The murder of Cleitus
The murder of Cleitus
The murder of Cleitus
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<strong>The</strong> <strong>murder</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Cleitus</strong>A defining incident in Alexander’slife
Who was <strong>Cleitus</strong>?• A commander <strong>of</strong> the Royal Squadron <strong>of</strong>Companion Cavalry.• A friend <strong>of</strong> Alexander’s father, Philip.• A brother <strong>of</strong> Alexander’s wet nurse.• According to Plutarch, “a naturally surlyperson with a bad temper.”• He had saved Alexander’s life at Granicus,when he cut <strong>of</strong>f Spithridates’ arm beforethe Persian Satrap could bring it down onAlexander.
How did the incident start?• <strong>Cleitus</strong> was killed by Alexander, as theresult <strong>of</strong> a drunken argument that got out<strong>of</strong> hand.• <strong>The</strong> ancient writers differ as to the nature<strong>of</strong> the original argument.
Why was <strong>Cleitus</strong> angry?• Read Fox Pg 311
What do the ancient writers sayabout the cause <strong>of</strong> the argument?Arrian• Arrian (Pg 214) recounts a conversationwhere Alexander’s achievements werecompared to the Dioscuri - Greek mythicalheroes Castor & Pollux (& even Heracles).
What do the ancient writers sayabout the cause <strong>of</strong> the argument?Curtius• Curtius describes the argument startingwhen Alexander was boasting at thebanquet- Taking credit for the victory at Charonaea- Playing down the role <strong>of</strong> his father, Philip.
What do the ancient writers sayabout the cause <strong>of</strong> the argument?Plutarch• JR Hamilton believes thatPlutarch’s account is themost likely.• What does Plutarch (Pg307 – 308) say was thecause <strong>of</strong> the argument?
JR Hamilton’s analysis• Read the extract from Hamilton Pg 104 –105.• Hamilton says the incident revealsstresses about Alexander's orientalpolicies.• Describe the three key areas <strong>of</strong>resentment felt by many Macedoniannobles.
<strong>Cleitus</strong>’ quotes• Match <strong>Cleitus</strong>’ quotes (Curtius Pg 178 –179) with the nature <strong>of</strong> the resentmentdisplayed by each quote.
Alexander's reaction• Read Curtius Pg 180 – 181.• Describe Alexander’s reaction & thereasons given for it.• Although grief stricken, Alexander,nevertheless remained determined topursue his policy <strong>of</strong> fusion.- Not much later we see the introduction <strong>of</strong>proskynesis.