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Alexander's relationship with his companions - Coggle Diagram
Alexander's relationship with his companions
Hephaestion
Life long friend of Alexander. Same age and likely educated together by Aristotle. Wounded at Gaugamela. Died in 324 BCE
Arrian suggests that they may have been lovers at one point.
Laid wreaths at Troy for Achilles and Patroclus (Legendary heroes and supposed lovers in Homer's Iliad)
When Hephaestion died, Alexander allegedly 'overwhelmed' with grief (Arrian). Alternate suggestion offered by Arrian, Alexander played grief stricken in reference to Achilles reaction to Patroclus' death
When Hephaestion fell severely ill, Alexander instantly journeyed to see him, but he was dead before his arrival. Ordered that Hephaestion always receive rites for a hero.
Alexander married him at Susa to a daughter of Darius and his own sister in law.
Cleitus
Killed by Alexander while he was drunk
Saved Alexander's life at Granicus. Spithridates attacked but Cleitus severed his arm before he could kill Alexander
Plutarch: Cleitus became drunk and angry, insulted Persians and Alexander's adoption of their customs. Alexander became very angry, threw an apple, looked for his sword (moved intentionally by bodyguard). Cleitus was thrown out but returned. Alexander impaled him with a spear. Felt instant regret
Arrian: Cleitus belittled alexander while promoting Philip. Similar story to Plutarch. Mourned heavily. Sustained from food + drink for 3 days. Arrian mentions more about aftermath then Plutarch
Parmenio
Distinguished Macedonian general, close friend to Alexander. Took command of left wing during battle
|Alexander often gave him tasks he viewed as minor (capturing Persian baggage, taking slow army to Persepolis so Alexander could capture the city first)
According to Arrian, Alexander trusted his advice (Gaugamela) but didn't always heed it (Granicus)
Both Plutarch and Arrian record Alexander and Parmenio having numerous arguments, EG Alexander sleeping deeply prior to the battle of Gaugamela, Alexander refusing to send troops to support Parmenio and protect Macedonian resources at Gaugamela (Plutarch)
Despite disagreements, Alexander gave Parmenio a large palace in Babylon.
Alexander executed Parmenio and Philotas after allegations that Philotas was conspiring against him.
Negative stories about Parmenio may have only began circulating after his death. Plutarch extremely negative of Parmenio. Viewed him as weak and unable to win victories without aid from Alexander
Arrian showed Parmenio to be more reasonable then Alexander at times. Advised to keep Persepolis safe as he 'was only destroying what already belonged to him.' Much like Croesus of Lydia's speech
Antipater
Experienced political and military leader. Had been part of Philip's 'entourage'
Left in charge of Macedon by Alexander. Definitely trusted at first by Alexander. Iolas (son) become his cup-bearer.
Alexander became suspicious of him and his sons Iolas and Cassander (Plutarch's Life of Alexander 74). Cassander arrived in Babylon, and laughed when Obeisance performed. Alexander physically abused him. Reliability questioned, Plutarch often wrote about scandals
(Plutarch 77) Some claim that Aristotle advised Antipater arrange Alexander's death by poison. Olympias allegedly killed Iolas 5 years after Alexanders death for this murder
Calisthenes
Broke custom of obeisance
We love Alexander but we can't treat him like a god as that will disrespect the gods. Worthy of all honours fit for man
Callisthenes upset Alexander, but the Macedonians agreed with him about the adoption of Persian Customs
Alexander refused to kiss him. 'I will leave you deprived of one kiss'
Implicated in the Pages conspiracy (tutor to the pages) and imprisoned.