A summary of the Speeches & Letters according to Arrian
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Memnon’s advice at the Council of Zeleia
Alexander’s coastal policy
Alexander’s speech before Issus
Darius’ First Letter after Issus & Alexander’s response
Alexander’s reasons for besieging Tyre
Darius’ second Letter before Gaugamela
Anaxarchus’ speech on Alexander’s claim to divinity & Callisthenes’ reply
Cleitus’ rant
Alexander’s speech at the Mutiny at Hyphasis & Coenus’ response
The Indian Sages
Alexander’s speech at the Mutiny of Opis
Memnon’s advice at the Council of Zeleia
Alexander’s reasons for disbanding his fleet after the Siege of Miletus
Shortly before the siege of Miletus, an eagle was sighted perched near the Macedonian ships.
Parmenio interpreted this omen as a sign that the Macedonians would defeat the Persians by sea
and advised a naval engagement as the Persian navy was moored at Mt. Mycale nearby. Alexander
however inquired where the bird was perched and when he heard that it had perched on the pier
rather than the prow of a ship he felt assured of his victory by land. He besieged the city by land and
won but throughout Nicanor kept the Persian fleet at bay by blockading the entrance to the port of
Miletus with the Macedonian fleet. Even though it had come in useful, Alexander decided
afterwards to disband his fleet for three reasons.
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Firstly, he did not have the money to maintain the Macedonian fleet
Secondly, having fewer ships than Persia his navy was no match for Darius’ anyway
And thirdly, by controlling the coast he would control the sea by gradually taking over all the
key ports from Asia Minor to Egypt thus depriving the Persian navy of safe harbours in which
to pick up supplies and fresh crews
Alexander addresses his troops before the Battle of Issus
Having passed through the Assyrian Gates Alexander’s scouts reported that Darius had come up
behind him at Issus but Alexander at first did not believe them so he sent some of his Companions
back by sea to verify that this was the case and when they corroborated the reports Alexander called
his officers to council and addressed them.
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The Macedonian army has faced danger before
This time the Macedonians face an enemy that they have already defeat once at Granicus
God is surely on Macedonia’s side because he has tempted Darius’ huge army into a
confined space that favours the Macedonians smaller force
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The Persians and Medes are merely a host of conscripted slaves who are used to luxuriant
lifestyles
The Macedonians are battle-hardened soldiers and free men
Although there are free-born Greeks in Darius’ army they are poorly paid mercenaries
whereas the Greeks in the Macedonian army fight for Greece
Foreign troops like the Thracians, Paeonians, Agrianes and Illyrians are the strongest Europe
has to offer and they will face the softest troops that Asia can muster
Darius leads the Persians but Alexander leads the Macedonians!
This time they were fighting the King of Persia himself not just his satraps like at Granicus
This will be the decisive battle of the war because once beaten Darius will be forced off the
throne
The Greeks beat the Persians before: Xenophon’s 10,000 defeated the Persian army outside
Babylon and he did not even have a cavalry or skirmishing troops like Alexander
The Macedonians cheered and rushed forward to clasp Alexander’s hand and cheered for him to
lead them on against Darius.
Darius’ First Letter after Issus & Alexander’s response
Shortly after his victory at Issus Alexander moved on into Phoenicia leaving one if his Thessalians to
govern lowland Syria. Upon receiving the surrender of the town of Marathus he was met by an
embassy sent him by Darius with a request for the release of his mother, wife and children. The
Persian ambassadors also carried a letter for Alexander written by Darius.
Darius’ letter
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Philip and Artaxerxes were allies
When Arses succeeded Aratxerxes Philip broke that alliance
Since the start of Darius’ reign Alexander has continued to be Persia’s enemy by not sending
ambassadors to Darius and even invading Asia
Darius was simply defending his kingdom at Issus
The gods ruled against Persia
As one king to another king Darius asks Alexander for an alliance and the return of his
mother, wife and children.
Alexander’s reply
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Persia invaded Macedonia and Greece first!
Alexander, as supreme commander of the League of Corinth’s army, invaded Asia to punish
Persia for that outrage
Darius stirred up and aided rebellions against Philip in Macedonia and Thrace
Darius was behind the assassination of Alexander’s father
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Darius is not the true king of Persia but a usurper who seized power through the treachery
of Bagoas
Darius further attempted to stir up anti-Macedonian sentiments in southern Greece and
even sent money, which only Sparta accepted
At Granicus Alexander defeated Darius’ generals and satraps
At Issus Alexander defeated Darius
By the will of Zeus, Alexander is now King of Persia
If Darius wants his family back he need only come before King Alexander as his loyal subject
and ask and Alexander will be merciful and generous
Darius is no longer to think of himself as Alexander’s equal. If he continues to do so
Alexander will treat him as a criminal.
