Renault and Bagoas

[dean]

Hello, I have recently been reading about Bagoas from another writer who was commenting on the satrap who was hung because of Bagoas' influence over Alexander.The anecdote I believe is taken from Curtius- who I believe Renault didn't feel to be entirely credible.My question is- Alexander's relationship with Bagoas as depicted in Renault's book- is it largely fiction? I mean I have to admit that Renault's famous attention to historical detail- was it not slightly amiss in the Persian Boy ? or is the general consensus of opinion that historically Alexander did have a relationship similar to the one described in Renault's work?Well, as The Persian Boy is one of my favorite pieces of historical fiction I'd be interested to know what you think.Best regards,
Dean.

[Tre]

That he was Alexander's lover (but not the King's only one)seems certain, however, Renault enhanced his role into being far more than it was in reality. But then, she chose him as her POV character, and she had to make him interesting beyond the little mention of him in the histories.

[susan]

Plus , Curtius often used his histories as a vehicle to take sideswipes at real characters of his own period, whom he couldn't criticise openly. I think that much of Curtius' account of Bagoas may fall into this category - especially the corruption in high places stuff.Susan

[Tre]

Quote possibly, Susan. Although I think that Curtius' suggestions on Bagoas' character may have been correct. As much as I would like to say Alexander was a good judge of men, when they got to close sometimes he didn't see them for what they really were, hence what happened after his death. His tendency to think the best of and ignoring the worst of those who were close to him (Paremenio, Philotas, Cleitus, et al) until things got out of hand, cost him dear throughout his life.Regards,Tre

[dean]

Hello,Some of what Curtius wrote does seem to have been so different from what Arrian wrote.The anecdote in Curtius where Alexander had Batis tied to chariot in emulation of Achilles certainly warrants questioning as to its authenticity especially when it appears in no other source and yet the detail regarding Bagoas' involvement and influence over Alexander in the hanging of the satrap sounds neither sensationalistic nor impossible to believe.And as for Renault, I guess that the real Bagoas had much less significance in Alexander's life than Renault depicts in her book.
Best regards,
Dean