The death of Alexander the Great

[Megan]

What was the exact cause of Alexander the Great's death? Was it Typhoid, Malaria, or murder? Does anyone even know for sure?

[ruthaki]

I suppose the only people who REALLY know are those who were there. There's lots of speculation and theories, the latest being typhoid, I believe. However he had serious injuries and his enemies were lurking about. When I spoke to one of the profs. for the Society of Macedonian Studies a few years back, a special interview I was granted for research purposes, I posed the question "was his death due to malice" (I.E. the tainted water theory) and according to her, this was what they believed so she encouraged me to go along with that theme for my novel, which I have done. Because, really Who Knows? Nobody for sure!

[Tre]

Hi Megan:I think we would all love to be able to say, 'We know for sure.' What we do know is that he died of an illness characterized by increasing then constant fever, progressive weakness and neurological deterioration, coma then death over a period of approximately eleven days. There have been a number of theories as to what he died of, some of which I will be going over in detail in an upcoming article based on what we know of his health in the histories and likely candidates. I will also cover the reasons why it was not a case of homicide by poison. However, there is simply not enough symptoms described to be absolutely certain of what disease he died of. It is a matter of the process of elimination, a careful reading of the histories, and what was the most likely scenario. Regards,Tre

[marcus]

There, I was just about to say "Tre is writing a piece on Al's death which I reckon will cover it all nicely" and you've already done so!Glad to see that you'll be showing that he wasn't poisoned, Tre - I've never subscribed to that theory (although having just read Badian's "Loneliness of Power" that was mentioned on another thread I feel I have at last read a reasonable argument as to why he might have been - still not convinced, but it was a good argument).Looking forward to your article, Tre - I bet you'll finish it before I finish my Seleucus piece!All the bestMarcus

[ruthaki]

I really don't think he was 'poisoned' (as by poison) but the tainted water theory is possible (the unclean water mixed with his wine). This of course would cause further complications to his already very weakened condition. So 'death by malice' is not entirely out of the question. I think the 'tainted water' probably hastened his death, didn't necessarily 'cause' it. (And what about the claims that there had been a conspiracy involving Aristotle, Antigonos and Antipater behind it all? I've never bought that one!)

[John]

Weren't Aristotle/Callisthenes out to get him?John

[John]

Yeah, Aristotle turned cold on Alexander, and Alexander recalled Antipater from Macedonia - but Antipater didn't come.And all five sources mention the poison given to Alexander by his cup-bearer, Antipater's son Iolas. Even the Alexander Romance goes into detail, saying Aristotle cooked up the poison, and was administered by Iolas.And when Olympias found out what Iolas had done, she turned over his tomb, and scattered his ashes to the wind. (I wonder how it was that Iolas died so soon?)John

[maciek]

All this what Olimpias made was her political games. Maybe she realy knew something more than us but I'd no bet on it. She was clever and could use any rumour which could help to gain her aims.
I think Ruth could be close to the truth because in the sources we can read that he suddenly felt stomach pain. So it could be something in the water but not nessesary the poison.Maciek

[John]

And maybe because Olympias "knew too much," Cassander had to have her killed, since she could have organized the Macedonians against Cassander and family for assassinating Alexander.John

[maciek]

Right - we can assume this was her aim and in perspective she could be the Quin of Macedonia like she always dreamed. She had to be dangerous for Cassander because in another way he would not dare to kill her as she was very polular dispite her plots.
Maciek

[job]

Although I only get a chance to look in on the forum sporadically, let me say, once again, how much I enjoy reading what you all have to say about Alexander. He was, after all, seeking to have his name on the lips of men for generations to come, and here we are, in posterity, commemorating his illustrious life more than two millenia later. I must also confess with candor to occasional lamentations and the gnashing of teeth when so many participants discuss my book as if it were exclusively concerned with Alexander's toping. Those who have read it (or reviews by Eugene Borza, the Classical World, etc.)will understand that it is a comprehensive biography. Anyone who has looked at the notes will realize that for every major episode in Alexander's life, I cite every extant ancient source by chapter and verse along with specific pagination from virtually all modern scholarship available in English, French, and German. Concerning my bibliography, Eugene Borza wrote that it "is the most complete ever assembled on modern Alexander scholarship and will prove useful to students and scholars alike." In regard to Alexander's death, Ernst Badian, in a fairly recent article (2000) on "Conspiracies," says "A full (and surprisingly extensive) collection of the evidence [concerning Alexander's death] will be found in O'Brien..." and Badian goes on to say that my Chapter 5 "gives the best brief survey of Alexander's last months." Another question raised in the forum to which I can speak with some authority. Re: my subtitle, The Invisible Enemy. My biography was written (unannounced) as a Greek tragedy according to the precepts of Aristotle in his Poetics, complete with a Greek chorus consisting of quotations (it took me two years to select and place properly) from the Iliad and the Bacchae. Ostensibly, Alexander's invisible enemy (throughout my book)is Dionysus, but in the end, it is in fact Alexander who (like Oedipus), becomes his own worst[invisible] enemy. Our Alexander was, I believe, a magnificent individual, but, simultanously, a tragic hero of epic proportion. Thank you for offering me the opportunity to clarify a few of these issues. I hope that I have not violated the forum or the genre by carrying on at such great length. If so, I do apologize.
Best wishes to all,
John Maxwell O'Brien

[ruthaki]

All I can say is Wow! This discussion group is so valuable and what a magnificent reply from JOB.
Thanks so much.

[Ariovistus]

in plutarchs lives it suggests that Aristotle was involved in his death, via Antipater i think

[maciek]

Yes agree with Ruth - it's nice when so serious guest is writing in here. I think this is good expirience reading JOB's notes and as for me I'd like to read more of it.Maciek

[marcus]

Hi John,Many thanks for that. It is extremely helpful to have clarification straight from the horse's mouth (if you'll pardon the expression!).I am happy to admit that I am one of those who has focused on the toping in your book - but my excuse is that it's some years since I read it! Perhaps, after your comments, I should re-read it, humbly :-)Best wishesMarcus