The death of Alexander the Great has long been shrouded in mystery and controversy. The legendary conqueror died in Babylon in 323 BC at the age of 32, but the exact circumstances of his death remain unknown. Despite the passage of over two millennia, historians and scholars continue to debate the causes of Alexander’s untimely demise.
According to Plutarch and Arrian, Alexander’s health began to decline after a night of heavy drinking with his admiral, Nearchus, and a friend named Medius of Larissa. He developed a fever that persisted for 14 days before growing progressively worse. By the 25th day of his illness, he was unable to speak. The soldiers stationed outside his room became anxious and demanded to see him, to which Alexander’s generals agreed. The dying king slowly raised his right hand in greeting as his men filed past him, unable to speak. Two days later, Alexander was dead.
Other sources describe a different version of events. Diodorus Siculus claims that Alexander was struck down with pain after drinking a large bowl of unmixed wine in honor of Hercules. Arrian suggests that Alexander’s illness may have been caused by natural causes, such as malaria or typhoid fever. Some even speculate that he was poisoned by a jealous rival or a traitorous friend.
The question of Alexander’s cause of death remains an enduring mystery. Although modern doctors and historians have offered numerous theories over the years, none have been definitively proven. Some argue that he may have suffered from a chronic illness or inherited genetic disorders that contributed to his early death. Others believe that he was assassinated, perhaps by one of his own generals or a political rival.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Alexander’s death, his legacy as one of history’s greatest military commanders remains secure. He conquered vast territories and established one of the largest empires in ancient history, stretching from Greece to Egypt to India. His accomplishments continue to inspire and intrigue scholars and laypeople alike.
In the end, the mystery of Alexander’s death is a reminder of the limitations of our knowledge of the past. Despite the many advances in historical scholarship and medical science, there are some secrets that will forever remain hidden.
