Hephaistion the Bridge-Builder?

[Taphoi]

I am wondering what the Pothos view is on another of the enduring mysteries of Alexander studies. Both RD Milns in 1968 and Robin Lane Fox in 1973 attributed the command of the vanguard that bridged the Euphrates at Thapsacus to Hephaistion. Conversely, Heckel in 1992 said that this role is not documented "as far as I can tell" by the ancient sources. Who is right? Who is wrong? Of course, we know Hephaistion bridged the Indus. Has someone become confused? Where does the Pothosian finger point?Best wishes,Andrew

[marcus]

Hi Andrew,I'd not considered that at all. I was certainly aware that Lane Fox (at least) had said this (and, although hardly the most rigorous historical document, Manfredi gives Heph the task in the second of his novels (in order that Heph can bribe Mazaios, in that instance)).I have checked through all the source references I have for Hephaestion and, as far as I can see, he is not mentioned as having anything to do with the Euphrates at Thapsacus in any of the major sources, and none of the minor sources that I have so far looked at.Perhaps the fact that he bridged the Indus led people to look backwards and *suppose* that he also bridged the Euphrates? It's the only explanation I can think of, without reference from a source I am not yet aware of.All the bestMarcus

[Taphoi]

Oh my god, Marcus. I'm shocked! You're not suggesting our Robin made some things up as he went along are you? Surely you're being a bit harsh? This is the number 8 book in the Pothos top 10 we're talking about, "Because it's still great."Yours with tongue in cheek,Andrew

[marcus]

I know, it staggered me, too!I suppose it's reasonable to suggest that he *might* have had some role there; but certainly I've seen nothing in the sources to say explicitly that he did.I still think the Lane Fox book is great, though! :-)ATBMarcus

[agesilaos]

Arrian III 6 viii notices the dismissal of Arrimas from the satrapy of Syria 'for being slack in his preparations for the army's journey up country'. Since III 7 begins with the bridges only being completed as Alexander's arrival is imminent may this not be the occaision of his slackness making Arrimas the nearly bridge builder.