Alexanders Policy Of Fusion, Qoutes And Dates Flashcards
What did the policy of fusion consist of?
Tolerating the natives
Treating the natives as equals opposed to inferior
Adopting some native customs
What were the key reasons Alexander wanted to implement his policy?
Reduce tensions for Greek rule
The empire was best run by local satraps in Persia/out of practicality
Appeasing to his megalomania
Overalls to reduce the odds of a revolt
What key aspects to a successful classics exam paper?
Ensuring your constantly drawing back to the question
Using and quoting ancient sources consistently
Not explaining everything as a narrative, instead review and break down what occurred and explain why
Secondary sources
Explaining in as much depth as possible the whys
E.g. explaining why Alexander sought to implement his policy, and why this caused tension
Wide ranging examples
Breaking down into paragraphs, it’s not an essay!
Talking about the Persian perspective (if relevant)
What were the key points which there was retaliation against the policy of fusion/actions as a result of his policy?
Calistenenes and Proskynesis at 327 BCE, murder of Cleitus the black at 328 BCE, mutiny at Opis at 324 BCE, Royal pages conspiracy at 327 BCE, attempted assassination by Dimmus 330-329 c.
When was the Proskynesis event and who disgraced Alexander?
The Proskynesis occurred on 327 BCE among a small dinner party, Callisthenes
What is a core quote from a source about Callisthenes during Proskynesis?
“Callisthenes acted like a true philosopher in rejecting Proskynesis”
And
“Callisthenes was the only person to voice openly his disapproval of what the best Macedonians resented in there hearts”
Plutarch (this also clearly shows that Plutarch himself is against Alexander’s policy)
Why did the Greeks resent Alexander for implementing Proskynesis and other aspects of Persian culture?
The Persians and Greeks have been for decades traditional enemies of one another, the Greeks viewed themselves as superior to the Persians. Believing that they are equal to that of plant life, implementing anything of their nature would be considered disgraceful. The Greeks have also won the war, why should they need to implement Persian culture, it works against their own cultural norms.
In Macedonian culture you only preform Proskynesis to gods. By preforming it to a king, it goes against the 1st among equals, as it implies Alexander is both god like and superior to his men
What did the great Aristotle say about the Persians?
They are only one step above plant life
What were the core events of Callisthenes rejecting Proskynesis?
Alexander held a dinner party among a small group of Greeks and Persians,
He asked them to preform Proskynesis
All but Plutarch went through with it
Trying to avoid bowing only accepting a kiss by Alexander
Until another Greek, Phedion stated “My lord, don’t kiss him, for he alone has not made obedience to you”
What did an ancient state which sums up why the Greeks resented Alexander’s policy?
“Alexander had offended the army by his adoption of the Persian dress, by equipping his Successors in Macedonian fashion, and by including foregoing Calvary among the companions”
Arrian
What quote shows the bias of Plutarch for Alexander’s policy?
“By preventing the introduction of Proskynesis, Callisthenes saves the Greeks from great disgrace”
What quote shows Alexander intentions with his policy?
“Alexander prayed that Persians and Macedonians might exercise a joint rule in harmony” Arrian, Alexander after the munity of Opis at the dinner party
When did the a Mutiny at Opis occur?
234 BCE at Opis
What were the events that occurred at the Munity Opis?
Alexander announced to his men that for those who were sick, wounded, or old, they could return home to a Macedonia, with one talent of gold and would be still considered on duty on there way home.
30’000 young Persians all equiped in Macedonian fashion, speaking Greek, Arrived.
The Macedonians retaliated, disgracing Alexander and mocking him of his “father” (Zeus).
Alexander executing those who he thought started the revolt.
He attacked the Macedonians, stating his own achievements were much greater.
Alexander shut himself off for 2 days (guilt trip)
He ordered that only Persians kinesmen could kiss him.
Only then did his men cave in and beg for his forgiveness.
Alexander then held a feast in celebration for 9000 of his men (note Alexander positioned the Macedonians nobles closest to him, then the Persians, and then the smaller minority ethnic groups)
Why did the Greeks revolt against Alexander at the Muntiny of Opis?
Alexander disgraced the Greeks by replacing them with (what they saw as) unsuperior men, the Persians were equiped with Macedonian gear, as if they were equals. Think about how the Greeks culturally viewed themselves as superior and how this created conflicts like the above with Alexander’s policy
What quote sums up Alexander wearing Persian clothes?
“Thinking he’d achieved his objective and held his kingdom without dispute, Alexander began to adopt Persian luxury”
Diodorus
What source paraphrases the munity of Opis?
Arrian
What source paraphrases the events of Proskynesis?
Plutarch
When did the royal pages conspiracy occur?
327 BCE
What was the Conspiracy of the Pages about?
A plot to kill Alexander by the pages. A young group of Macedonian nobody, given royal duties.
The pages were uncovered, and put to death. Callisthenes as there tutor was put to death too (although likely as a punishment opposed to actually being incriminated).
What was a notable difference between the pages plot opposed to other plots against Alexander?
All the other conspiracies were from the older Macedonians, while this was planned out by the young pages. Showing that even the young generation (those who likely support Alexander the most) weren’t tolerant of his policy
What was Hermolaus’s motives for killing Alexander?
Although Hermolaus was punished by Alexander for killing his prey while hunting, it is likely not the reason. Instead it is likely that he was disapproving of his policy of fusion and his divine claims
Overall why did the Macedonians resent Alexander?
His policy of Fusion going against Macedonian cultural expectations
His divine claims
Disgracing his father
What quote from an ancient source means Callisthenes wasn’t influencing the pages
“Yet not one of the conspirators, even under the cruelest of tortures incriminated Callisthenes”
Plutarch
What ancient source provided information about the Pages plot?
Curtius (however we do need to bare in mind the reliability of Curtius)
Who did Alexander kill at a drunken party?
Cleitus the black, a commander and close friend of Alexander
What date did Alexander kill someone at a drunken party?
328 BCE
What caused Cleitus to argue with Alexander
Was against Alexander’s policy
Disgracing his father about son of Zeus at the Swiah oasis
When was Alexander called son of Zeus?
At the Siwah Oasis in Egypt, being called “Amoun” which meant “son of king of gods”
Why does being called son of Zeus go against Macedonian culture
Goes against first among equals in Macedonian culture
What is a quote from Heromlous with the pages plot?
“You ruled over us like we were slaves rather than free men” - via Curtius
What source discussed the Susa weddings?
Arrian
What is two quotes from the Susa weddings from ancient sources?
“Then he held weddings at Susa, both for his own and for his companions” - Arrian
“The weddings solemnized in the Persian fashion” - Arrian