If Darius wishes to stand and fight for his throne again Alexander is ready to meet him in
battle
Darius may run but he cannot hide because Alexander will hunt him
Alexander’s speech to his Companion at Tyre
When he reached Tyre he found the island stronghold friendly but unwilling to surrender. The
Tyrians wished however to remain neutral neither admitting Persians nor Macedonians into their
city until the present war was resolved. Alexander was furious and called his Companions to council.
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We cannot continue towards Egypt leaving a neutral Tyre behind, Cyprus in the hands of the
Persians, a Persian fleet at large in the Aegean and Greece’s loyalty in question.
We cannot pursue Darius inland towards Babylon in case the Persians gain full control of the
Aegean and with Sparta turn the loyalty of Athens which at present merely obeys the League
of Corinth out of fear but not willingness.
If Tyre falls however, Phoencia and its fleet will be Alexander’s because the Phoenician navy
men will not continue to fight for Persia knowing that Alexander now holds their homeland.
Once Phoenicia surrenders, Cyprus will either follow willingly or be taken easily
With the combined force of the Phoenician and Cypriot navies, Macedonia will control the
Aegean and the threat of a Greek revolt will be neutralised.
The Macedonians will take over Egypt easily and then march to Babylon safe in the
knowledge that the Aegean now poses no threat
Darius’ second letter to Alexander and Alexander’s reply
Whilst Alexander was engaged in the siege of Tyre he was met by another embassy sent by Darius.
They carried another letter from Darius.
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Darius will pay Alexander a ransom of 10,000 talents for the safe return of his mother, wife
and children
Darius will give Alexander all of Asia west of the Euphrates
To seal the bond of friendship and alliance Darius will give his daughter in marriage to
Alexander
Parmenio advised Alexander to accept these terms saying that that is what he would do if he
were Alexander to which Alexander famously replied, “That is what I should do if were I
Parmenio.”
Alexander’s reply
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Alexander does not need Darius’ money because it is already Alexander’s
Alexander sees no reason to accept merely part of the empire when he can have the
whole
Alexander does not need Darius’ permission to marry one of his subjects: Darius’
daughter
If Darius wants to make friends, let him come in person to Alexander
Upon hearing this reply Darius abandoned all hopes of ending the war through diplomacy.
Cleitus’ rant
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Alexander is not to be compared with Heracles or Dionysus
Alexander is only famous because of the toil and sweat of the Macedonians
Philip was a greater commander and achieved far more glory than Alexander ever could
“This is the hand that saved you, Alexander, on that day (the Battle of Granicus).”
“Here I am Alexander!” whereupon Alexander ran him through with a spear.
Anaxarchus’ speech on Alexander’s claim to divinity & Callisthenes’ reply
During his march to India, Alexander began to apply a policy of cultural fusion known as orientalism.
In addition to changing the organisation of his army he also admitted Persians into his court. Their
manners were different to the Macedonians. On the one hand they tended to flatter the king rather
than debate with him and on the other they prostrated themselves before him. Alexander
attempted to introduce a kind of hybrid form or semi-prostration amongst the Macedonians but not
everyone approved of it. To test the air Alexander arranged with his sophists and the Persian and
Medean nobles for the subject to be brought up in conversation one evening. The sophist
Anaxarchus led the conversation.
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Alexander is more deserving of divine honours than either Heracles or Dionysus
Alexander has never been defeated in battle
Heracles was an Argive. Dionysus was Theban. Alexander is Macedonian. The Macedonians
should worship a Macedonian god before any other.
They would surely worship Alexander after his death anyway so why not worship him now
whilst he is still alive?
The sycophants applauded Anaxarchus and prepared to prostrate themselves before Alexander
but before anything else happened Callisthenes stood up and spoke.
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Alexander deserves his fame more than any other man alive
Alexander however is a famous man not a god
There are accepted conventions for honouring men, gods and everything in-between
like demi-gods and heroes
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Since as far back as men can remember they have built temples, reserved precincts of
sacred ground, offered sacrifice, poured libations, sang hymns and danced the sacred
dances for the gods
Men greet other men by a kiss but since the gods live in Heaven and one cannot touch
them men bow down to the earth before them
We should not degrade the gods by placing them on equal footing with mortals just
because there is a consensus about it
What if by consensus some other man was voted King, would Alexander bow to him?
