Alexander in Exile

[c.benjamin-tracy]

3 Part Question: (1)What was the psychology behind Alexander's decision to go to Illyria during his exile while Mother went to Epiros? (2)Did the exile occur late autumn 337BC or early winter 336BC (3)Was Alexander trying to incite the Illyrians to ally with him against Father? Your replies are most appreciated always.

[agesilaos]

There was probably no exile as such Olympias withdrew herself from Court piqued by Philip's latest marriage and Alexander either left out of solidarity or after a bust-up with Philip depending on how much credit you give the dinner-party story. Either way it would probably just be that Illyria was the closest border he did not attempt any coups and was very soon reconciled the whole incident is dubious I would suggest you read J R Ellis' treatment in 'Philip II and Macedonian Imperialism' you might even quote it in the bibliography of your essay.

[Tre]

I on the other hand, believe the argument at Philip's wedding did indeed cause Alexander to leave Pella with his mother. After such a row in which he insulted the King and also found out exactly where he stood with his father, he had little choice but to leave the King's seat of power. While Olympias would have naturally been left in Epirus as the King of Epirus was her brother, Alexander would certainly have not been welcome there. Not only was he also an heir to that throne, but Alexander of Epirus was not about to anger Philip by offering residence to the Prince. The Illyrians, being more determined rivals of Philip, was a safer choice in case Philip decided to come and get him. That did not happen, but for how long we don't know. No one is exactly sure as to the timing or the length of Alexander's self-imposed exile, but it was likely to have been no more than a year at most. What we do know is that he was later 'reconciled' with his father. it is far more likely Philip sent a friend of his to tell Alexander to return and not to make him have to go get him. One does not leave an heir to the throne wandering around where you can't keep your eyes on him.Regards,Tre

[c.benjamin tracy]

Exemplary replies, thank you!! Very helpful. I will add another question: Would Alexander have taken with him his guard Lysimakkos and his companion Hephaistion.

[Tre]

We have no further historical information as to who went with Alexander outside of his mother whom he left in Epirus. Sorry.

[marcus]

Tre is right - there is no evidence in the sources that anyone other than Alexander and Olympias left Macedonia at that time.However, if you are going to speculate, I'd be a bit careful about referring to Lysimachos (whatever the spelling!) as Alexander's guard. We don't have the names of any specific 'guards' of the prince prior to his accession to the throne. Once he succeeded Philip his personal bodyguards were the somatophylakes, of which there were seven (8 later, after Alexander was almost killed by the Malli, as Peucestas was created an honorary 8th bodyguard for his part in saving Alexander). I don't have the necessary books with me, but I don't think Lysimachos became one of the somatophylakes until some time into the campaign.All the bestMarcus

[John]

Tre,I give that post five stars *****- Just to go on record that I don't disagree with you ALL the time.John

[clementina]

hi
john
i(susa) says you are curious about me ?
why ?

[John]

Maybe because you're sooooo mysterious. I know Susa's in Brazil. Are you in India? Why are you curious about Alexander?John

[susa]

Er.... may i say something? You know, i was mentioned Well, this 'why are u curious about Alexander' question is as bad as the 'why are u curious about me' one.And i think this becoz: - this is an Alexander's forum, so we don't really need to explain why are we curious about him. Right?- this 'curious about me', well, this is a very conceited question. Very much indeed.So if you people are really that *curious* about one another, why don't you get each other's mails and start talking, huh?Good heavens....

[John]

Susa,Just out of curiosity, why are YOU curious about Alexander?John

[agesilaos]

I remember reading that Lysimachos was one of Philip's somatophylakes in an old article ; the conclusion was arrived at by a process of elimination which left Lysimachos' elevation unmentioned by Arrian and thus down to Philip. This always stuck me as expecting a little too much of Arrian. The article being W.Heckel, 'The somatophylakes of Alexander the Great, some thoughts' Historia vol 29 1978 pp224-8.However, I think the question may have been referring to Lysimachos the Tutor dubbed Phoinix,there would seem no reason to assume he would have to leave nor any that Alexander would take him. And I am still not convinced by the story of this 'exile' though something happened to estrange the father fom the son I would not like to say what.This flight, the exile of Alexander's friends, the Pixodaros Affair are all source-critical and somehow involved possibly as rival explanations for the estangement.

[susa]

JohnI couldn't say i am specially *curious* about him. I like the ancients in general, and i am curious about them. And i happen to like Alexander too. But give me a nice forum which main subject is Adrian, the Roman Emperor, and i'll show up there as often as i show up here. Even more, i think. He's an Aquarius, you know
susa

[John]

And Hadrian was a REAL man, I guess. After all, he was the first Roman emperor to have a beard. - Then, again, there was that Antinous thing... Hmmm...But let's face it; Alexander was the greater general, the greater man.John

[clementina]

hi john
susa says 'me not to bother u'
so i won't
inasehr@yahoo.com