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I've been doing some research on Aristander lately and have come accross some info,which I can't find its origin.It's been stated that Aristander had predicted that the country in which ATG was buried would have good fortune, a prediction which increased the rivalry between his generals.I came accross a number of sites on the web that make this statement, unfortunatley they don't mention from where this information is extracted. many thanks to anyone that can helpcheers!

Hi Smitty,Can't help you there, I'm afraid. It sounds as if it would be a Diodorus or Justin type quote, or possibly Plutarch (Moralia? or Life of Eumenes? or something).All the bestMarcus

Sounds more like The Romance, which I have not got, pretty sure its not in the normal sources; Diodoros XVIII 28 is the story of Ptolemy hijacking the corpse and he does not mention any prophecy.

I'll see if I can find it in the Romance, then - good idea! My copy is the Penguin edition of the "Greek Alexander Romance" which, although it contains a couple of different versions, is not a complete review (being the "Greek" one, I assume it doesn't include the "Armenian" one!):-)All the bestMarcus

Hi smitty,Maybe this prediction of the funeral contest (that turned into a body posession contest):Diodorus
CXVII
eipen, t+¦i kratist+¦i, kai prosephthenxato, taut+¬n teleutaian ph+¦n+¬n proemenos, hoti megan ag+¦na aut+¦i epitaphion sust+¬sontai pantes hoi pr+¦teuontes t+¦n phil+¦n.
and he replied: "To the strongest."4 He added, and these were his last words, that all of his leading Friends would stage a vast contest in honour of his funeral.5 5 Curtius 10.5.5; Arrian 7.26.3.Cheers!!

Hi all, thanks for your help, I to don't think the reference comes from our five major sources,( I may be wrong), it does for some unbeknown reason sound like something from the romances, quite possibly even a bit of internet myth? I don't have access to any romance material, and would be extremely appreciative Marcus if you could gloss through your material for me. many thanks :)cheers!

The romance appears to contradict Aristander as it has the oracle of Babylonian Zeus advise that Alexander be laid to rest in egyptian Memphis (to which no one present objected), whilst the chief priest in Memphis stated that-'wherever his body rests, that city will be constantly troubled and shaken with wars and battles'.Ptolomy then took the body to Alexandria and buried him in a tomb there.Kit

The story is from Aelian, Varia Historia

Justin:15 On the fourth day, Alexander, finding that death was inevitable, observed that GÇ£he perceived the approach of the fate of his family, for the most of the Aeacidae had died under thirty years of age.GÇ¥11 He then pacified the soldiers, who were making a tumult, from suspecting that the king was the victim of a conspiracy, and, after being carried to the highest part of the city, admitted them to his presence, and gave them his right hand to kiss. While they all wept, he not only did not shed a tear, but showed not the least token of sorrow; so that he even comforted some who grieved immoderately, and gave others messages to their parents; and his soul was as undaunted at meeting death, as it had formerly been at meeting an enemy. When the soldiers were gone, he asked his friends that stood about him, GÇ£whether they thought they should find a king like him?GÇ¥ All continuing silent, he said that, GÇ£although he did not know that, he knew, and could foretel, and almost saw with his eyes, how much blood Macedonia would shed in the disputes that would follow his death, and with what slaughters, and what quantities of gore, she would perform his obsequies.GÇ¥ At last he ordered his body to be buried in the temple of Jupiter Ammon. When his friends saw him dying, they asked him GÇ£whom he would appoint as the successor to his throne?GÇ¥ He replied, GÇ£The most worthy.GÇ¥ Such was his nobleness of spirit, that though he left a son named Hercules,12 a brother called Aridaeus,13 and his wife Roxane14 with child, yet, forgetting his relations, he named only GÇ£the most worthyGÇ¥ as his successor; as though it were unlawful for any but a brave man to succeed a brave man, or for the power of so great an empire to be left to any but approved governors. But as if, by this reply, he had sounded the signal for battle among his friends, or had thrown the apple of discord amongst them, they all rose in emulation against each other, and tried to gain the favour of the army by secretly paying court to the common soldiers. On the sixth day from the commencement of his illness, being unable to speak, he took his ring from his finger, and gave it to Perdiccas, an act which tranquillized the growing dissension among his friends; for though Perdiccas was not expressly named his successor, he seemed intended to be so in AlexanderGÇÖs judgment.

Hi Andrew,That clears up *that* mystery, then! Thanks. (I won't bother scouring the Romance now - phew, gets me off the hook).All the bestMarcus

Thanks Andrew,