles failed to take it: he constructed mounds which caused an Indian retreat

In more detail, how did Alexander take it?

After leaving Craterus in a nearby captured city, an Indian deserter was sent to Ptolemy with a letter. Alexander’s men were treated well if they did what was required and punished if they did not. After building mounds, they scaled. Many Indians fled and fell off cliffs.

What do the two prescribed coins show?

1. Alexander with a ram’s horn and Athena and Nike on the other side

2. Alexander with an elephant’s scalp, aegis and horn of Zeus-Ammon. Other side has Athena dressed like a soldier.

What significant events happened in the Battle of Hydaspes?

Alexander fought Indian king Poros: Alexander was wounded by Poros’ son and Bouchepalas either died in battle or of old age

Why did Alexander’s men stage the Mutiny of the Hyphasis?

They did not want to keep going into India: they thought it would end with Persia and the victory against Poros was costly

After sending Craterus back to Persia, why did Alexander have a struggle getting back?

The desert was brutal with hunger and thirst: and then the monsoon caused drowning

Why did Alexander’s satraps go by their own accord and against Alexander, and what did he do to them?

They thought he would not make it back, he executed many

Why did Alexander and his closest allies marry Persians?

To further unite Greece and Persia

Who suddenly died and how did Alexander react?

Hephaestion (Alexander’s best friend): in some sources he refused to move from the body, hung a doctor for failure, ordered the destruction of the temple of the god of healing, cut his hair over, ordered an expensive funeral and refused to appoint a new commander of the Companion Cavalry

What year did Alexander die?

323 BCE

What potential signs did Alexander recieve?

Divine omens: he was also King of Babylonia where this was important. Omens include ravens fighting each other and a sacrifice done showed a liver with no lobes, a tame donkey attacked a lion and so on

According to Plutarch and Arrian, how did he die, and what did he do during his illness?

He drank excessively: when ill, he sacrificed, ate a bit, bathed and performed sacrifices: he sometimes drank more wine to cure his thirst

Who did Alexander say the throne should go to?

“To the strongest” - this, of course, was ambiguous and caused a power vacuum

Why did Alexander bang Cassander’s head against a wall?

Cassander, as a Greek, laughed that obeisance was performed

What did Alexander roughly do throughout his cycle of fever?

Day 1: Slept in bath house with fever Day 2: Washed, played dice, washed, sacrificed and had a fever Day 3: Washed, sacrificed, lay in the bathhouse listening to his comrades on the expedition to Arabia Days 4 and 5: Same as 3, worse fever Day 6: He had to be carried for sacrifice Day 7, 8: Unable to speak, they thought he was dead Day 10: He died

Who did Roxanne (Alexander’s wife) kill following his death?

Stateira, Darius’ widow, who she was jealous of (and her sister)

(After this point is on Arrian) What other omen did Alexander get before the partying?

A man of no importance sat on his throne: Alexander ordered his torture

Why did Alexander not leave the party when he wanted to?

His close friend wanted to him to stay and drink more

Is Arrian’s cycle of events similar to Plutarch?

Yes

What does Arrian praise Alexander with?

Hard working, brave, honourable, pious, a great general

What does Arrian aim to address?

Criticisms of Alexander which he attempts to disprove