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Well, John. I don't really know if Hephaistion was strong or not. But i don't think that, if ever he said something nasty to Alexander [and i guess that if he had to, he would say it anyway], he'd have to defend himself. See, Alexander was a bit condescendent in what concerned H - at least that's what i sense from the 'allowance to speak his mind to the king' business.susa

I think just to be able to handle Alexander's intense emotions you would have to be pretty strong, let alone when he was actually being physically violent.And to answer the question of this thread, Alexander's real strength was his really strong companions (in my humble opinion).John

:-)Yes, I suppose that is really the message, isn't it! In fact, it doesn't matter *what* your name is... but if you cross the king and you aren't his special buddy... splatch!All the bestMarcus

But even the buddy should have some respect before the king - especialy when a lot of people are around. So sometimes good spash can show who is the real boss.
Maciek

I don't think Curtius implied that Hephaestion took liberties, or was disrespectful to the King - now that would have caused trouble (and did cause, in the Craterus incident; just that he was allowed to speak with more familiarity, which is an indication of his close relationship. I suppose, when you are royal, you have been the social superior to everyone else (apart from other royals) all of your life, and so with everyone, even your closest friends, there must be some artificiality in the relationship. Someone you can totally trust and who sees you as a person first and a King second must be especially dear.

Hi LindaI agree. I don't think Hephaistion would/could have been disrespectful to Alexander. What i said about the 'nasty thing' above wasn't exactly what i think about their relationship. I was joking a bit. But i do think that, being Heph his 'specially dear' friend [like you said] and counselor, why shouldn't he be a little bold and speak his mind, when he's asked for speaking his mind? Meaning no harm, of course, just different points of view.... I think it's probable.susa

Hi Linda!
I didn't think about Hephaistion or anyone specific but i was generally thinking that king has to be treated with respect otherwise his army take charge like it was at the end of Rom's power period. In Macedonia it aristocracy was close to the king they could call the king by his name - Philip or Alexander. Alexander's plans required unquestionable obey from his men. Maciek

A vision