Overdose

[MD]

The Dutch version of Discovery Channel showed a documentary last night about the mysterious death of Alexander.
They sort off come to the conclusion that Alexander overdosed on dangerous medication, throwing all other conspiracy theories in the wind.very interesting TV worth looking into.regards M

[marcus]

Hi Margarita,This programme was shown on UK TV a couple of months ago. There was also an article about the 'detective work' in one of our Sunday newspapers.I thought the programme was quite interesting. The problem with it, as with so many TV programmes, is that they had to fit everything into around an hour. This meant that none of the other theories really received enough attention, and after each was dismissed I was very frustrated that I didn't consider it properly dismissed at all.I would like to see the full investigation turned into a book, where we would get all the information on *why* the investigator dismisses all of the other theories.Other than that, however, it was a pretty good programme.All the bestMarcus

[md]

Dear Marcus,You are quite correct. However I did agree with the way the programme dismissed other theories, it is always easier to look at things in hindsight.
As for a book version it would be the most logical thing to do. After all mr Grieve researched this for a full year and he called in a team of international experts. Unfortunately there was very little information about the investigation on the Discovery website.Best regards,margarita

[marcus]

Absolutely, Margarita.For me, the best thing about the programme was the conclusion that it was accidental, and not murder, as I have never believed the murder theory. However, a book detailing the investigation and the reasons for the dismissal of each theory would be helpful, as I'd rather have a better basis for my assertion that 'gut feeling'!All the bestMarcus

[agesilaos]

I thought the programme had two major flaws; the lack of reference to the actual sources and the casual acceptance of an overdose theory on no source evidence at all! The Nile Virus Theory seems more interesting and I believe is being written up as a book.

[gb]

I too watched the programme last night - in fact, I took notes...But I have to say I've got mixed feelings about it. It was very strong in linking up the symptoms with West Nile virus (including the omen of the birds dropping out of the sky...) rather than malaria, or with white helibore (or something like that, haven't checked my botanical sources yet...) poisoning.Also stressing Alexander's physical - and mental - health at the time, having suffered many injuries and hardships +índ the great loss of Hephaestion some months earlier, was a good point.But the arguments put forward for it n+¦t being a poison plot were weak. In fact, all John Grieve said was that he couldn't believe Aristotle would have supplied the poison and that poison didn't fit in the macho Macedonian culture.As for accidental poisoning, it does sound an interesting theory, but no more than that. Still, I wish they would have gone into it a bit further. If I were the coroner I'd have to call it an open verdict...

[susan]

The programme was shown in the Uk in October - I posted a review of it athttp://www.pothos.org/forum/showmessage.asp?messageID=10642for those who had not seen the programme.I think the best thing about the programme was the actor who played Alexander - he seemed much more believable than Colin FarrellSusan

[alexanders desciple]

GBI totally agree with waht you said about the dismissal of the poison theory,just to say it wasnt the Macedonian way was a bit dismisive,on the other hand the man felt Cassander had motie oportunity and above all else form.How could Alexander have accidently overdossed,his doctor proved more than able and knew his job, he pulled Alexander from the brink several times and am sure he wasnt that incompitent to allow his patient to accidently poison himself.maybe its taboo or a dirty subject to actually say that Alexander may well have been poisoned the poison theory has as much credibillity as the other theories.
Alexes desciple

[ruthaki]

I would love to see that. Will have to watch Can. TV to see if it's aired. As for the theories, well I'm still going with the 'poison by tainted water in his wine' theory, that assured he would not recover from the fever (whatever it was) that rendered him so ill. Yes, I also believe he overdid the wine and probably opiates but an overdose didn't account for the fever. It's always an interesting debate and no doubt will go on forever because who REALLY knows. It's all supposition.

[beausefaless]

Hello Susan,I'm a little surprised on your criticism on Colin especially when the ATG movie hasn't been finished let alone released, I would love to bend you over my knee and tan your hide, this sounds like fun for me but I'm sure you could care less for the idea, just having fun with you.
I always leaned towards the poison theory, through out most of ancient history and there after it's always been the easiest way to take out a leader and in doing so you're always above all suspicion, when a person made it to the top, someone somewhere would want to bring that person down.
Take care