Essay on The Death of Alexander the Great - 7402 Words

In the year 324 BC, Alexander, on the way to Babylon, came to his traditional summer retreat of Ecbatana. There, he held a massive festival in honor of Dionysus in which it is believed up to 3,000 Greek performers were brought to provide entertainment. Night after night, lavish drinking parties ensued in which Alexander and Hephaestion, (his supposed alter ego) undoubtedly participated in. It was during this time of extravagant celebration that Hephaestion became ill and contracted a high fever. Hephaestions physician Glaucias put him on a strict diet and monitored his health. At first, this appeared to be working until on the seventh day of Hephaestions illness, Glaucias went to the theater and Hephaestion decided to ignore the†¦show more content†¦Hephaestion, being Commander of the Companion Cavalry, had his post retired, as no man was ever officially appointed to take his place.. Alexander, then sent envoys to the Siwah, to the oracle of Ammon, to inquire if Hephaes tion should be worshipped as a god. The oracle refused permission but allowed the sacrifice appropriate to a hero to be offered to Hephaestion. Arrian says ..the death of Hephaestion had proved a great misfortune to Alexander himself, and Alexander, I believe, would have preferred to have gone first himself rather than experience it during his lifetime (7.16.8). Both Arrian and Plutarch site the Royal Journal as their trusted source on the days leading to Alexanders death. On May 29, 323 BC, while holding a banquet for his admiral Nearchus, he was approached by his trusted friend Medius who invited him to a late party. There, they engaged in heavy drinking. On the 30th, he dined with Medius and drank heavily once more. Feeling that a bit feverish, he slept in the bathing house that night to cool off. On the 31st he had to be transported on a litter across the Euphrates to a more pleasant atmosphere. Over the next few days, his condition worsened and was finally brought back to the palace. He was barely able to speak by June 7th. It is believed that he gave his ring to Perdiccas, a senior marshal, to take care of business in theShow MoreRelatedA Report On Alexander The Great Essay1269 Words   |  6 PagesSynopsis I did my this day in history report on Alexander the Great. Alexander the great is known for many things. He was king of Macedonia, a military genius, and the greatest conqueror of all time-to name a few. Alexander was taught by many great minds, perhaps most responsible for his greatness was Aristotle. Alexander was given many hard tasks and tremendous responsibilities as a child and teen, which he carried out with ease. 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