Alexander

1
Alexanders relationship with the Macedonians
New topic

• Read p. 88 paul artus Introduction

2
Alexanders relationship with the Macedonians
See Handout

• Alexanders relationship with the Macedonian
  nobles and soldiers varied. At the start of his
  reign, he enjoyed total loyalty and devotion but
  by the end there was resentment and open
  opposition.
• There are a number of reasons why this
  relationship deteriorated.

3
Macedonian monarchy differed from that of the
Persian monarchy

• In Macedonia, king and nobles were very close.
  The king was first among equals. Nobles gave
  their support and loyalty in return he sought
  their advice.
• In Persia the Great King had an exalted status.
  He was above all others and even though not
  considered a god, there was a certain aura
  surrounding him.
• Alexander began as first among equals but after
  Darius death, became the Great King. Most
  Macedonians were willing to accept this and
  happily adopted the luxury associated with a
  Persian King. They did, however, feel Alexander
  was elevating himself to too high a status.
  Also, many did not share Alexanders vision of an
  empire where Macedonians and Persians lived in
  harmony. Macedonians saw themselves as victors
  and looked with contempt on the defeated
  Persians.
• It became difficult for Alexander to combine the
  roles of King of Macedonia and Great King of
  Persia. He was not, however, insensitive to the
  feelings of the Macedonians, even if he was
  determined to have his own way.

4
The policy of fusion
Alexander and Macedonians
5
The policy of Fusion

• As Alexander advanced through Asia his view of
  the empire and his position with regard to the
  conquered people changed. To achieve security and
  permanence of his empire he adopted a policy of
  fusion. According to the policy
• Persians and macedonians were to live in harmony
• Persian soldiers would fight for alexander
• Persian religious practices would be tolerated
• Some Persian customs were adopted
• It created some serious problems between
  Alexander and some Macedonians, who resented his
  new approach.

See handout
6
The policy of fusion

• Read page 88 Policy of fusion
• This was a policy that Alexander introduced. His
  idea was to fuse the macedonian culture and
  Persian culture together. This policy involved
• Macedonians dressing in Persian clothes
• Persian satraps used to run the places Alexander
  had taken over
• Marrying Macedonians to Persians
• Macedonians doing Persian cultural practices
• He wanted them to be joined and unified as one
  race.
• Yellow book p. 84 - read

7
Problems caused by the Policy of fusion

• Macedonians and Greeks believed that they were a
  superior race. They did not understand
  Alexanders tolerance of Persians. Many were
  offended by his actions. As a result, their
  relationship was damaged.
• A number of events relate to the conflict between
  Alexander and his men
• Death of Philotas Parmenio video clip 22
• Death of Cleitus
• Callisthenes and proskynesis
• Royal Pages conspiracy
• Mutiny at Opis

8
Philotas and Parmenio 330 to 329BC
Alexander and Macedonians
9
330BC after the death of Darius
before the campaign in the
North East.
10
Dimnus invited his lover, Nicomachus, to kill
Alexander
Alexander is a dork We should kill him!
I dunno aye. Killing is pretty full on.

Dimnus
Nicomachus
11
Nicomachus, who was horrified, told his brother,
Cebalinus.
Bro! guess What, my Lover Dimnus Wants to
kill Alexander. Crazy ay.
Real? Bad!
Brothers
Cebalinus
Nicomachus
12
Cebalinus told Philotas, WHO DID NOTHING.
Philotas! There are People Planning To
kill Alex!
Meh.
We need To tell Alex. Let Us!
Alex Is too Busy to See you
Parmenios Son. A key Member of the Macedonian
army
Cebalinus
Philotas
13
The plot

• Dimnus invited his lover, Nicomachus, to kill
  Alexander.
• Nicomachus, who was horrified, told his brother,
  Cebalinus.
• Cebalinus told Philotas, WHO DID NOTHING.

14
Next

• Alexander found out about this.
• An officer was sent to arrest Dimnus. He was
  killed when he resisted arrest.
• Philotas was also arrested and charged with
  treason.
• They were tortured to get a confession
• Philotas other people involved were then stoned
  to death (Macedonian custom)

15
Parmenio is also killed

• WHY
• Alexander decided to kill Parmenio because he was
  Philotas father.
• Parmenio was in Ecbatana was in charge of part
  of the army He was popular with the troops and
  could easily take revenge against Alexander for
  killing his son
• Parmenio also opposed the policy of fusion
• Alexander had him killed before Parmenio found
  out about the death of his son
• Alexander saw this as necessary to protect his
  own life
• There was no public trial for Parmenio he was
  popular and may have gained support
• This was seen as an act of cruelty

16
The sources

• Arrian appears to accept Philotas guilt
• those who had given information of the plot
  came forward and convicted Philotas and his
  fellow conspirators with clear proofs.
• Plutarch seems less convinced
• Philotas, for some unknown reason, did not
• He felt bitter and was ready to listen to
  those who had long hated his friend.
• they made dozens of false charges against
  Philotas.

17
Now

• Copy down what does this incident illustrate?
  p. 90 Paul Artus
• Find a quote from p.91 that sums up this event
• In your yellow workbooks p.85-87, Complete
  readings, question and answer worksheets and flow
  charts on the deaths of Philotas Parmenio
• The information in the Paul Artus book, pp.90-95
  will help you answer the questions fill in the
  flow charts above