Abstract
The circumstances of Alexander’s death are reviewed. Since contemporary sources vary in their accounts of the reason for his death, they are briefly reviewed and assessed. The account of Alexander’s final illness is then discussed as recorded in the King’s Journal and the Liber de morte testamentumque Alexandri Magni. The theory that he was poisoned is rejected, as is the hypothesis that he drank himself to death. His final illness shows symptoms characteristic of malignant tertian malaria (Plasmodium falciparum), possibly precipitated by recent wounds, exhaustion and heavy drinking.
Highlights
Alexander, King of Macedonia, conqueror of the Persian empire, died in Babylon at sunset on the 10th of June, 323 BC.[1]
Educated by Aristotle, trained in warfare by his father Philip II, he invaded Asia at the age of 22 and defeated Darius III within 3 years. He never returned to Macedonia but commenced with the establishment of an Asian empire based on Hellenistic culture whilst incorporating the best elements of the Persians and other conquered nations
The Liber de morte document contains the details of the fateful dinner party at the house of Alexander’s friend, Medius. It may be summarised as follows: When Alexander invaded Asia he left the able but elderly Antipater in Macedonia to manage the European component of his domain and to look after the interests of his mother, the strong-willed and vindictive Olympias
Summary
Alexander, King of Macedonia, conqueror of the Persian empire, died in Babylon at sunset on the 10th of June, 323 BC.[1]. Educated by Aristotle, trained in warfare by his father Philip II, he invaded Asia at the age of 22 and defeated Darius III within 3 years. He never returned to Macedonia but commenced with the establishment of an Asian empire based on Hellenistic culture whilst incorporating the best elements of the Persians and other conquered nations. Alexander’s sudden death left his large and heterogeneous empire without a predetermined successor. This caused a protracted power struggle among his generals. The aim of this article is to review this historical event
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