The gods will not accept a man as a god just because he thinks he deserves it or because
others decide that it should be so
Alexander deserves to be known as the king of kings, the commander of commanders
and the bravest of the brave
Anaxarchus does Alexander great harm by his argument. As a philosopher he should
argue against it
Anaxarchus does not serve Cambyses or Xerxes but a descendant of Heraclas and
Achilles
Not even Heracles was given divine honours by men until Apollo’s oracle at Delphi willed
it so
Remember Greece Alexander! Will you ask the Greeks to bow to you? Or will you excuse
the Greeks and only force this shame on your own Macedonians? Or will you excuse
Greek and Macedonians and only insist on divine honours in Persia?
Cyrus the Great began the custom of prostration but Cyrus was eventually humbled by
the Scythians in battle as was Darius, Xerxes was beaten by Athens and Sparta,
Artaxerxes by Xenophon’s 10,000 and now another Darius who also demanded that he
be worshipped as a god on earth has also been humbled by Alexander
No one as yet bows to Alexander ...
Callisthenes did not complete the argument but left it hanging, which seems to have
been even more effective because Alexander was furious.
Alexander’s speech at the Mutiny at Hyphasis & Coenus’ response
Having defeated Porus at the Hydaspes Alexander continued on towards the River Hyphasis bent on
further conquest but the soldiers now began to grumble and meetings were held around the camp.
Rank and file soldiers began to swear they would go no further even if Alexander himself were to
lead them. This was brought to the Kings attention and he called his officers to council.
Alexander addresses his assembled officers
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I notice that morale is low and you no longer greet my plans with your usual shouts of
encouragement
What are to do? Follow my advice and continue or follow yours and turn back?
Alexander reminded them at length of all the territory they have conquered
Are you afraid of meeting mere native beyond the Hyphasis? Natives who either surrender,
are caught on the run or abandon their lands, which the Macedonians doll out to allies.
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Real men do not need reward for their work because the work itself is reward enough but if
you ask let me tell you that the country between the far bank of the Ganges and the Outer
Sea is quite small.
This sea you will discover connects with the Hyrcanian Sea (Caspian Sea, which was believed
to be a gulf of the Ocean not a land locked lake).
We will sail from the Persian Gulf around Libya (Africa he thought was smaller) and through
the Pillars of Heracles (Straits of Gibraltar) back to Greece and the whole world will soon be
ours.
If we do as you say and turn back all will be for nothing for there are still warlike tribes to the
north in Scythia and more across the Hyphasis who will surely stir up revolt in the territories
we have conquered and we may have to reconquer them all over again.
Heracles and Dionysus won their divinities by adventures far from home. We too have done
so and more. Let not horror stories frighten you from seizing the glory you deserve.
I could understand it if I had not shared your hardships but I have. Everything I own I have
shared with you. Each new territory is governed by one of you and when I am finished I shall
make you richer than you can imagine.
When it is over, whoever wishes to go home I will discharge with a blessing but I will make
those who stay the envy of those who leave by unimaginable wealth
Silence. The finally Coenus stood up.
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I do not speak on behalf of the officers here for we have all benefitted from your
generosity. I speak on behalf of the simple soldiers not for their sake but for yours
Alexander
My age and my experience give me authority to speak
There are now so few Macedonians and Greek left who crossed the Hellaspont with you.
Some you have allowed to leave like the Thessalians. Some you have settled in different
parts of Asia where they stay not always willingly. Many have died in battle or of
sickness. Many more are wounded and crippled by old age and sick hearts. What little of
us remain long to see our homes and families again to enjoy the wealth you have given
us.
Bring us home Alexander and then at home you may levy fresh young recruits who
seeing us will dash to your side and you can lead them wherever you wish
A wise man knows when to stop
The Macedonian army is a truly a force to be reckoned with but luck is even more
unpredictable.
Everyone applauded but Alexander resented the freedom with which Coenus spoke and
retired. The next day he called the same men to council again and angrily promised them
that he was determined to go on without them for the soldiers would follow him no matter
what and with that he retired to his tent where he remained in seclusion for three days
neither admitting his friends nor his companions. The silence continued. The army was
resolved and many were angry at Alexander for his reaction to Coenus’ sound speech. On
the morning of the fourth day he offered sacrifice for a cafe crossing of the Hyphasis but the
signs were not good, whereupon he assembled his men and announced his intention to
accede to a withdrawal.
Mutiny at Opis
Background
Having sailed up the Tigris river to where the army was encamped with Hephaestion, Alexander
called the army to assembly and announced that all the wounded, old or otherwise unfit men were
to be discharged with full pay and sent home to Macedonia. There was uproar. Arrian, puts it down
to the Macedonian’s feelings of rejection due to Alexander’s adoption of Persian dress the furnishing
of the Epigoni with Macedonian arms and the inclusion of Persian squadrons amongs the Companion
cavalry. Taunts were shouted at the king and on ein particular called upon every man to leave and go
home and leave Alexander to go into battle with just his father: Ammon.
Alexander