The Mutiny at Opis

The Mutiny at Opis

Background to the mutiny
• The Macedonians resented Alexander’s
Orientalism & policy of fusion.
• Read & note the aspects of Alexander’s
policy of fusion that angered the
Macedonians – Arrian Pg 356 – 357.

The Mutiny
• At Opis Alexander summoned & addressed an
assembly of his Macedonian troops.
Read Arrian Pg 359 – 360; Curtius Pg 242 – 243;
& Fox Pg 424 – 425.
- What did he promise/tell them?
- How did they react?
- Why were the troops so concerned?
Alexander’s view
Macedonian troops’ view

Alexander’s reaction
• What did Alexander do in the face of open
criticism & hostility from his troops?
(Arrian Pg 360 & Fox Pg 425)
• Summarise the main points in the reported speech
Alexander gave to his troops.
(Arrian Pg 360 – 364)
• Read Arrian Pg 365 – 366 & fill in the chart below,
describing what happened after the speech:
Alexander’s actions
Troops’ reactions

Alexander addresses his foreign
soldiers
• Curtius quotes an address Alexander gave
to his foreign soldiers. In it he outlines his
vision of their place in his empire.
- Read Curtius Pg 244 – 245 & outline the
points he makes to them.

Reconciliation - The Banquet
• A great feast (9000 were present) was held
to mark the end of differences and
reconciliation of Persians & Macedonians,
and Alexander & the Macedonians.
• Read Arrian Pg 366 & Fox Pg 426:
- Who attended?
- What actions of reconciliation were taken?

Subsequent events
• Read Arrian Pg 366 – 368 & Fox Pg 426 – 427.
Fill in a chart like the one below with:
a) Further details of the actions
& b) Reasons for these actions
Alexander’s actions
Soldiers sent home.
Reasons for the actions
Half caste children
remained.
Antipater would join
Alexander.

Fox – An historian’s comment
• Fox comments that Alexander’s good
leadership was crucial in ensuring a good
outcome at Opis.
• Read Fox Pg 427 & answer the following:
- What firm actions did he take?
- What dangers did he prevent?
- Why does Fox describe the banquet as
Alexander’s master-stroke?

What does the event illustrate?
• It shows the causes of conflict between
Alexander & his troops.
• It highlights the extent & seriousness of
the conflict.
• It shows Alexander's determination to
practice the policy of fusion.