The Exiles Decree

The Exiles Decree - 324 BC

The end of a period of stability• Since Agis’ revolt had been put down the Greekstates had settled into a period of submission orco-operation.• This period of stability was threatened bythousands of men roaming the countryside

Background – Political exiles• After Chaeroneia Philip had set up Pro-Macedoniangovernments in many Greek states.• Many anti-Macedonian groups had been exiled.They were political opponents of Philip & Alexander.• Some of these became mercenaries. Some foughtfor the Persians.- When the Persians were defeated many of thesemercenaries began to drift back to Greece.• More political opponents were exiled after the revoltof Agis was put down.- More than 20,000 roamed the Greek countryside.

Background – Harpalus’ misconduct• Harpalus, a childhood friend, & Alexander’streasurer in Babylon, misbehaved.• He overspent, much of it to maintain a lavishlifestyle.• When Alexander returned to Babylon, Harpalusfled.• Read the extract from Hamilton Pg 132-133 andanalyse the dangers he posed to Alexander.

Background – Satrap corruption• During Alexander’s absence, many of theSatraps of his empire used mercenary armies toabuse the population in their area.- When Alexander found out he punished theSatraps.- This, together with Harpalus’ misconduct,caused Alexander to order all satraps to disbandtheir mercenary armies.• Diodorus describes the problems, and potentialthreat that these roaming, unemployed soldierscreated. (Diodorus Pg 445)

Summing up the problem• Thousands of homeless men posed a securityproblem throughout Greece.- Particularly during a famine, as was beingexperienced in Greece at that time.- There was a fear they would join Harpalus.• Delegations from exile communities had frequentlyasked for Alexander’s help.- Alexander was aware of their misfortunes andthe glory he could gain by helping them return.• Read Gilmour Pg 77 for the “big picture.”

Alexander’s solution:The Exiles Decree• Read Diodorus’ account (Artus Pg 33).- What did the decree say?- Where was it officially delivered?- What evidence is there that it was wellpublicised beforehand?- What reasons does Diodorus give forAlexander making this decree?- How was it received by the Greek states?

Advantages of the decree forAlexander (1)• Many of the exiles who were once bitterenemies of Macedonia would now becomefriends.- Exiles would have repaid Alexander’sgenerosity by counteracting possibleopposition to him.• Alexander could claim it was their cities whohad exiled them, but he was responsible fortheir return, eg Theopompus.

Advantages of the decree forAlexander (2)• Greek governments, preoccupied withreturning exiles, would have no time tooppose his policies or rebel.• Returning exiles would cause internalunrest – this would focus energy of Greekson party politics. They would have littletime to rebel against Alexander. (Divide &rule).

Reaction to the decree – by theexiles• What does Diodorus report on the reaction to theannouncement at the Olympics?

Reaction to the decree – by the Greeks• The decree caused a number of problems:- Greek cities were forced to accept theinflux of potentially hostile citizens.- Greek governments had to deal with theproblem of returning confiscated propertyto the exiles.Read & note the issues described inGilmour Pg 77 – 78.

Reaction to the decree – by the Athenians• Athens had conquered the island of Samos.• All its citizens had been expelled and replaced withAthenian settlers.• Under the decree the Samians would be allowed toreturn.• Athenians asked Alexander to cancel the decree inthe case of Samos.• Alexander could use this as a negotiating point forAthens’ good behaviour, especially whether Athenswould support Harpalus or not.• A year after his death, Samos was returned to theSamians.

Samos

Significance of the decree (1)• The League of Corinth stated that no membercould interfere in the affairs of another member.- Alexander could be said to be going againstthis. (He didn’t consult the Synhedrion).- It threatened the political independence of themember states.-The Greek states valued their autonomy andwere not happy with the concept of a king whoacted in this way.- Alexander was not acting as Hegemon, but asa ruler, in a similar style to the “Great King ofPersia.”

Significance of the decree (2)• The decree highlightsAlexander’s uneasyrelationship with theGreek states.- He was determined tomaintain control of them.• It also gives us an insightinto his authoritarianleadership style at theend of his reign.