The murder of Cleitus

The murder of CleitusA defining incident in Alexander’slife

Who was Cleitus?• A commander of the Royal Squadron ofCompanion Cavalry.• A friend of Alexander’s father, Philip.• A brother of 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 off Spithridates’ arm beforethe Persian Satrap could bring it down onAlexander.

How did the incident start?• Cleitus was killed by Alexander, as theresult of a drunken argument that got outof hand.• The ancient writers differ as to the natureof the original argument.

Why was Cleitus angry?• Read Fox Pg 311

What do the ancient writers sayabout the cause of 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 of the argument?Curtius• Curtius describes the argument startingwhen Alexander was boasting at thebanquet- Taking credit for the victory at Charonaea- Playing down the role of his father, Philip.

What do the ancient writers sayabout the cause of the argument?Plutarch• JR Hamilton believes thatPlutarch’s account is themost likely.• What does Plutarch (Pg307 – 308) say was thecause of 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 ofresentment felt by many Macedoniannobles.

Cleitus’ quotes• Match Cleitus’ quotes (Curtius Pg 178 –179) with the nature of 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 of fusion.- Not much later we see the introduction ofproskynesis.